Data Center Manager

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)•Aurora, SD

12d•$148,275 - $192,764•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief, Data Center Manager (DCM) at Aerospace Defense Facility in Colorado (ADF-C) serves as the primary strategic leader for critical infrastructure operations supporting NRO's worldwide intelligence mission. This position manages over 10+ data centers plus communication rooms encompassing over 100,000 square feet and over 2,000 racks at the ADF-C, while providing oversight support for other data centers. The DCM directs a team of 11 professionals (2 SETA and 9 DCM contractors) responsible for the security, operations, and maintenance of enterprise data center infrastructure. This role offers significant growth opportunity as the selected candidate will lead the implementation and transition to a new state-of-the-art stand-alone data center by 2028, positioning ADF-C for next-generation mission requirements. The Communications Systems Directorate (COMM) provides end-to-end secure IT and transport services for the NRO and its mission partners. COMM/Hosting Services Group (HSG) is tasked to be the subject matter expert for COMM IT Data Center Acquisitions and determine options for next generation Data Centers to include cost, location, and acquisition strategy. The selected candidate is assigned to the COMM/HSG located at Westfields NRO Headquarters, Chantilly VA, with permanent duty station at the Aerospace Defense Facility – Colorado (ADF-C). The DCM will report locally to the site COMM lead and have direct communication with COMM/HSG. The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior level (GG-14), Chief Data Center Manager, occupational series 2210.

Requirements

Experience working in or managing a data center, or experience managing power, space, and cooling.
Experience in the technical domain; proven track record in the development, installation, and maintenance of technical systems to include systems engineering and/or project management equivalent experience
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage technical projects, studies, and contractor resources; hands-on experience analyzing, developing, and communicating solutions to complex technical problems to both technical and non-technical personnel
Proven track record leading organic or multi-organizational technical teams of 5+ personnel demonstrating effective interpersonal skills, strong leadership and team building qualities
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
Will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
Will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations

Nice To Haves

3+ years NRO or Intelligence Community experience
Familiarity with large-scale computing systems and network architectures
Electrical/mechanical engineering background
Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
Experience managing $5M+ technical contracts
Data center capacity planning and infrastructure monitoring tools experience
Strategic planning experience in government or IC environment
COTR/COR or other Acquisition certification (NRO/CIA level II or Level II DAU Program Management Certification)
DOD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Security+, CCNA Security, etc.)
Data Center Engineering Specialist or Data Center Operations Specialist or Data Center Technology Professional certification

Responsibilities

Execute NRO Data Center Strategy aligned with four mission imperatives: mission resilience, operational flexibility, security posture, and efficiency
Serve as primary point of contact for all ADF-C data center functions and enterprise coordination
Oversee day-to-day operations of over 10 data centers and 30+ communication rooms/closets, ensuring infrastructure monitoring, capacity management, security, and maintenance planning
Lead implementation of new stand-alone data center by 2028, including migration of systems from legacy infrastructure
Manage data center access control processes and enforce security compliance
Oversee power, space, and cooling (P/S/C) capacity planning for successful integration of mission and administrative systems
Analyze P/S/C requirements and coordinate system integration activities through NRO change management processes with site and Intelligence Community stakeholders
Direct data center improvement activities across site and enterprise organizations
Implement Data Center Infrastructure Management (Nlyte) tool and site Data Center Strategic Plan
Coordinate system transition planning to cloud environments, future stand-alone data center, and Core Data Centers
Perform Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE) duties to evaluate data center contracts and work performance
Manage work priorities and provide award fee recommendations
Implement and enforce enterprise directives, processes, and procedures across all site data center activities