Data Center Site Operations Manager

Lightning AI•Fort Worth, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Lightning AI is seeking a Data Center Site Operations Manager to lead operations at their Allen & Fort Worth facilities. This role involves overseeing tenant fit-out, establishing operational environments, and building a team for daily data center operations. It's a hands-on leadership position requiring both guidance and direct involvement to ensure smooth deployment and sustained operational excellence. The manager will be instrumental in bringing a 10MW build online, initially housing 4,000 GPUs and expanding to 10,000 GPUs. Sponsorship is not available for this position. The role is based on-site in Allen, Texas & Fort Worth, Texas, with required travel to other US data center sites.

Requirements

4+ years of experience in data center operations
2+ years of direct people management experience
Strong understanding of data center infrastructure (racking, cabling, cooling basics, power distribution, network hardware installations)
Ability to lead technicians through break/fix, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance workflows
Troubleshooting skills and ability to respond quickly to operational issues
Strong vendor management experience (scheduling, accountability, performance tracking)
Detail-oriented, organized, and thrives working in fast-moving environments
Ability to manage a team responsible for supporting a 24/7 data center environment
Ability to meet physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 lbs

Nice To Haves

Experience with data center tenant fit-outs
Experience in high-density or hyperscale environments
Relevant certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, Juniper, or similar

Responsibilities

Launch and Operate the Chicago Facility: Oversee the setup of data center systems specific to our deployment within an existing colocation facility.
Coordinate equipment installation, including rack and roll delivery, cabling, network installation, and power-up procedures.
Manage vendor relationships, scheduling, and performance to ensure successful deployment.
Track and manage all inventory and incoming hardware.
Onsite Operational Leadership: Lead a team of data center technicians handling maintenance, break fix, diagnostics, and routine inspections.
Develop and implement procedures for uptime, preventive maintenance, and incident response.
Act as the primary on-site point of contact for operational issues and escalation.
Cross-Functional and Team Collaboration: Partner with NetOps, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support deployments and ongoing operations.
Participate in hiring, training, and mentoring on-site technicians.
Travel to other Voltage Park data centers to learn processes and align operational standards.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
Meaningful Equity: RSUs that give employees a stake in the company's long-term success.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) matching (U.S.) and pension contributions (U.K.).
Flexible Time Off: Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and floating holidays to support work-life balance.
Company-Wide Winter Break: Two weeks of company closure each winter to disconnect and recharge.
Paid Parental & Family Leave: Paid leave to support you and your family through life's important moments.
Professional Development: Annual learning and development allowance to support your professional growth.
Wellness Benefits: Wellness and work-from-home stipends to support your physical and mental well-being.
Sabbatical Program: Four weeks of paid sabbatical leave after four years of service.
Flexible Work: Flexible schedules and a hybrid work model for our office-based teams.
In-Office Meals: Complimentary meals at our office hubs.