Director of Construction - Data Center

Lambda•California, PA

33d

About The Position

You will own the full lifecycle of Lambda’s AI-ready data center build program — from greenfield site development through commissioning. You’ll define construction strategy, manage budgets and vendors, and deliver facilities on time and on budget to power the world’s fastest AI training clusters. This is a highly visible role, interfacing directly with executive leadership and driving innovation in how Lambda builds mission-critical infrastructure at scale.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering (or related).
15+ years of construction leadership, including hyperscale data centers or other mission-critical facilities, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Deep understanding of constructability elements of CSA and MEP systems, high-density compute environments, and large-scale commissioning.
General contractor and vendor management experience (RFPs, bidding, change orders, QA/QC, RFIs, submittals).
Proven track record delivering $100M+ construction projects with full budget accountability.
Strong financial acumen and contract negotiation skills, with demonstrated ability to deliver projects on budget.
Experience building and scaling high-performing teams; demonstrated success in talent attraction, development, and retention.

Nice To Haves

Proficient in enterprise construction tools (Procore, MS Project, Primavera, Bluebeam).
Familiarity with sustainable building practices and green certifications (LEED, ISO, etc.).
Professional certifications such as PE, PMP, CCM, or OSHA 30.
Deep knowledge of construction codes, regulations, and permitting processes.
Demonstrated ability to attract, develop, and scale high-performing teams.
Strong cross-functional MEP system knowledge.

Responsibilities

Lead all phases of data center construction: site prep, utilities, core/shell, CSA/MEP systems, commissioning, substantial completion, deferred commissioning, and warranty resolution.
Build and manage relationships with general contractors, EPCs, and subcontractors; oversee bids, contracts, and change orders, ensuring accountability.
Partner with design engineering, operations, real estate, and supply chain to align builds with Lambda’s capacity roadmap.
Coordinate with capacity, construction contractors, equipment suppliers and internal financing/accounting teams to ensure efficient use of capital in line with reported projections.
Establish scalable standards for cost, schedule, safety, and quality across multiple programs.
Report progress, risks, and financials directly to executive leadership.
Push innovation in delivery models (modular builds, prefabrication, liquid cooling) to accelerate timelines and boost resiliency.
Guide teams through troubleshooting and root-cause analysis during commissioning.