Pre-Construction Manager

Fluidstack•Austin, TX

1d•$160,000 - $250,000

About The Position

As a Pre-Construction Manager at FluidStack, you will lead pre-construction activities for large-scale GPU data center projects as we scale from 600MW to multi-GW capacity across the US. You'll serve as the critical link between Real Estate, Design Engineering, Procurement, and Construction teams, ensuring designs are constructible, cost-effective, and ready for rapid deployment. You'll focus on high-density AI infrastructure requiring advanced power distribution (100+ kW per rack) and liquid cooling systems. Working closely with the Director of Data Center Construction and cross-functional teams, you'll drive constructability standards, develop budgets and schedules, manage contractor procurement, and ensure seamless handoffs to construction execution—all while supporting FluidStack's aggressive expansion timeline and billions in annual infrastructure investment.

Requirements

7+ years of construction management experience on large, complex projects involving large-scale MEP systems, with 3+ years focused on pre-construction or design phase management for mission-critical facilities (data centers, industrial facilities, or comparable infrastructure) valued at $50M+
Deep knowledge of critical facility MEP systems including electrical distribution, backup power, HVAC, fire protection, and building management systems; proven ability to read and provide constructability feedback on construction drawings and specifications across all disciplines
Experience developing construction budgets, schedules, and scopes of work; conducting cost analysis and value engineering; understanding of construction delivery methods (design-bid-build, design-build, CM-at-risk) and contract structures
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills; ability to translate technical requirements into clear guidance for design teams, contractors, and non-technical audiences and manage multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced environments
Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Project or Primavera P6, and construction cost estimating tools
Willingness to travel 25-40% to project sites across the US and Europe

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with data center construction, particularly hyperscale or AI infrastructure with high-density power requirements (50+ kW per rack), liquid cooling systems, or advanced power distribution architectures
Knowledge of utility interconnection processes, high-voltage electrical infrastructure, power purchase agreements, NEC, NFPA, IBC, ASHRAE, and OSHA requirements for critical facilities
Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth startup or scale-up environments with aggressive timelines and evolving requirements; managing pre-construction for projects in multiple jurisdictions or international locations
Professional certifications such as CCM (Certified Construction Manager), PMP, or PE license
Experience with renewable energy integration, microgrid systems, or other sustainable infrastructure solutions
Strong network of relationships with data center contractors, MEP subcontractors, and equipment suppliers

Responsibilities

Lead pre-construction planning from site selection through design development for data center projects, providing cost, schedule, and constructability guidance at each milestone and acting as primary liaison between Real Estate, Design Engineering, Procurement, and Construction teams
Conduct detailed constructability reviews of electrical, mechanical, structural, and civil designs with particular focus on high-density power distribution, liquid cooling infrastructure, and utility interconnections; identify and resolve complex constructability issues and cost/schedule risks
Perform site evaluations including electrical capacity, utilities access, civil/structural requirements, and build phasing assessments for potential locations; determine site-specific requirements that impact schedule, cost, delivery, and integration with surrounding infrastructure
Develop construction scope packages and RFPs for general contractors; manage GC pre-construction services including bid reviews, schedule development, labor pricing analysis, and subcontractor evaluations; conduct negotiations with landlords, developers, and contractors; coordinate with Contracts, Legal, and Commercial teams on contract terms, risk allocation, and business requirements
Execute financial analysis of construction costs at multiple project milestones (conceptual through GMP); support bi-annual budget updates and validate cost estimates against market conditions and historical data
Create comprehensive handoff packages for Construction Managers including budgets, schedules, design documentation, contractor agreements, and site information; capture and apply lessons learned to drive continuous improvement across FluidStack's design standards and delivery processes
Conduct comprehensive site due diligence including geotechnical evaluation for foundation system implications, utility availability assessments (power, water, fiber) against project timelines, zoning/permitting pathway reviews, environmental conditions analysis, and construction logistics planning (site access, laydown areas, staging); coordinate findings with Real Estate and Design teams to inform site selection decisions and project budgets
Partner with Contracts, Legal, and Commercial teams to inform and validate contract terms including rent commencement triggers, force majeure provisions, landlord/tenant obligations, milestone payment structures, end user requirements (liquidated damages, technical specifications, change order frameworks), and scope gap elimination; ensure construction realities are reflected in commercial agreements and risk allocation