Data Center Modernization Project Manager
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site
POSITION OVERVIEW
Power Construction is seeking a Data Center Modernization Project Manager to support a major infrastructure modernization project within an operational data center in Chicago. The project will help transition the facility from traditional cooling infrastructure to a liquid-cooled environment and will include significant upgrades to the facility’s fiber, copper, network, and equipment infrastructure.
This individual will lead and coordinate field activities involving infrastructure installation, migration, testing, maintenance, and turnover. The role requires someone who understands how data center equipment is installed, connected, maintained, and safely modified within a live environment.
The ideal candidate is a technically credible field leader with strong data center infrastructure and fiber expertise, capable of coordinating complex work in operational environments and representing projects professionally with clients. Direct liquid-cooling experience is valuable but not required. Applicants may come from Lead Field Engineer, Data Center Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Telecommunications Construction Manager, or Superintendent backgrounds, combining hands-on technical knowledge with strong field leadership and client-facing communication skills.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead field activities supporting a major data center infrastructure and cooling modernization project
Coordinate the replacement, migration, and upgrade of copper and fiber infrastructure
Oversee fiber installation, termination, testing, troubleshooting, labeling, and documentation
Support the installation, relocation, maintenance, and connection of data center equipment
Coordinate contractors, technicians, vendors, engineers, and client representatives
Serve as a primary field contact and communicate project progress, technical issues, risks, and upcoming activities
Review drawings, specifications, installation requirements, rack elevations, cable schedules, and field documentation
Coordinate work sequencing, equipment access, shutdowns, cutovers, migrations, and turnover activities
Identify field conflicts and collaborate with the project team to develop practical solutions
Monitor quality and confirm that installations comply with project requirements and applicable standards
Track testing results, open issues, punch-list items, and closeout documentation
Support work within an active data center while minimizing risk and disruption to ongoing operations
Promote high standards for safety, quality, accountability, and client service
Provide technical direction and mentorship to field technicians and supporting team members
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
6-10 years of relevant experience in data center infrastructure, telecommunications, construction, or a related field.
Experience installing, maintaining, upgrading, or troubleshooting data center infrastructure
Hands-on knowledge of fiber-optic and copper cabling systems
Experience with fiber testing, circuit validation, troubleshooting, or migration activities
Familiarity with data center equipment, racks, cabinets, patch panels, network hardware, and supporting infrastructure
Experience working in live data centers, colocation facilities, telecommunications facilities, or other critical environments
Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, cable schedules, testing documentation, and installation requirements
Experience coordinating field personnel, vendors, contractors, or project stakeholders
Strong client-facing communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to work on-site in Chicago
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Previous experience as a Lead Field Engineer, Superintendent, Construction Manager, Data Center Engineer, or Infrastructure Project Lead
Experience leading large-scale fiber migrations, equipment upgrades, or infrastructure-modernization projects
Familiarity with data center…