Data Center Project Lead

Data Center Technical Project Lead (TPL) / Senior TPL

Engagement Type: Contract-to-Hire
Location: Remote / Field-Based (US)
Travel: ~70% Travel (Primarily US, Some International)
Priority Role: YES – Senior,

Role Overview

The Data Center Technical Project Lead (TPL) is a senior technical and project leadership role responsible for design oversight, site readiness, planning, and execution management across multiple data center deployments for Technical Source’s Client .

Unlike the Cabling Superintendent, the TPL is not permanently boots-on-ground . Instead, this role leads Superintendents, coordinates phased deployments, and acts as the primary technical and strategic interface between field execution teams, clients, subcontractors, and internal leadership.

This role blends deep technical expertise, project leadership, and client-facing communication , making it critical—and difficult to backfill. The TPL ensures complex data center projects are designed correctly, executed efficiently, and delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.

Who You Are

You are a strategic technical leader who thrives where complexity meets scale. You don’t just manage tasks—you architect outcomes . You bring credibility in the field, confidence with clients, and the ability to guide teams through mission-critical data center deployments .

You are equally comfortable:

• Reviewing data center designs
• Leading Superintendents and field teams
• Advising clients during planning and execution
• Navigating ambiguity and changing site conditions

You are a trusted advisor, a strong communicator, and a calm decision-maker under pressure.

Travel Expectations

• Approximately 70% travel
• ~80% domestic (US) , ~20% international
• Active, up-to-date passport required
• Travel includes:
• Pre-installation site visits
• Design reviews and scoping sessions
• Critical installation phases
• Client coordination meetings
• On-site durations range from several days to several weeks , depending on project phase
• Must be US-based and available for evenings and weekends as required

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Project Oversight

• Lead and manage Cabling Superintendents across multiple concurrent data center projects
• Provide senior technical oversight without performing hands-on installs
• Serve as the escalation point for complex technical, sequencing, or site issues
• Ensure alignment between design intent and field execution

Design, Planning & Readiness

• Support pre-installation design review, planning, and scoping
• Conduct site readiness assessments and feasibility reviews
• Interpret and validate:
• Data center architectures
• Cabling designs and layouts
• Installation schedules and phasing plans
• Identify risks, constraints, and dependencies early and drive mitigation plans

Execution Management

• Coordinate phased deployments lasting from days to months
• Guide execution across multiple sites and teams simultaneously
• Work alongside Project Management and service teams to:
• Engage subcontractors
• Align schedules and service windows
• Ensure consistent delivery standards
• Escalate risks appropriately and support remediation efforts

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary technical liaison to:
• Clients
• Electrical teams
• Internal leadership
• Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Build trust through technical credibility, transparency, and consistency

Process, Documentation & Mentorship

• Develop and define:
• Installation standards
• Testing procedures
• Methods of Procedure (MOPs)
• Provide project documentation for on-site and remote teams
• Mentor and support other Technical Project Leads and Superintendents
• Help shape best practices and technical delivery standards for Technical Source’s Client

Governance & Security

• Complete required security awareness training
• Comply with company policies and client requirements
• Identify and escalate security risks and contribute to remediation efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Experience & Skills

• 15+ years of experience in data center services, infrastructure, or technical project leadership
• Strong background in data center architecture and deployments
• Experience managing large-scale cabling and infrastructure projects
• Deep understanding of:
• Spine-leaf network architectures
• Rack-and-stack server deployments
• High-density and AI-focused data center environments
• Ability to lead without being hands-on, guiding execution through Superintendents
• Experience managing multi-phase, multi-site projects
• Strong understanding of:
• Services engagements
• Third-party subcontractor management
• Pricing, coordination, and communication
• Excellent project management, organizational, and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and remotely in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of project accounting and administration

Preferred / Nice to Have

• RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer)
• Certified Data Center Design Consultant (CDCDC)
• Experience with liquid cooling environments (rear-door heat exchangers, etc.)
• Familiarity with:
• AutoCAD
• Revit
• Bluebeam
  (Tool-specific expertise not required—adaptability is key)
• BICSI, OSHA-30, Panduit, or Cisco (CCNA/CCNP) certifications

Best Fit Profile

• Senior technical leader with strong field credibility
• Strategic planner who can see around corners
• Comfortable managing ambiguity and evolving site conditions
• Trusted interface between execution teams, leadership, and customers
• Calm, decisive, and respected in high-stakes environments

Recruiting Priorities & Strategy

• Start recruiting immediately
• Schedule interviews within 24 hours of candidate submission
• Focus on one strong hire initially
• Prioritize candidates with hybrid structured cabling + data center experience
• Liquid cooling experience is a strong differentiator
• Flexibility, communication, and adaptability matter as much as certifications