Data Center Project Manager
Job Title: Data Center Project Manager - GPU & Research Compute Infrastructure
Location: Chicago, IL (with regular travel to Aurora, IL)
About the Role
We are hiring a Data Center Project Manager to join a brand new team at a leading high-frequency trading firm, focused on building and scaling cutting-edge GPU infrastructure to support advanced research and compute workloads. This is a unique opportunity to shape the foundation of a high-performance, bare-metal environment that powers some of the most demanding computational workloads in the industry.
This role blends strategic project leadership with hands-on technical execution, ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-stakes environments and is passionate about data center operations and infrastructure innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Management & Execution
- Lead end-to-end project management for data center build-outs, expansions, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, time lines, and budgets.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and contractors to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.
- Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Manage relationships with hardware vendors, co-location providers, and service contractors.
- Oversee procurement, delivery, and installation of GPU servers and supporting infrastructure.
- Hands-On Infrastructure Deployment
- Participate in physical racking, stacking, and cabling of servers and networking equipment.
- Perform on-site inspections and validations to ensure compliance with design and operational standards.
- Infrastructure Operations & Scaling
- Support the ongoing operation and scaling of bare-metal research compute environments.
- Monitor and optimize power, cooling (including liquid cooling systems), and space utilization across data centers in Chicago and Aurora.
- Collaborate with engineering and research teams to align infrastructure capabilities with compute needs.
Qualifications
- Required:
- 8+ years of experience in data center operations or infrastructure project management.
- Strong knowledge of data center design, power and cooling systems (including liquid cooling), and physical infrastructure.
- Experience with bare-metal server deployments and large-scale hardware rollouts.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and vendors.
- Willingness and ability to be hands-on in the data center environment.
- Preferred:
- Experience supporting GPU-based compute environments or high-performance computing (HPC).
- Familiarity with research computing workflows and infrastructure needs.
- Technical certifications (e.g., CDCP, CDCS, PMP) are a plus.
Work Environment
- Based in Chicago, with regular travel to our Aurora data center.
- This is a hybrid role combining strategic project leadership with on-site technical execution.
At this time the team is unable to provide visa sponsorship.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.