Data Center Site Operations Manager

Who We Are

Lightning AI is the company behind PyTorch Lightning. Founded in 2019, we build an end-to-end platform for developing, training, and deploying AI systems-designed to take ideas from research to production with less friction.

Through our merger with Voltage Park, a neocloud and AI Factory, Lightning AI combines developer-first software with cost-efficient, large-scale compute. Teams get the tools they need for experimentation, training, and production inference, with security, observability, and control built in.

We serve solo researchers, startups, and large enterprises. Lightning AI operates globally with offices in New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and London, and is backed by Coatue, Index Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and Firstminute.

The Way We Work

The people who thrive here are builders who move fast, communicate openly, take ownership, and continuously improve themselves, their teams, and our company. Here's what that looks like in practice:

• Move with Urgency: We move quickly, make thoughtful decisions, and keep momentum. We value action over perfection and learn by shipping.
• Take Ownership: We own outcomes, not just our individual work. We make decisions that move the company forward and follow through.
• Communicate Openly: We communicate directly, seek to understand, and create clarity for others. Honest conversations help us move faster together.
• Build Great Teams: We lead by example, empower others, and create healthy teams where people can do their best work.
• Raise the Bar: We're always improving ourselves. We learn from feedback, consistently challenge ourselves to grow, and focus on the work that matters most.
• Think Long-Term: We design for what's next. We create scalable systems, simplify complexity, and use AI and automation to amplify our impact.

What We're Looking For

We're hiring a Data Center Site Operations Manager to lead operations at our Allen & Fort Worth facilities. You'll oversee the tenant fit-out of our space, stand up our operational environment, and build a high-performance team responsible for day-to-day data center operations.

This is a hands-on leadership role, where you'll both guide a team and roll up your sleeves to ensure a smooth deployment and sustained operational excellence. You will play a key role in bringing online a 10MW build, housing 4,000 GPUs at launch and expanding to 10,000 GPUs as the site grows.

We are not able to provide sponsorship for this position. This is an on-site role in Allen, Texas & Fort Worth, Texas. Travel to our other data center sites across the US will be required. 

What You Will Do

Launch and Operate the Chicago Facility

• Oversee the setup of data center systems specific to our deployment within an existing colocation facility
• Coordinate equipment installation, including rack and roll delivery, cabling, network installation, and power-up procedures
• Manage vendor relationships, scheduling, and performance to ensure successful deployment
• Track and manage all inventory and incoming hardware

Onsite Operational Leadership

• Lead a team of data center technicians handling maintenance, break fix, diagnostics, and routine inspections
• Develop and implement procedures for uptime, preventive maintenance, and incident response
• Act as the primary on-site point of contact for operational issues and escalation

Cross-Functional and Team Collaboration

• Partner with NetOps, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support deployments and ongoing operations
• Participate in hiring, training, and mentoring on-site technicians
• Travel to other Voltage Park data centers to learn processes and align operational standards

Qualifications

Required:

• 4+ years of experience in data center operations
• 2+ years of direct people management experience
• Strong understanding of data center infrastructure (racking, cabling, cooling basics, power distribution, network hardware installations)
• Ability to lead technicians through break/fix, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance workflows
• Troubleshooting skills and ability to respond quickly to operational issues
• Strong vendor management experience (scheduling, accountability, performance tracking)
• Detail-oriented, organized, and thrives working in fast-moving environments
• Ability to manage a team responsible for supporting a 24/7 data center environment
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 lbs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data center tenant fit-outs
• Experience in high-density or hyperscale environments
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, Juniper, or similar

We are committed to offering competitive compensation that reflects the value each team member brings to our mission. Final offers are based on factors such as experience, skills, geographic location, and role expectations. In addition to base salary, our total rewards package for eligible roles includes a discretionary bonus, a meaningful equity component, and comprehensive benefits.

The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is:

$120,000—$145,000 USD

Benefits and Perks

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and long-term success:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Meaningful Equity: RSUs that give employees a stake in the company's long-term success.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) matching (U.S.) and pension contributions (U.K.).
• Flexible Time Off: Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and floating holidays to support work-life balance.
• Company-Wide Winter Break: Two weeks of company closure each winter to disconnect and recharge.
• Paid Parental & Family Leave: Paid leave to support you and your family through life's important moments.
• Professional Development: Annual learning and development allowance to support your professional growth.
• Wellness Benefits: Wellness and work-from-home stipends to support your physical and mental well-being.
• Sabbatical Program: Four weeks of paid sabbatical leave after four years of service.
• Flexible Work: Flexible schedules and a hybrid work model for our office-based teams.
• In-Office Meals: Complimentary meals at our office hubs.

Benefits may vary by location, team, and role.

At Lightning AI, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and create better products. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are dedicated to building a culture where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.