Deployment Lead - Remote MS

The Deployment Lead is responsible for overseeing and executing the physical system integration and field deployment activities for our secure, on-premise private cloud infrastructure across multiple sites and geographic regions. Working in close collaboration with the Lead Solution Architect and engineering teams, this role bridges the gap between logical architectural design and physical execution.

This leadership position directs a team of Deployment Engineers to ensure all hardware integrations-spanning complex compute clusters, enterprise storage, and high-density networking-are completed accurately, safely, and on schedule. The Deployment Lead will actively manage site readiness, complex structured cabling (fiber and copper), optimal placement of data center infrastructure systems, and the intricate logistics of secure transit. You will also participate directly in deployments, conduct rigorous quality assurance checks, and ensure strict compliance with federal and physical security standards.

Key Responsibilities

• System Integration & Placement: Direct the physical placement and integration of enterprise data center infrastructure. Optimize rack elevations, power distribution, and thermal management (hot/cold aisle containment) for high-density computing and storage environments.
• Advanced Structured Cabling: Oversee and execute the installation, testing, and maintenance of complex structured cabling systems, including high-throughput fiber optics (e.g., 100G/400G interconnects) and complex network fabric topologies.
• Team Leadership & Hands-On Execution: Lead, mentor, and coordinate a team of Deployment Engineers. Attend deployments in person, supporting hands-on installation activities and rack integration when needed.
• Secure Logistics & Equipment Handling: Coordinate comprehensive site logistics, from warehouse staging to final secure-site delivery. Manage the logistics of pre-integrated rack shipments, applying a precise understanding of transit tolerances (e.g., mitigating aggregate structural g-forces on the rack versus isolated stress on sensitive sub-components).
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Perform QA checks to ensure physical installations meet strict technical, operational, and physical security standards (e.g., ICD 705 for SCIF environments, TEMPEST considerations).
• Lifecycle & Schedule Management: Manage the end-to-end deployment schedule, ensuring adequate resource coverage. Manage tech refresh schedules, tracking EOL/EOS dates to orchestrate timely lifecycle replacements with minimal downtime.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Solution Architects, project managers, and Government stakeholders to ensure site readiness, clear access protocols, and alignment on overarching deployment timelines.
• Reporting & Risk Mitigation: Identify deployment risks, material shortages, or facility delays and mitigate them proactively. Ensure all deployment reports, checklists, and documentation are completed accurately and delivered on time.
• Process Enhancement: Support continuous improvement by identifying physical process gaps and recommending enhancements for faster, safer, and more efficient site integrations.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 8+ years of experience leading field deployment, system integration, or technical operations teams in enterprise or federal environments.
• Data Center Expertise: Strong hands-on expertise in data center operations, including rack-and-stack operations, heavy equipment handling, hardware configuration, and comprehensive site readiness assessments.
• Cabling & Fiber: Proven experience planning, designing, and executing structured cabling systems, with deep expertise in managing delicate and high-density fiber optic infrastructure.
• Secure Environments: Familiarity with physical security requirements for DoD/IC deployments, including secure facility access, material handling within air-gapped environments, and secure supply chain protocols.
• Network & Systems Knowledge: Solid understanding of enterprise networking hardware, large-scale storage arrays, and virtualization hosts to effectively communicate with architectural and engineering teams.
• Logistics Management: Proven experience managing deployment logistics across multiple geographic locations, including shipping, receiving, and secure hardware staging.
• Leadership & Organization: Excellent organizational, scheduling, and interpersonal abilities for coordinating with internal teams and external Government stakeholders.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel to deployment sites up to 50% of the time.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to safely lift, handle, and integrate heavy enterprise equipment as required for on-site work.
• Clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Roles: Prior experience as a Deployment Engineer, Data Center Technician, or similar hands-on integration role.
• Certifications: BICSI certifications (e.g., RCDD, DCDC), Data Center Management certifications, or active safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30).