IT Project Manager-Infrastructure

Primary Purpose

The Project Manager - IT Infrastructure is responsible for leading the planning, design coordination, deployment, and commissioning of the full IT buildout for Tallgrass Integrated Logistics Solutions' (ILS) major energy infrastructure facility near Cheyenne, Wyoming. This role will lead the planning, development, and implementation of all information technology systems required for the facility, which includes multi‑technology power generation, advanced controls, and large‑scale carbon capture systems, to function seamlessly, and adhere to the Tallgrass IT requirements. This role is responsible for defining and delivering the facility's IT network architecture, including fiber optic communications, data center and external collaborator interfaces, cybersecurity requirements, high-availability controls connectivity, and enterprise energy management systems.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in leading projects for industrial IT infrastructure, fiber optics network architecture, and large-scale digital system deployment. This individual will work closely with engineering, construction, operations, contractors, utility suppliers, and technology vendors to ensure robust, secure, and scalable IT systems supporting the facility's operational and business objectives.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience/Specific Knowledge: 10+ years of experience in IT infrastructure development for large industrial, utility, data center, energy, or mission‑critical facilities. Proven experience managing multi‑vendor projects with significant fiber optics and network architecture scope. Strong background working with industrial controls (DCS/SCADA/ICCP/EMS). Experience implementing LAN/CAN/WAN at a greenfield facility. Experience deploying IT systems in power plants, chemical plants, refineries, data centers, or similar environments.

Technical Expertise: Experience leading Fiber optics network design, splicing, routing, testing, and commissioning projects. Experience leading Enterprise networking (LAN/WAN), industrial networking, wireless systems, and edge computing. Experience working with Cybersecurity frameworks for critical infrastructure (NIST, IEC 62443, NERC CIP). Experience working with Virtualization technologies, cloud services, server architecture, data storage, and redundancy systems. Experience with large-scale project tools, such as Primavera P6 or MS Project.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers. PMP Certification preferred.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities: Strong leadership and vendor management skills. Ability to translate complex technical requirements into executable project plans. Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and capable of navigating fast‑paced, multi-disciplinary environments. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, driving creative solutions to complex issues. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of individuals and personalities at all levels (field to C-Suite) internally and externally. Ability to work independently to manage tasks and timelines. Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and coordinate across various teams. Utilize strategic approach for planning and problem solving, with a "continuous improvement" mindset. Ability to quickly change direction in a demanding environment while effectively communicating within the organization. Work cooperatively and effectively with others and maintain confidentiality when appropriate. Ability to maintain a measurable high level of performance.

Physical Demands: All the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sitting, standing, walking, speaking (in person or via phone / video conference), moving throughout a construction site or operating industrial facility, driving, seeing (specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus), hearing, feeling, bending or stooping, squatting or crouching, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting up to 25 lbs. Generally, office, construction, and operating industrial working conditions. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time and walk considerable distances (e.g., on construction sites, airports, etc.). Must be able to fly on airplanes domestically and internationally (up to >14 hours).

Working Conditions: Required to carry a mobile phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours. Frequent overnight and weekend travel required, up to 30%. May be required to work nights and weekends, or non-traditional work hours as needed. Successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including a credit report, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Supervisory Responsibility: No

Preferred Education, Experience, Certifications, Competencies, Skills, & Abilities: Above the minimum requirements; not required but advantageous in this position: PMP Certification Master's degree Other Responsibilities: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation: 115-165k

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management & Leadership

• Lead the full lifecycle of the IT/OT infrastructure scope-from concept through commissioning.
• Engage consultants as necessary to define architecture, specifications, and detailed requirements.
• Work with the project's EPC contractor to implement the architectural concept and translate into a detailed design and field installation.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverable requirements for all IT systems.
• Manage multidisciplinary external vendors, integrators, and engineering partners.
• Ensure alignment with overall facility execution strategies and integration with generation, controls, and carbon capture systems.

IT Infrastructure Architecture

• Oversee development and implementation of the conceptual design for a comprehensive fiber optics network architecture across the facility, including backbone, distribution, and redundant pathways.
• Define requirements for operating facility interfaces, server rooms, edge devices, networking hardware, cabling systems, and communication hubs.
• Support the deployment of virtualization, cloud connectivity, and high‑availability computing environments.

Controls & Operations Technology Integration

• Work with IT to identify Plant Controls, SCADA, DCS, and Energy Management System interfaces to ensure secure and reliable network connectivity for critical operations.
• Oversee planning and implementation of network segmentation and performance requirements for real‑time industrial control systems.
• Ensure systems comply with cybersecurity and NERC/ICS/OT best practices.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Work with cybersecurity teams to ensure secure architecture, firewalls, access control policies, and monitoring capabilities are integrated into the design.
• Ensure compliance with corporate IT policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Lead risk assessments and remediation plans related to IT/OT vulnerabilities.

Construction & Commissioning Support

• Provide planning and coordination oversight during installation of fiber optics, network equipment, and IT systems.
• Coordinate site acceptance testing, commissioning activities, validation, and turnover documentation.
• Ensure contractors follow specifications, drawings, and quality standards.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Engage with engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, operations, and corporate IT stakeholders.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and decisions to senior leadership.
• Serve as the central technical authority for all IT infrastructure matters for the project. Reports to the VP-Project Assurance, with a dotted-line relationship to the Project Director for the infrastructure project for day-to-day coordination and project delivery. This ensures alignment with corporate IT and dedicated focus on the success of the project.