The Data Center Systems Manager is responsible for the end-to-end coordination, integration, testing, commissioning, and delivery of all critical systems within hyperscale and mission-critical data center projects. The role ensures that CSA, MEP, and ELV systems are properly designed, installed, integrated, tested, and handed over in compliance with Tier III / Tier IV, TIA-942, and hyperscale data center standards.
The position serves as the key interface between design consultants, contractors, OEMs, commissioning teams, and project stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Systems Integration & Coordination
- Lead the technical integration of all CSA, MEP, and ELV systems across the project lifecycle.
- Coordinate activities between design consultants, construction teams, OEM vendors, and the Commissioning Authority (CxA).
- Ensure all systems are delivered as a fully integrated, operational, and resilient facility.
Design Review & Engineering Management
- Review and validate IFC drawings, shop drawings, technical submittals, and vendor documentation.
- Ensure compliance with Uptime Institute Tier III / Tier IV requirements and hyperscale design standards.
- Identify and resolve design conflicts, constructability issues, and technical risks.
Construction Phase Oversight
- Monitor installation and implementation of:
- Electrical systems including MV/LV distribution, UPS, generators, switchgear, and busduct systems.
- Mechanical systems including chillers, CRAH/CRAC units, cooling infrastructure, containment systems, and associated plant.
- ELV systems including BMS, DCIM, fire alarm, structured cabling, and ICT infrastructure.
- Ensure all works are executed in accordance with approved specifications, quality plans, and method statements.
Testing & Commissioning Management
- Lead and coordinate FAT, SAT, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) activities.
- Oversee load bank testing, full-load performance validation, and failure scenario testing.
- Coordinate black-building, shutdown, and resilience testing activities.
- Ensure systems achieve required performance and redundancy levels including N+1, 2N, and 2N+1 configurations.
Commissioning Authority (CxA) Interface
- Work closely with the Commissioning Authority (CxA) and Commissioning Manager (CxM).
- Review and approve commissioning plans, scripts, procedures, and execution schedules.
- Ensure successful implementation of Level 1–5 commissioning processes.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with project specifications and international standards including Uptime Institute, TIA-942, ASHRAE, NFPA, and IEC.
- Monitor Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), quality inspections, snagging activities, and punch-list closure.
- Ensure adherence to local regulatory requirements including QCS, Kahramaa, and QCDD standards.
HSE & Permit Coordination
- Coordinate with HSE teams and Permit-to-Work (PTW) management personnel.
- Ensure safe execution of commissioning and testing activities within live or near-live environments.
- Support implementation of commissioning safety procedures and permit systems.
Vendor & Package Management
- Manage critical vendors and equipment packages including UPS, generators, chillers, CRAH/CRAC units, DCIM platforms, and related infrastructure.
- Monitor manufacturing, delivery schedules, installation progress, and commissioning readiness.
- Facilitate technical issue resolution and vendor performance management.
Documentation & Handover
- Validate as-built drawings, O&M manuals, test reports, and commissioning documentation.
- Support client training, operational readiness activities, and final system handover.
- Ensure readiness for Tier Certification, operational acceptance, and project closeout.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 10–15 years of experience in engineering, construction, commissioning, or delivery of mission-critical facilities.
- Minimum 5 years of direct experience in data center construction, systems integration, or commissioning projects.
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Proven experience delivering hyperscale data center projects exceeding 20MW IT load capacity.
- Demonstrated experience working on Tier III and Tier IV data center facilities.
- Strong background in electrical power systems, cooling infrastructure, and integrated building systems.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and commissioning stakeholders.
- Experience within large EPC, data center developer, mission-critical contractor, or engineering consultancy environments.
Technical Competencies
- Advanced knowledge of data center power, cooling, and critical infrastructure systems.
- Expertise in systems integration, commissioning, and operational readiness processes.
- Strong understanding of redundancy architectures including N+1, 2N, and 2N+1 configurations.
- Deep knowledge of FAT, SAT, IST, and integrated commissioning methodologies.
- Familiarity with Uptime Institute, TIA-942, ASHRAE, NFPA, IEC, and related industry standards.
- Understanding of QCS, Kahramaa, and QCDD regulatory requirements.
- Proficiency in project documentation, technical reporting, and stakeholder management.
Preferred Certifications
- Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD)
- Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS)
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- Data Center Certified Associate/Professional certifications
- Relevant commissioning or mission-critical infrastructure certifications