Data Center Project Associate

Position Overview  

Align is seeking a candidate with 1 to 4 years of relevant experience to join our growing Data Center Design, Procure and Build organization. This role is well suited for a data center technician looking to grow into project management or a recent graduate with a degree in Engineering, MEP, Construction Management, or a related field who is interested in starting a career in the Data Center / Critical Facilities industry. Ideal candidates will have experience in data center operations, MEP / critical facilities, construction management, or a related technical environment. 

Align’s Data Center Solutions team provides advisory and specialized construction management services for data center white space fit-outs. We design, procure, and build the physical layer of the data center, including HVAC, power distribution, structured low-voltage cabling, and space planning. The Associate will support the build-out of large-scale data center facilities while reporting to a Senior Project Manager, assisting with trade coordination, equipment installation, project planning, and documentation. 

This role requires a disciplined, detail-oriented individual with an interest in construction management and data center white space infrastructure. The ideal candidate will bring a mix of technical aptitude, critical thinking, data analysis skills, and strong communication and writing abilities, along with the organization needed to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

This is a unique opportunity for someone early in their career to work alongside and be mentored by recognized leaders in the Data Center Facilities industry. The Associate will gain hands-on exposure to the analysis, design, and construction of enterprise data centers, with training provided to support continued career growth. 

• The Data Center Project Associate is a hybrid role, based in the Phoenix Metro Area and will frequently work on local projects, however, up to 30 percent out of state travel should be expected at times 
• This is a full-time position offering full benefits, a competitive salary, and paid training 

Key Responsibilities

• Support senior project managers to provide on-site consulting support for Align clients with data center design, installation and operational issues 
• Travel as needed to support projects across the Western Region 
• Participate in various data center white space fit out / critical facilitates project management activities including site surveys, needs assessments, preparation of documentation, scheduling vendor installations, data analysis, subcontractor quality assurance / as built verification and coordination of various project deliverables 
• Participate in on-site data center review and evaluation projects 
• Contribute to the RFP process, project planning, current-state vs. target-state assessments and client presentations 
• Work with and learn from senior project managers to assist with the design and installation of electrical power distribution systems and the low voltage cabling systems in data center build outs 
• Develop data center white space blueprints for power distribution, cabinet spatial layouts, and hot and cold-aisle containment solutions 
• Create visuals of data center cabinet elevations, network diagrams and floor-plans using graphics programs, such as Excel and Bluebeam 
• Initiate and manage the subcontractor bidding processes while creating scope of works and billings of materials for various projects 
• Assist with client billing, forecasting, and the administration of projects including making updates to budget and project plans, creating project documentation, etc. 
• Install equipment within data center and co-location facilities 
• Assist with trouble shooting technical issues that arise during data center installation and build-out 
• Become knowledgeable of company standards and procedures 
• Learn the Align software toolset such as Bluebeam, Procore, Excel, MS Project, ConnectWise 
• Align professionals are expected to continually enhance their professional and business skills and are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities provided on the job and through participation in training programs both internally and externally. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree related to Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, or Project Management is preferred 
• 1 to 4 years of relevant experience preferred; recent graduates with relevant MEP, data center, construction management coursework and/or internship experience will also be considered 
• Open to candidates with hands-on data center technician experience, project coordination experience, commissioning exposure, or related field experience who are looking to grow into a data center white space / tenant fit-out Project Manager role 
• Interest in developing the MEP technical knowledge, construction coordination skills, and client-facing project management experience needed to become a well-rounded data center white space fit out Project Manager 
• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio 
• Bluebeam and Procore experience are a plus 
• Must be eager to learn 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and writing skills are required 
• Excellent analytical and facilitation skills, with proven ability to manage multiple projects, resolve and escalate issues and prioritize technical resources 
• Ability to maintain focus, shift attention quickly to respond to the unexpected while progressing on tasks/projects 
• Able to travel as needed 
• Must be willing to assist with physical layer troubleshooting, hands-on installation of data center equipment, and possess the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed  
• Must be comfortable working onsite in a data center construction environment 

To support a fair, consistent, and high-quality hiring experience, some interviews may be recorded. These recordings help our team focus fully on the conversation at hand, rather than note-taking, and allow us to better evaluate and improve our recruitment process. Recordings are used solely for internal purposes such as training, quality assurance, and process improvement. Candidates will be informed in advance and asked to provide consent before any recording takes place. 

Tier 1