Data Center Area Lead, Server Operations

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams in charge of server hardware life cycles, Linux/Unix systems, and network architecture.
• 3 years of experience in site-level data center leadership or managing managers with full operational and budget accountability.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience managing complex, matrixed organizations, vendor relationships, and profit and loss/budget accountability.
• Experience executing strategic global initiatives using KPIs while leading Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) improvements.
• Expertise in large-scale data center infrastructure and Linux/Unix.
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability to maintain a consistent physical presence/travel.

About the job

Google isn't just a software company. The Hardware Operations team is responsible for monitoring the state-of-the-art physical infrastructure behind Google's powerful search technology. As a Hardware Operations Manager, you will manage a team of Data Center Technicians. You will oversee the quality installation of server hardware and components and take charge of complicated installations/troubleshooting.

Your team will install, configure, test, troubleshoot and maintain hardware (like servers and its components) and server software (like Google's Linux cluster). They will also take on the configuration of more complex components such as networks, routers, hubs, bridges, switches and networking protocols. They may lead small project teams on larger installations and develop project contingency plans.

As an Area Lead, you will act as the General Manager for a designated area, assuming full accountability for the operational success of a massive data center portfolio. You will lead a team of site leaders and operations managers, balancing complex priorities including full Operational Expenditure (OPEX) management, operational efficiency, and critical performance metrics. Beyond the metrics, you are responsible for defining the region’s identity, driving a relentless commitment to site safety and fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Behind everything our users see online is the architecture built by the Technical Infrastructure team to keep it running. From developing and maintaining our data centers to building the next generation of Google platforms, we make Google's product portfolio possible. We're proud to be our engineers' engineers and love voiding warranties by taking things apart so we can rebuild them. We keep our networks up and running, ensuring our users have the best and fastest experience possible.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $195,000-$275,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and hire a distributed team of site leaders to drive operational consistency, safety, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Foster a high-performance culture using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to ensure accountability while empowering local leadership.
• Oversee the full hardware and software lifecycle, including installation and maintenance. Ensure data center priorities align directly with cloud, infrastructure, and broader business objectives.
• Drive efficiency and optimize resource allocation across the area. Strategically align business objectives with workforce development to maximize output and operational performance.
• Foster cross-functional partnerships for operational synergy. Collaborate with stakeholders including data center operations, networking, safety, construction, and security to remove roadblocks.
• Host strategic site visits for internal and external executives.