📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Operations Manager
Company: Google
Location: Reno, NV, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Infrastructure & Operations
Date Posted: June 18, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead a team of Data Center Technicians responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining server hardware and software in Google's data centers.
Oversee operational procedures, ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, and drive team performance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet organizational goals and manage facility activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in data center operations, team management, and vendor management to ensure smooth and efficient data center operations.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Team Management & Development:
- Lead a team of Data Center Technicians, setting and communicating priorities, and providing regular performance feedback and coaching.
- Foster a collaborative team environment and drive a culture of safety.
Operational Management:
- Maintain, monitor, and execute security and operational procedures to ensure alignment with organizational policies.
- Repair, fix, and perform preventative maintenance on equipment, servers, and infrastructure based on identified issues.
Compliance & Safety:
- Support and contribute to the implementation of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and other compliance programs.
- Investigate, resolve, and report environmental and safety incidents.
Project Management & Collaboration:
- Partner with teams to meet goals and stakeholders to manage facility activities and set/implement short and long-term strategies.
- Lead small project teams on larger installations and develop project contingency plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams to manage complex data center operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

5+ years of experience in computing infrastructure, networking, operating systems, or hardware.
2+ years of experience managing technical teams, vendor or contract management, and delivery.
Experience working in data center environments, including building and operating large-scale infrastructure, network and compute architecture, and lifecycle management.
Experience with Linux/Unix system administration.

Required Skills:

Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent problem-solving and presentation skills.
Ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, night shifts, holidays, and shift-based schedules.
Experience with data gathering and analysis.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with data center environments and large-scale infrastructure management.
Ability to foster a collaborative team environment and drive a culture of safety.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Document your experience in data center operations, team management, and vendor management.
Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex projects.
Include any relevant certifications or training in data center operations, safety, or environmental health and safety.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of your experience with data center infrastructure, including network and compute architecture, and lifecycle management.
Include any relevant case studies or success stories demonstrating your ability to manage complex data center operations and improve performance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The US base salary range for this full-time position is $105,000 - $151,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits:

Bonus
Equity
Benefits (Learn more about benefits at Google)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, night shifts, holidays, and shift-based schedules as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on Google's job posting and reflects the base salary only. It does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. The cost of living in Reno, NV, is relatively low compared to other major tech hubs, which may impact the overall compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Google operates in the technology industry, with a focus on search, advertising, and cloud computing. The company's data centers are a critical component of its infrastructure, supporting its global user base and enabling the delivery of its products and services.

Company Size: Google is a large company with over 135,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for significant resources and opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The company has since grown to become one of the world's leading technology companies, with a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

The Data Center Operations team is part of Google's Technical Infrastructure organization, which is responsible for maintaining and improving the company's data center infrastructure.
The team consists of Data Center Technicians, who are responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining server hardware and software, and Data Center Operations Managers, who oversee the team's activities and ensure operational excellence.

Development Methodology:

Google uses Agile methodologies to manage its data center operations, with a focus on continuous improvement and iterative development.
The company places a strong emphasis on collaboration, with cross-functional teams working together to achieve organizational goals.

Company Website: Google

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's company culture is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. The company's data center operations play a critical role in supporting its global user base and enabling the delivery of its products and services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Data Center Operations Manager Career Level: This role is typically at the mid to senior level within the data center operations career path. The primary responsibilities include leading a team of data center technicians, overseeing operational procedures, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Reporting Structure: The Data Center Operations Manager reports directly to the Data Center Operations Manager or another senior leader within the Technical Infrastructure organization.

Technical Impact: The Data Center Operations Manager has a significant impact on the performance and reliability of Google's data centers. Their ability to lead their team effectively, manage operational procedures, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards is critical to the company's overall success.

Growth Opportunities:

Team Leadership: As the team grows, there may be opportunities to take on additional leadership responsibilities, such as managing multiple teams or taking on a more senior role within the organization.
Technical Specialization: With experience in data center operations, there may be opportunities to specialize in specific areas, such as network architecture, compute infrastructure, or data center design.
Cross-functional Collaboration: As a Data Center Operations Manager, there may be opportunities to collaborate with other teams within the Technical Infrastructure organization, such as Site Reliability Engineering or Cloud Platform Engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data center operations provide a unique opportunity to gain experience in a large-scale, mission-critical environment. The company's focus on continuous improvement and innovation provides ample opportunities for career growth and development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Google's data centers are typically located in industrial or warehouse-style buildings, with a focus on efficiency, reliability, and scalability.

Office Location(s): Google has data centers located worldwide, with a significant presence in the United States. The Reno, NV, data center is one of the company's largest facilities, employing hundreds of full-time staff and contractors.

Workspace Context:

Data Center Floor: The data center floor is where the server racks, networking equipment, and other infrastructure components are housed. This is where the Data Center Technicians and Operations Managers spend most of their time.
Office Space: Google provides office space for its data center employees, with workstations, meeting rooms, and break areas.
Collaboration: Google encourages collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with regular team meetings, all-hands meetings, and other opportunities for employees to connect and share ideas.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for a Data Center Operations Manager is typically 40 hours per week, with the ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, night shifts, holidays, and shift-based schedules as required. The company offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate employees' personal and professional needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data centers are designed to be efficient, reliable, and scalable, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and maximizing performance. The company's commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement provides a unique work environment for data center professionals.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and fit for the role.
On-site Interview: A series of interviews with team members, including technical deep dives, behavioral questions, and a tour of the data center facility.
Final Decision: A final decision is made based on the interview feedback and your overall fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in data center operations, team management, and vendor management.
Include any relevant case studies or success stories demonstrating your ability to manage complex data center operations and improve performance.
Provide detailed documentation of your experience with data center infrastructure, including network and compute architecture, and lifecycle management.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of data center infrastructure, including server hardware, networking equipment, and data center design.
Familiarize yourself with Google's data center operations and the company's commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement.
Prepare for behavioral questions that focus on your leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Data Center Operations: Data center management, data center operations, data center infrastructure, data center design, data center lifecycle management, data center sustainability.
Team Management: Team leadership, team management, team development, coaching, performance feedback, team collaboration, team culture.
Vendor Management: Vendor management, vendor selection, vendor negotiation, vendor performance, vendor relationship management.
Problem-Solving: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, incident management, issue resolution.
Safety & Compliance: Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), safety culture, safety compliance, environmental compliance, incident investigation, incident resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Data Center Operations Manager at Google is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit. The company places a strong emphasis on collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Data Center Infrastructure:

Server Hardware: Google uses a variety of server hardware from leading manufacturers, such as Dell, HP, and Cisco.
Networking Equipment: Google's data centers use a combination of proprietary and industry-standard networking equipment, including switches, routers, and load balancers.
Storage Systems: Google uses a combination of proprietary and industry-standard storage systems, including disk arrays, solid-state drives, and tape libraries.

Data Center Management Tools:

DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management): Google uses DCIM tools to manage its data center infrastructure, including racks, power, and cooling.
Monitoring & Alerting: Google uses a combination of proprietary and industry-standard monitoring and alerting tools to ensure the reliability and performance of its data center infrastructure.
Configuration Management: Google uses configuration management tools to automate the deployment and management of its data center infrastructure.

Data Center Operations Tools:

Ticketing Systems: Google uses ticketing systems to track and manage data center operations, including incidents, changes, and problems.
CMDB (Configuration Management Database): Google uses a CMDB to maintain a detailed inventory of its data center infrastructure and its configuration.
Documentation & Knowledge Management: Google uses documentation and knowledge management tools to capture and share best practices, procedures, and other relevant information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data centers are designed to be efficient, reliable, and scalable, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and maximizing performance. The company's commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement provides a unique opportunity for data center professionals to gain experience in a large-scale, mission-critical environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Google's Core Values:

User Focus: Google's primary focus is on providing the best user experience possible. This is reflected in its data center operations, with a focus on reliability, performance, and scalability.
Innovation: Google encourages innovation and continuous learning, with a focus on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in data center operations.
Collaboration: Google values collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with a focus on working together to achieve organizational goals.
Integrity: Google expects its employees to act with integrity, honesty, and transparency in all aspects of their work.

Data Center Operations Team Culture:

Safety-First: The data center operations team places a strong emphasis on safety, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and ensuring the well-being of its employees.
Continuous Improvement: The team is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on driving operational excellence and maximizing performance.
Collaboration: The team values collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with a focus on working together to achieve organizational goals.
Innovation: The team encourages innovation and continuous learning, with a focus on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in data center operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data center operations provide a unique opportunity to gain experience in a large-scale, mission-critical environment. The company's focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning provides ample opportunities for career growth and development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Scalability: Google's data centers must be designed to scale efficiently and cost-effectively to meet the company's growing user base and infrastructure demands.
Reliability: Google's data centers must be designed to be highly reliable, with a focus on minimizing downtime and maximizing availability.
Performance: Google's data centers must be designed to deliver high performance, with a focus on minimizing latency and maximizing throughput.
Sustainability: Google's data centers must be designed to be sustainable, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and maximizing energy efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Google offers a range of technical training opportunities, including online courses, workshops, and certifications.
On-the-Job Training: Google provides on-the-job training and mentoring opportunities to help employees develop their skills and advance their careers.
Conferences & Events: Google encourages its employees to attend industry conferences and events, with a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in data center operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data center operations provide a unique opportunity to gain experience in a large-scale, mission-critical environment. The company's focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning provides ample opportunities for career growth and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Data Center Infrastructure: Be prepared to discuss your experience with data center infrastructure, including server hardware, networking equipment, and storage systems.
Data Center Design: Be prepared to discuss your experience with data center design, including power, cooling, and layout.
Data Center Operations: Be prepared to discuss your experience with data center operations, including incident management, change management, and problem-solving.

Behavioral Questions:

Leadership: Be prepared to discuss your leadership style, team management experience, and ability to drive results through others.
Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving skills, including your ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams, including your ability to build relationships and drive consensus.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Data Center Infrastructure: Highlight your experience with data center infrastructure, including server hardware, networking equipment, and storage systems.
Data Center Design: Highlight your experience with data center design, including power, cooling, and layout.
Data Center Operations: Highlight your experience with data center operations, including incident management, change management, and problem-solving.
Leadership & Team Management: Highlight your leadership style, team management experience, and ability to drive results through others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Data Center Operations Manager at Google is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit. The company places a strong emphasis on collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Operations Manager position at Google:

Submit Your Application: Visit the Google Careers website and search for the Data Center Operations Manager position in Reno, NV. Click on the job posting and follow the instructions to submit your application.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in data center operations, team management, and vendor management. Include any relevant certifications or training in data center operations, safety, or environmental health and safety.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Document your experience in data center operations, team management, and vendor management. Include any relevant case studies or success stories demonstrating your ability to manage complex data center operations and improve performance.
Research Google: Familiarize yourself with Google's data center operations, the company's commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement, and the company's core values and culture.
Prepare for the Interview: Review the interview process, portfolio review tips, and technical challenge preparation guidance provided in this enhanced job description. Be prepared to discuss your experience, qualifications, and fit for the role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and data center operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Google before making application decisions.

Data Center Operations Manager