Project Manager, Telecoms Engineering, IT Infrastructure

The GOR Group is seeking a Data Center Modernization Project Manager on behalf of our client to support a major infrastructure modernization project within an operational data center in Chicago.

The project will transition the facility from traditional cooling infrastructure to a liquid-cooled environment while upgrading fiber, copper, network, and equipment infrastructure.

This individual will lead and coordinate field activities involving infrastructure installation, migration, testing, maintenance, and turnover. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of how data center equipment is installed, connected, maintained, and safely modified within a live environment.

The ideal candidate combines hands‑on data center infrastructure and fiber expertise with strong field leadership, practical problem‑solving skills, and professional client communication. Direct liquid‑cooling experience is valuable but not required.

• 6–10 years of relevant experience in data center infrastructure, telecommunications, construction, or a related field.
• Experience installing, maintaining, upgrading, or troubleshooting data center infrastructure.
• Hands‑on knowledge of fiber‑optic and copper cabling systems.
• Experience with fiber testing, circuit validation, troubleshooting, or migration activities.
• Familiarity with data center equipment, racks, cabinets, patch panels, network hardware, and supporting infrastructure.
• Experience working in live data centers, colocation facilities, telecommunications facilities, or other critical environments.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, cable schedules, testing documentation, and installation requirements.
• Experience coordinating field personnel, vendors, contractors, or project stakeholders.
• Strong client‑facing communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work on‑site in Chicago.

• Previous experience as a Lead Field Engineer, Superintendent, Construction Manager, Data Center Engineer, or Infrastructure Project Lead.
• Experience leading large‑scale fiber migrations, equipment upgrades, or infrastructure modernization projects.
• Familiarity with data center cooling, power, and critical equipment, including CRAC units, PDUs, UPS systems, and related infrastructure.
• Exposure to liquid‑cooling conversions or high‑density computing environments.
• Experience coordinating work around active equipment, shutdowns, cutovers, or change‑management procedures.
• Knowledge of OTDR testing, optical power meters, fiber characterization, DWDM, structured cabling, and network infrastructure.
• Bachelor's or associate degree in engineering, construction management, telecommunications, information technology, electronics, or a related discipline.
• Relevant fiber, telecommunications, data center, networking, or safety certifications.

Candidates may come from Lead Field Engineer, Data Center Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Telecommunications Construction Manager, or Superintendent backgrounds.

• Lead field activities supporting a major data center infrastructure and cooling modernization project.
• Coordinate the replacement, migration, and upgrade of copper and fiber infrastructure.
• Oversee fiber installation, termination, testing, troubleshooting, labeling, and documentation.
• Support the installation, relocation, maintenance, and connection of data center equipment.
• Coordinate contractors, technicians, vendors, engineers, and client representatives.
• Serve as a primary field contact, communicating project progress, technical issues, risks, and upcoming activities.
• Review drawings, specifications, installation requirements, rack elevations, cable schedules, and field documentation.
• Coordinate work sequencing, equipment access,…