Manager, IT Infrastructure; Data Centers

Position: Manager, IT Infrastructure (Data Centers)
Space

X was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

MANAGER, IT INFRASTRUCTURE (DATA CENTERS)

Space

X is looking for a rockstar IT infrastructure manager with proven expertise in building and operating next-generation data centers from the ground up. This leader will manage a world-class team of IT and facilities engineers, owning the end-to-end design, construction, and management of hyperscale data centers that power Space

X's engineering, production, and mission operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on visionary with deep IT and facilities knowledge, exceptional leadership, and the drive to innovate in high-stakes environments. You will coach and inspire your team while diving into critical design, procurement, and execution decisions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, buildout, and ongoing management of next-gen data centers, including site selection, capacity planning, power infrastructure (e.g., PDUs, UPS, generators), advanced cooling systems (e.g., liquid cooling, CRAC/CRAH), and scalable racking/modular solutions across Space
  
  X locations.
• Oversee core data center facilities services such as HVAC optimization, redundant power systems, fire suppression, and environmental monitoring to ensure 99.999% uptime in mission-critical environments.
• Build and continuously develop a high-performing team of engineers focused on enterprise infrastructure, including virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), high-performance storage (NAS/SAN/object), and purpose-built servers optimized for HPC and AI workloads.
• Drive high-availability architectures, disaster recovery strategies, and resilience testing, including multi-site failover and automated recovery.
• Mentor engineers in designing, procuring, and deploying performance-optimized server fleets; establish hardware standards, negotiate with vendors (e.g., Dell, HPE, Supermicro), and ensure scalability to meet Space
  
  X's explosive compute demands.
• Hands-on supervision of data center installations, configurations, cabling, and commissioning; perform rack-and-stack, BIOS/firmware tuning, and integration testing as needed.
• Implement infrastructure-as-code, automation, and holistic monitoring (e.g., DCIM tools like Schneider Eco Struxure or Nlyte) for proactive operations in automated, green data centers.
• Schedule and execute off-peak maintenance, upgrades, and expansions, including high-risk downtimes, with 24/7 on-call readiness.
• Collaborate with Space
  
  X stakeholders (engineering, facilities, security) to deliver tailored solutions, resolve issues proactively, and align data center evolution with long-term roadmap goals.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5+ years in data center leadership (design/build/ops), OR 8+ years in IT infrastructure leadership with hands-on data center experience.
• 7+ years of experience leading two or more of: hyperscale data center design/construction, critical facilities management (power/HVAC), enterprise server/storage infrastructure, or high-availability operations.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven track record building next-gen data centers from greenfield sites, including modular/prefab designs, liquid immersion cooling, green power (renewables/PUE 50kW), advanced cooling (direct-to-chip, rear-door heat exchangers), seismic/structural engineering integration, and sustainability best practices.
• Deep knowledge of storage ecosystems (NFS/CIFS/iSCSI, Net App, Pure Storage, Ceph) and server specs for HPC/AI (e.g., GPU clusters, NVIDIA DGX).
• Experience with DCIM, IaC (Terraform/Ansible), scripting (Python/Power Shell/Bash), and monitoring (Promethe Grafana, DC-specific tools).
• Hands-on with virtualization, networking (Infini Band/Ethernet fabrics), and edge computing in remote/harsh environments.
• Strong vendor management for hyperscale procurement and negotiation.
• Excellent communicator:
  Translates complex DC concepts for non-technical audiences and authors clear runbooks/SOPs.
• Self-starter thriving in fast-paced, interruption-heavy settings with a passion for innovation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 50 lbs unassisted for racking equipment, cable management, and facilities tasks (e.g., UPS swaps).
• Willingness to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and travel to data center sites as needed.
• This role is 100% on-site at Space
  
  X facilities; no hybrid or remote options. Valid driver's license required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:
Manager, IT

Infrastructure: $ - $/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock…