Modernization Project Manager

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.

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

Key Responsibilities

• 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, shutdowns, cutovers, migrations, and turnover activities.
• Identify field conflicts and collaborate with the project team to develop practical solutions.
• Monitor installation quality and compliance with project requirements and applicable standards.
• Track testing results, open issues, punch-list items, and closeout documentation.
• Coordinate work within an active data center while minimizing risk and disruption to ongoing operations.
• Promote high standards for safety, quality, accountability, and client service.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to field technicians and supporting team members.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

About the GOR Group:

At GOR Group, we believe in Grit Over Resume.

We understand that great talent does not always come from a perfectly matched resume. While experience and technical skills matter, we know that some of the most successful professionals are those who demonstrate the character, determination, and drive to learn, adapt, and deliver results.

We value individuals who demonstrate:

If your experience does not align with every requirement, but you believe you can make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

At GOR Group, we look beyond job titles and keyword matches. We focus on identifying individuals who bring the right attitude, work ethic, leadership, and technical capability to help our clients succeed. We partner with organizations across the mission critical, data center, manufacturing, commissioning, construction, and infrastructure industries to connect them with professionals who are ready to contribute, grow, and build meaningful careers.

If you're ready to help build the next generation of digital infrastructure while advancing your career in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, we'd love to hear from you.

Know Someone Who Might Be a Fit?

GOR Group believes in Grit Over Resume. Great talent often comes through strong networks and referrals from industry professionals.

If you know someone in the mission critical, data center, manufacturing, commissioning, construction, or infrastructure industries who may be open to new opportunities, we offer a $500 referral bonus for successful placements. If your referral is hired and completes the required employment period, we'll reward you for helping connect great talent with great opportunities.

Reach out to our team to learn more about our referral program and current openings.

• Leadership
• Accountability
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Strong Communication
• Continuous Learning
• A Willingness to Take on Challenges
• A Strong Work Ethic
• The Ability to Grow and Develop in New Environments