> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2198466-manager-data-center-hardware-infrastructure-ts-sci](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2198466-manager-data-center-hardware-infrastructure-ts-sci). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Manager, Data Center Hardware & Infrastructure (TS/SCI) - **Company:** Space Exploration Technologies Corp. - **Location:** Hawthorne, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $165,000.0 - $240,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Computer Clusters, CompTIA Security+, Data Centers, Data Center Infrastructure Management (CIM), Ethernet, InfiniBand, Information Technology Operations, Kernel-Based Virtual Machine, NetApp Applications, SAP (Applications), Data Management, Hardware Infrastructure, Network Server, Server Operating Systems & Platforms, Vmware - **Published:** August 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18049577?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18049577%2FManager-Data-Center-Hardware-Infrastructure-Ts-Sci-California-Hawthorne ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5+ years of experience leading technical teams in data center, infrastructure, or IT operations roles, OR 7+ years of experience leading technical teams in data center, infrastructure, or IT operations roles. * 8+ years of hands-on experience in enterprise or hyperscale data center operations, hardware infrastructure, or critical facilities (power, cooling, compute, storage). PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE * Proven track recordbuilding or scaling teams whileremaininghands-on with hardware (servers, storage, networking, power distribution units, cooling systems). * Deep familiarity with data center best practices: Tier design, PUE optimization, high-density rack design (>30-50+ kW), cabling standards, and hardware lifecycle management. * Experience supporting classified environments (SCI, SAP, SCIF/SAPF operations) and associated compliance frameworks (DISA STIG, RMF, ICD 705, TEMPEST). * Hands-on experience with GPU/AI compute clusters, high-performance networking (InfiniBand, 400G/800G Ethernet), and liquid cooling technologies. * Prior experience at hyperscale operators, defense contractors, or national security programs involving multi-site data center support. * Strong knowledge of enterprise storage (NetApp, Pure, Dell/EMC, etc.), virtualization (VMware, KVM), and server platforms. * Experience with DCIM platforms, environmental monitoring, and capacity planning tools. * Relevant certifications: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CDCMP, PMP, or data center-specific credentials. * Demonstrated ability to operatein high-tempo, mission-driven environments with rapid iteration andhigh standards., * An active clearance may provide the opportunity to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing as required. * Must be able to work extended hours, weekends, and on-call rotations as needed to support mission timelines and incident response. * Willingness to travel domestically (and potentially internationally) to support SpaceX sites. * Ability to lift 40-50 lbsand work in data center environments (raised floors, tight spaces, elevated temperatures). * Valid driver's license., * To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. * 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. * 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. ## Description We are seeking a highly technical, hands-on Manager of Data Center Hardware & Infrastructure to build, lead, and scale a team responsible for the design, deployment, operations, and lifecycle management of data center hardware supporting classified (TS/SCI) and enterprise environments across all SpaceX sites. This is not a pure people-manager role. The ideal candidate will remain deeply technical-capable of racking servers, troubleshooting power and cooling issues,optimizinghigh-density GPU clusters, and driving hardware standards-while simultaneously hiring, mentoring, and orchestrating a distributed team that delivers 24/7 reliability for mission-critical systems., * Build and lead a high-performing team of data center technicians, systems engineers, and infrastructure specialists supporting Hawthorne and all SpaceX sites (including remote/branch locations and future expansions). * Own end-to-end data center hardware lifecycle: capacity planning, procurement, rack/stack, cabling, power distribution, cooling (air and liquid), high-density compute (GPU/AI clusters), storage arrays, and networking gear. * Establish and enforce hardware standards, configuration baselines, and operational procedures aligned with DISA STIG, NIST, ICD 705, and SpaceX security requirements for TS/SCI environments. * Drive high-availability operations: monitoring, incident response, change management, preventive maintenance, and rapid recovery for classified and unclassified data center environments. * Partner with network, security, facilities, and compute teams on power, cooling, cabling, and interconnect design for new builds and expansions (including modular and hyperscale approaches). * Manage vendor relationships, hardware roadmaps, spares strategy, and budget for data center infrastructure across sites. * Implement DCIM tools, telemetry, and automation for capacity, environmental, and asset tracking. * Ensure compliance with physical security, TEMPEST, and SCIF/SAPF requirements for classified hardware environments. * Hire, develop, and retaintalent; set clear expectations, conduct performance management, and foster a culture of ownership, technical excellence, and urgency. * Travel as needed to SpaceX sites to support stand-ups, audits, and major incidents (estimated 10-25%). ## Related Videos - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Shipping Faster with Less: Render on Cloud Hosting, AI Workloads, and the Future of DevOps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1894-shipping-faster-with-less-render-on-cloud-hosting-ai-workloads-and-the-future-of-devops) - [WebAssembly: The Next Frontier of Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/972-webassembly-the-next-frontier-of-cloud-computing) - [An alternative approach to digital sovereignty: Confidential Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100043-an-alternative-approach-to-digital-sovereignty-confidential-computing) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Generating code with Angular schematics](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/129-generating-code-with-angular-schematics) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [A Guide to Green Tech and Green IT Careers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/374-a-guide-to-green-tech-and-green-it-careers) - [6 Emerging Technologies We’ll Learn About in 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/381-6-emerging-technologies-we-ll-learn-about-in-2025) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [Top 6 Hackathons for Developers in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/263-top-6-hackathons-for-developers-in-2023)