Data Center Senior Project Manager
McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We partner with clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design, driven by our people.
About the role
We are looking for a seasoned Senior Project Manager with deep expertise in data center site development to lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects from early feasibility through design and construction support. This high-impact role blends technical excellence, project delivery, and market growth to drive results for premier clients while helping scale McAdams’ expanding Data Center practice. You will shape strategy, influence market direction, and expand capabilities with the support of a collaborative leadership team and internal resources.
Responsibilities
- Lead site/civil design for data centers and other complex developments, including institutional, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
- Direct all phases of design—site layout, grading, drainage, utilities/infrastructure, and erosion & sediment control—from concept to completion.
- Manage budgets, schedules, risk, and deliverables, including feasibility studies, stormwater management plans, utility reports, specifications, and related documentation.
- Prepare and/or review technical deliverables, including feasibility studies, stormwater management plans, utility reports, specifications, and related documentation.
- Build trusted client partnerships and proactively identify new opportunities—especially within the hyperscale and colocation data center market.
- Lead permitting efforts, working with local agencies and municipalities to ensure timely approvals and compliance with applicable regulations; address agency comments and facilitate site permitting processes.
- Support proposal development, interviews, and strategic growth initiatives to expand market presence.
- Mentor and develop team members, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
Requirements
- Four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field.
- EI required; PE or on track to obtain PE strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success delivering hyperscale and colocation data center projects, from early planning and pre-design through detailed design and construction support.
- 10+ years of site/civil engineering experience, including a strong data center portfolio.
- Strong working knowledge of local land use regulations, entitlement, and permitting processes.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
- Expertise in stormwater management, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, and SWPPP compliance.
- Exceptional technical writing and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development experience.
- Professional organization involvement.
Skills
- Excellent client-facing communication and relationship management.
- Business development capabilities.
- Energized by traveling to build practices and advance projects.
Work Environment + Physical Demands
The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
- Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
- Work will primarily involve use of fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping, often with repetitive motion.
- Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear, and sit for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to carry, lift, and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
- Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.
Why McAdams
- Opportunities to shape strategy and grow a practice.
- Exposure to high-impact projects across multiple market sectors.
- A united, team-first culture.
- A platform for long-term career growth and leadership development.
See what our teammates have to say about their experience at McAdams: https://youtu.be/XnX3G3m75uU?si=mqK1uX9scsjTjhPn