Principal, Facilities AI
About this role
Managing the complex operational demands of mega-scale data centers requires bridging the gap between traditional mission-critical facilities and modern automation. Fleet Data Centers needs a Principal, Facilities AI to build the strategy, technical standards, and implementation roadmap for applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to mission-critical operations. Working as a senior individual contributor, the person in this position will identify where automation materially improves safety, reliability, speed, quality, and labor productivity.
Collaboration happens across Operations, Facilities Engineering, Critical Systems, Data, and Product/Technology stakeholders to translate everyday operational problems into practical digital solutions that improve field execution and decision quality. The ideal candidate brings extensive background in mission-critical facilities or industrial automation, balancing technical innovation with high standards for operational discipline, governance, and safety.
What you will do
- Develop the overall strategy, use cases, technical standards, and implementation roadmap for applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to mission-critical facilities operations.
- Partner with site operations, facilities engineering, critical systems, and data teams to ensure models and automations are grounded in real operating conditions and trustworthy data.
- Establish governance frameworks for model quality, explainability, human-in-the-loop controls, change management, and risk management in operational environments.
- Drive pilot design, validation criteria, implementation sequencing, and scale-up decisions based on measurable performance metrics.
- Shape data standards, instrumentation requirements, system integrations, and telemetry quality needed to support advanced analytics and automation.
- Create clear technical and operational documentation so solutions can be adopted, audited, supported, and improved over time.
- Advise leaders on where automation should accelerate work, where it should support humans, and where it should not be applied.
What you need
- Bring over 10 years of experience spanning mission-critical facilities, industrial automation, data systems, advanced analytics, or related engineering disciplines.
- Demonstrate practical experience applying automation, analytics, or machine learning to real operational workflows or physical infrastructure environments.
- Possess a strong understanding of data center operations, critical systems, maintenance, telemetry, or industrial monitoring.
- Translate ambiguous operational problems into practical product, data, or automation requirements.
- Show expert knowledge of AI fundamentals, multiple model types, and their application use cases in physical or industrial settings.
- Exhibit strong communication skills and executive presence to influence across technical and operational functions with high standards for governance.
Nice to have
- Experience with DCIM/BMS/EPMS/SCADA, CMMS, or operational data platforms in data centers or similar critical infrastructure
- Experience designing decision-support tools, anomaly detection solutions, predictive maintenance models, or workflow automation tools for operations organizations
- Familiarity with hyperscale, colocation, utility, manufacturing, or other high-availability environments
Benefits
- 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401K program
- Standard paid holidays
- Unlimited PTO
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote work policy for this position?
The role supports remote US work with locations listed in Alexandria, Virginia, Austin, Texas, Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington. Employees should also expect willingness and ability to travel to Fleet sites as needed.
What is the compensation range for this role?
The position offers a base salary between $170,000 and $190,000. Additionally, the compensation package includes a discretionary bonus and comprehensive benefits.
What technologies and systems will I work with?
You will focus on AI, machine learning, and automation applications for mission-critical facilities. Preferred familiarity includes DCIM, BMS, EPMS, SCADA, CMMS, and operational data platforms.
The application is on the official Fleet Data Centers careers page.
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