Research Data Center Facility Director

🔍 Business Affairs: University IT (UIT), Stanford, California, United States

📁: Facilities

📅   : Nov 01, 2023 Post Date

📅   : 101235 Requisition #

Stanford Research Computing is looking for an experienced facility manager to join our team. Our staff work directly with some of the world's top researchers in a broad range of disciplines, across all of Stanford’s seven schools — while also supporting and learning from each other in cross-project endeavors. We maintain and manage several advanced research computing facilities, and we support a variety of environments for Stanford research. In Stanford Research Computing, you’ll have a rare opportunity to contribute to discoveries and inventions that have global reach and positive impact, and to share in the curiosity and commitment of the scholars and scientists who lead these projects.

This important role provides overall leadership and operational management for on-prem data centers that support the computing, storage and networking infrastructure for high performance computing at Stanford, Stanford Medicine and SLAC. Reporting to the CTO for Research Computing, this position is responsible for the strategic planning and the day-to-day management and operation of two conjoined multi-tenant high performance computing data center facilities, collectively referred to as the Stanford Research Computing Facility (SRCF) as well as one smaller separate facility. The primary objectives of this position are to ensure that data center operations support and enable researchers’ ability to maximize the science produced by use of the systems hosted therein, and that the operating environments and facility mechanical & electrical systems and associated infrastructure are reliable, optimized and available. This position also manages two data center facility engineers.

Specifically, the Facility Director will:

Serve as the primary liaison between the Research Computing team, University IT Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI) group, LBRE Zones Manager, Building & Grounds Maintenance, SLAC operations, vendors and other external contractors for issues related to the operation and maintenance all aspects of the facility.
Be responsible for maintenance and operation of the SRCF, including electrical systems, mechanical and HVAC systems, facility and equipment monitoring, janitorial services, and all other aspects of the data center facility. Proactively maintain and track preventative maintenance programs for facility components.
Ensure the ongoing production operation of the data center to maximize the reliability and availability of the research systems in the SRCF.
Think logically and creatively to develop and implement operational tuning processes and procedures that provide reliable operation, maintenance and inventory of the facility, with adequate safety and security, while preserving the flexibility required for research systems and their owners.
Ensure facility space and power use are aligned with documented partnership agreements between Stanford, the School of Medicine, and SLAC as well as any regulatory standards.
Initiate requests for and manage personnel performing any mechanical, plumbing, electrical and general maintenance work to the building facilities. Ensure that the personnel are delivering quality services and that the facility’s needs are being met.
Serve as primary contact for required county environmental documents such as Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP), Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), and Stormwater Protection Plan (SWPP).
Perform electrical consumption forecasting, reporting for planning and billing functions.
Keep monitoring systems and services up-to-date, ensuring an efficient operating environment with documented results and trends. Coordinate system owners’ monitoring change requests with the monitoring tool vendor or developer, or through a provided tool.
Work with Research Computing leadership to plan future facility upgrades and expansions to help ensure that the facility remains relevant to researchers’ needs.
Provide management and direction for two facility engineers.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum of 6 years relevant work experience, including work in a data center
Demonstrated breadth of understanding of electrical and mechanical systems in a data center environment
Understanding of the basics of high performance computing, server operation and components, and associated networking features and functions. Experience with computing system troubleshooting, installation, and repair.
Ability to interact effectively and credibly with advanced technology researchers and representatives.
Strong customer service focus
Project management experience
Strong organizational skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Proficiency with Google WOrkspace Tools (Google Docs, Sheets and presentation)
Supervisory experience in a technical setting

Physical Requirements

Occasionally sitting, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Frequently stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 11-20 pounds.
Frequently kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.

Working Conditions

On-site position, working at the SRCF data centers on the SLAC campus, 8 am - 5 pm daily.
Requires 24-hour response availability seven days per week for emergency situations.
Frequently exposed to noise >80dB TWA, confined spaces, hot temperatures in data center environments.
Often working at heights 4 - 10 ft.
Occasional travel on campus to schools/units, occasional out of town travel.
Extended hours and weekend work required occasionally, and rotation of on- and off-site responsibilities during winter closure.

The expected pay range for this position is $147,000 – 185,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enriched the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. Join a TedTalk, watch a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leaders speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information