Program Manager - Data Centre Design & Engineering

hybrid
Calgary, Alberta, Canada .
full-time . March 4, 2026

Description

Bold ideas need dependable infrastructure and people who can build and maintain it.

At Qu, we run sovereign, in-country infrastructure, data centres, cloud, and managed services, so Canada’s builders and innovators can move fast without trading away control. Your work will help keep data close to home, accelerate teams, and scale growth for the builders and dreamers who rely on us.

We’re building for decades, backed by InfraRed Capital Partners and Sun Life. We’re small by design, 120 people, so your voice carries and your impact shows. You’ll work on real problems that matter: to take the routine and the complex off our customers’ plates so they can focus on what they need to grow.

If you want your best work to power someone else’s moonshot, this is your place. Quiet power, built for the builders and the dreamers. We’re Qu.

Role Overview

The Program Manager, Data Centre Design & Engineering is a senior leader responsible for driving end-to-end program management, technical oversight, and strategic execution of high-density data center build initiatives. This role leads multidisciplinary projects through design, construction, commissioning, and handover phases, with a strong emphasis on liquid-cooled (DLC) and advanced air-cooled high-density deployments. The Program Manager ensures alignment with engineering standards, operational requirements, utility partners, and vendor ecosystems to deliver safe, reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.

This position demands exceptional leadership, engineering literacy, construction expertise, and organizational discipline to support rapid deployment timelines in a complex, mission-critical environment. A successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge of critical infrastructure, Data Center operations, a

calm approach when responding to stressful situations, and be able to self-manage a flexible work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Management

Own full life-cycle leadership of high-density data center build programs across multiple regions or campuses.
Provide strategic direction and executive-level communication to stakeholders, ensuring clarity on scope, schedule, budget, and risk.
Lead cross-functional projects spanning design engineering, construction management, commissioning, operations, networking, supply chain, and commercial teams.
Drive accountability, performance, and delivery excellence through structured governance and milestone planning.

High-Density Design & Engineering Collaboration

Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, structural, and controls engineers to define technical requirements for high-density and DLC deployments.
Validate and optimize designs related to:

o Liquid cooling (direct-to-chip, rear door heat exchangers, CDU integration)

o Advanced air cooling and containment strategies

o Power distribution for high-density cabinets

o Utility interconnects and infrastructure reinforcement

o Ensure compliance with standards, codes, and safety regulations.

Construction & Deployment Execution

Oversee ground-up construction, expansion, or retrofit projects supporting high-density compute.
Coordinate site readiness activities including civil works, electrical infrastructure upgrades, mechanical plant installations, and white space fit-ups.
Work with contractors, engineering firms, and third-party project managers to ensure quality, schedule adherence, and scope alignment.
Champion commissioning readiness, testing protocols, QA/QC, and turnover documentation

Vendor & Utility Management

Manage relationships with key vendors including cooling solution suppliers, general contractors, engineering consultants, OEMs, and service partners.
Partner with utilities (power, water) to ensure capacity availability, timely connections, and compliance with regional requirements.
Negotiate contracts, evaluate vendor performance, and drive continuous improvement in delivery and cost optimization.
Reporting, Metrics & Stakeholder Communication

Develop and maintain comprehensive reporting dashboards covering:

Schedule status and critical path tracking
Budget forecasts, cost-to-complete, and variance analyses
Risk registers and mitigation planning
Vendor performance KPIs
Commissioning progress and readiness scores
Deliver structured updates to executives, finance teams, and operations leaderships.

Governance, Standards & Quality

Ensure projects meet internal design guidelines, safety standards, and reliability expectations.
Lead post-mortem reviews, lessons learned sessions, and standardization efforts to improve future deployments.
Drive continuous improvement in delivery processes, documentation, and cross-functional coordination..

Qualifications

Required:

10+ years of experience in Data Center design, construction, engineering, or mission-critical project management.
Proven leadership of large-scale, complex build programs involving high-density deployments (DLC and advanced air cooling).
Strong understanding of MEP systems, structural coordination, utility infrastructure, and commissioning procedures.
Demonstrated excellence in project governance, schedule management, and cost control.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage large volumes of technical information.
Superior communication skills across technical and executive audiences.
Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field or equivalent work experience
PMP, PE, or similar accreditation.
Experience with hyperscale or multi-tenant data center environments.
Familiarity with sustainability, energy efficiency programs, and next-generation cooling technologies

Why Join Qu

Be part of a once-in-a-career opportunity to shape Canada’s newest independent and data sovereign data centre and cloud services platform.
Work with a passionate leadership team committed to building a high-performing, customer-centric culture.
Competitive compensation, benefits, and significant opportunity for career growth as the company expands its product suite.

At Qu, we are committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace where all employees feel respected and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We are also committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs, in accordance with applicable human rights and accessibility legislation.

Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Let them know!