Director, Construction US

Nscale • US • 2h ago

Job Title:	Director, Data Center Construction (US)
Department:	Data Center
Division:	Design & Construction
Reports To:	VP, Data Center Construction (US)
Location:	US, Remote
Position Type:	Full-Time, Permanent

About Nscale

Nscale is the GPU cloud engineered for AI. We provide cost-effective, high-performance infrastructure for AI start-ups and large enterprise customers. Nscale enables AI-focused companies to achieve superior results by reducing the complexity of AI development. Our GPU cloud bolsters technical capabilities and directly supports strategic business outcomes, including cost management, rapid innovation, and environmental responsibility.

We thrive on a culture of relentless innovation, ownership, and accountability, where every team member takes pride in their work and drives it with excellence and urgency. As an NScaler, you’ll build trust through openness and transparency, where everyone is inspired to do their best work. If you join our team, you’ll be contributing to building the technology that powers the future

About the Role

Nscale is building and operating high-performance, AI-optimized data centers across the United States. The Director of Data Center Construction (US) will own end-to-end delivery of new-build and expansion projects within assigned markets, ensuring that assigned sites are delivered safely, on time, on budget, and to Nscale’s standards for resilience, efficiency, and sustainability.
This role sits at the intersection of development, design, procurement, and operations, partnering closely with Nscale’s Data Center Co (Data Centre Services), GPU Co (AI Services), and Corporate Services to turn US pipeline sites into operational capacity.

What You’ll be Doing (Responsibilities)

Program & Project Delivery

For an assigned region or multibuilding campus, oversee the full lifecycle of new builds, expansions, and retrofits: preconstruction, budgeting, design coordination, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning.
Drive predictable execution against schedule, cost, and quality targets, with transparent reporting to senior leadership.
Oversee contractor selection, RFPs, and contract negotiation in partnership with Procurement and Legal.
Champion safety, quality, and compliance across all US construction sites.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate with Design & Engineering to align on design standards, value engineering, and innovation in MEP, cooling, and sustainability.
Collaborate with the GPU Co (AI Services) to coordinate the hand off of data center space for GPU deployment and fitout.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance

Implement robust project governance including risk registers, change control, and lessons-learned loops across assigned data center projects.
Ensure adherence to Nscale’s data center security, access control, acceptable behaviour, and health and safety policies, and to applicable US federal, state, and local regulations.

About You (Skills / Qualifications)

Required

10–15+ years of experience in large-scale construction, including significant experience delivering mission-critical or data center facilities in the US.
3+ years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director of Construction, Program Director, or equivalent) with multi-site or regional remit
Proven track record delivering complex MEP-heavy projects on time and on budget in live or near-live data center environments.
Deep understanding of construction insurance and bonding requirements and industry norms.
Strong commercial skills in budgeting, forecasting, contract negotiation, and change management.
Experience building and scaling high-performing construction teams and managing general contractors and specialist vendors.
Familiarity with US building codes, electrical and safety standards, and permitting processes relevant to data centers.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence at C-suite.

Preferred

Experience in hyperscale, colocation, or AI/HPC-focused data centers.
Experience coordinating with utility providers, network carriers, and AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) in major US data center markets.
Professional engineering, construction management, or project management credentials (e.g., PE, PMP, MRICS).

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Nscale, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our work environment, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, parents, carers, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. If there’s anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.

The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and are intended to provide a general overview of the position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by management, consistent with the skills and qualifications required for the role.