Principal Program Manager - Data Center Deployment

About the Role

We're looking for a Doer —someone who lives and breathes the site. This role sits at the center of our GPU cluster deployments...

What You'll Do

Onsite Delivery & Execution

• Own cluster bootstrapping, cabling, and fit-out execution from initial deployment through production readiness.
• Use LLDs as the reference point to verify that onsite work is being executed according to plan.
• Maintain complete visibility into onsite blockers and proactively remove them.
• Be regularly present during construction and onsite throughout active deployment phases.
• Build trusted relationships with vendors, contractors, and engineering teams.

Technical Leadership

• Bring credible technical judgment to design and readiness reviews.
• Anticipate recurring technical issues across sites and drive preventative solutions.
• Facilitate technical trade-off decisions across engineering, operations, and customers.
• Resolve moderately complex technical challenges independently.

Program & Risk Management

• Proactively identify program-level risks before they impact delivery.
• Manage schedules, dependencies, and risks across multiple concurrent deployments.
• Drive systemic improvements across programs.
• Create scalable operating mechanisms for consistent execution.

Stakeholder & Executive Communication

• Serve as the trusted leader when deployments encounter challenges.
• Navigate customer escalations and vendor performance issues.
• Translate technical complexity into executive-ready updates.
• Provide concise reporting on risks, decisions, and milestones.

Process Improvement & Team Development

• Improve deployment processes, tools, and operational practices.
• Balance standardization with program-specific needs.
• Mentor and develop TPMs and onsite talent.
• Build organizational capability by growing others.

Who Thrives in This Role

• Doers. You lead from the floor, not from a dashboard.
• Trusted leaders. You earn confidence through competence and execution.
• Calm under pressure. You bring clarity when deployments go off track.
• People builders. You enjoy developing others.
• Systems thinkers. You recognize patterns across multiple deployments and drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an onsite Technical Program Manager, Deployment Lead, or similar role supporting data center construction, GPU cluster deployments, or large-scale infrastructure delivery.
• Hands-on experience interpreting and applying Low-Level Designs (LLDs) to verify onsite implementation.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex deployments simultaneously.
• Strong technical credibility and readiness review experience.
• Experience managing third-party vendors and driving accountability.
• Excellent executive communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively and remain onsite for extended periods during active deployment phases.

The range below reflects the base salary for the position. Actual compensation may vary based on job-related factors such as skill set, experience, education, and location. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for bonus, equity, and/or commission programs. Nscale may offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible paid time off, parental leave, and retirement plan participation.

Salary Range

• $250,000 — $375,000 USD
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