Who will build the power behind America’s AI data centre boom?
From design to operations: the people behind every data centre
A data centre requires far more than servers and software. Discover the people and capabilities needed to take a facility from early design through construction and commissioning to long-term operations. When people picture a data centre, they often see rows of servers inside a highly secure building. Behind that image is a much larger network of people. A data centre must be planned, powered, constructed, tested, operated and maintained. Each phase creates different workforce requirements, and the transition between those phases is critical to successful delivery. Understanding the complete lifecycle helps organisations secure the right capabilities at the right time.
Development and design
Long before construction begins, development teams must determine whether a project is technically, commercially and operationally viable. Land, power, connectivity, permits, environmental considerations and future capacity requirements all influence the design. Projects need people who can translate these requirements into an infrastructure plan that is realistic and scalable.
Typical capabilities include:
- Project and development management
- Electrical, mechanical, civil and structural engineering
- Power and grid connection expertise
- Planning and cost estimation
- Environmental and permitting support
- Design management and technical assurance
Decisions made during this phase shape the workforce, equipment and construction requirements that follow.
Construction and project delivery
Once construction starts, workforce demand increases rapidly. Data centre developments bring together civil works, electrical and mechanical installation, power infrastructure, cooling systems, fire protection, controls and physical security. Project managers, construction managers and site supervisors coordinate these disciplines while planners and project controls professionals monitor progress, costs and critical milestones.
Projects may also need:
- Electrical and mechanical trades
- High-voltage and substation specialists
- HSE professionals
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Procurement and supply chain specialists
- Commercial and contract management
- Document control and project administration
The challenge is not simply filling individual positions. These teams must be mobilised in the correct sequence and be able to work effectively across multiple contractors and technical packages.
Testing and commissioning
Commissioning is one of the most important stages of data centre delivery. Individual systems must be tested before the complete facility can be proven ready for operation. Commissioning managers and engineers work across electrical, mechanical, controls and building management systems. They verify that equipment has been installed correctly, performs as intended and continues to operate when different failure scenarios are introduced. Integrated systems testing brings multiple disciplines together to confirm that the facility can maintain critical operations under demanding conditions. This phase requires strong technical knowledge, structured documentation, problem-solving and clear communication. Issues must be identified, understood and resolved without losing control of the wider schedule.
Handover and operational readiness
A data centre is not complete when construction ends. The transition from project delivery to operations must be carefully managed. Operational teams need accurate documentation, maintenance plans, training and a clear understanding of the facility’s systems. Knowledge can be lost when construction and commissioning teams leave before it has been properly transferred.
Operational readiness may involve:
- Facilities and operations management
- Critical environment technicians
- Electrical and mechanical maintenance
- Controls and automation specialists
- Network and infrastructure support
- Security and access management
- HSE and compliance
- Reliability and performance management
These teams take responsibility for maintaining uptime, responding to incidents and ensuring that the facility continues to perform safely and efficiently.
One facility, one connected workforce
The phases of a data centre project should not be treated as isolated activities. Designers influence constructability. Construction quality affects commissioning. Commissioning determines operational readiness. Operations teams provide lessons that can improve future facilities. Workforce planning should reflect these connections. Looking across the complete lifecycle makes it easier to anticipate demand, retain essential knowledge and avoid capability gaps during critical transitions.
Atlas NextWave supports technical and infrastructure projects from early planning through project delivery and operations. We help clients identify the people, capabilities and workforce solutions needed at each stage. Whether you are building new capacity, approaching commissioning or strengthening an operational team, speak to our Data Centres specialists about your next workforce challenge.
