Data Center Engineering Leader

Baseten

$130K — $180K *
Technical Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years experience in data center design and delivery.
  • Expertise in electrical distribution and cooling systems.
  • Experience with high-density GPU infrastructure setups.
  • Familiarity with structured cabling and low-voltage systems.
  • Proven track record of managing contractors and vendors effectively.
  • Strong strategic vision combined with hands-on capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Own the strategy, design, and execution of data center infrastructure.
  • Define all aspects of electrical, mechanical, and network architecture.
  • Lead decisions on power, cooling, cabling, and rack design.
  • Oversee commissioning, failover testing, and thermal validation processes.
  • Manage relationships with A/E firms, general contractors, and vendors.
  • Establish comprehensive maintenance programs and deployment standards.
  • Build and lead the engineering and operations team for data centers.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation, including meaningful equity.
  • Full medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and dependents.
  • Flexible PTO policy with company-wide Winter Break from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day.
  • Paid parental leave for family support.
  • Fertility and family-building stipend available through Carrot.
  • Company-sponsored 401(k) plan for retirement savings.
  • Exposure to a variety of ML startups, enhancing learning and networking opportunities.
Full Job Description
THE ROLE
As Baseten's Head of Data Center Infrastructure, you'll own the strategy, design, and execution of our first-generation GPU data centers. We lease powered shells-but everything inside the building is on us: power distribution, cooling, rack design, structured cabling / low-voltage systems, and the operational foundations to scale to tens, then hundreds of megawatts.
This is a high-ownership, hands-on leadership role. You'll act as the technical authority across facility design and build, working closely with contractors, vendors, and internal teams to bring new capacity online quickly and reliably. Your decisions will directly impact how fast we deploy GPUs and how efficiently they run.

EXAMPLE INITIATIVES
  • First site build - Deliver high-density GPU infrastructure inside a powered shell.
  • Power and cooling architecture - Design systems supporting 150kW+ rack densities.
  • Structured cabling and LVC - Define cable plant standards, pathways, labeling, and contractor scope.
  • Site standardization - Create repeatable designs for scaling across multiple sites.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Own data center infrastructure strategy, design, and execution.
  • Define electrical, mechanical, and physical network infrastructure architecture.
  • Lead power, cooling, cabling, and rack design decisions.
  • Own commissioning, failover testing, and thermal validation.
  • Manage A/E firms, GCs, vendors, and low-voltage contractors.
  • Establish maintenance programs, runbooks, as-builts, and deployment standards.
  • Build and lead the data center engineering and operations functions.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Experience designing and delivering data centers or large-scale infrastructure.
  • Deep knowledge of electrical distribution and cooling systems.
  • Experience with high-density racks and GPU infrastructure.
  • Familiarity with structured cabling, LVC, and fiber documentation.
  • Experience managing contractors, vendors, GCs, and A/E firms.
  • Strong ownership across strategy, design, execution, and operations.
  • Ability to operate at strategic and hands-on levels.


BENEFITS
  • Competitive compensation, including meaningful equity.
  • 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents
  • Flexible PTO policy including company wide Winter Break (our offices are closed from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day!)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Fertility and family-building stipend through Carrot
  • Company-facilitated 401(k)
  • Exposure to a variety of ML startups, offering unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.

Apply now to embark on a rewarding journey in shaping the future of AI! If you are a motivated individual with a passion for machine learning and a desire to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you.

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