Associate Director - Data Center Infrastructure Readiness & Performance

Job Type:  Full-Time | Location: Dallas/ Fort Worth, Texas   | Department:  Engineering | Reporting to:  Global Director, Asset Management and Operational Excellence | Work Location Type:  #remote

IREN is a vertically integrated AI Cloud provider, delivering large-scale data centers and GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and power in renewable-rich regions across North America, Europe and APAC.

Reporting to the Global Director, Asset Management & Operational Excellence, the Associate Director, Data Center Infrastructure Readiness & Performance is accountable for taking IREN’s data centre infrastructure and facilities from construction and commissioning into operations, and for the operating standards and performance governance that keep them reliable through their operating life. The role is the liaison from design engineering and construction through commissioning into Operations: it brings Operations along through the L1 to L5 commissioning stages and accepts each stage on behalf of Operations. It sets the operating parameters, guardrails and risk-based limits that protect asset health and reliability, and owns the performance frameworks, KPIs and governance processes that let the fleet scale while maintaining reliability. The role leads the Operational Excellence & Compliance pillar, growing from a team of one to a multi-site team of Operational Readiness & Compliance Leads as the portfolio expands. It is grounded in facility engineering and 24/7 critical-facilities operations: electrical and mechanical infrastructure, commissioning, maintenance and operating discipline.

With 100% renewable energy, we build, own and operate our data centers and take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable solutions for the ever-evolving applications of high-performance compute. We believe that human progress is invaluable, but it should be done in the right way – responsibly, sustainably and having a positive impact on the communities we operate in.

Responsibilities

• Own operational readiness for the transition from construction and commissioning into live operations: set the readiness protocol (Level 1 to Level 5), accept handover from the construction and commissioning organization on behalf of Operations and hold the acceptance gate at each level, and lead the Operational Readiness & Compliance Leads deployed to each new site through ramp-up and stabilization.
• Set the operating parameters, guardrails and risk-based limits that protect asset health, and lead the business case for bringing select maintenance and operational functions in-house where it improves cost or reliability.
• Own the performance framework, KPIs and stewardship process, including dashboards for maintenance completion, work order resolution and labour efficiency, that give leadership visibility and drive decisions as the portfolio scales; own the reporting partnership with the integrated operations centre and the data model the KPIs read from.
• Own the operating standards suite (SOPs, MOPs, EOPs, maintenance playbooks and technical documentation) across IREN’s data centre portfolio, setting the standard method for maintenance effectiveness, work execution and operational planning and assuring it is followed.
• Lead the operational audit and assurance program: set the audit framework, direct reviews of site adherence to company and customer requirements, and hold sites to corrective action closure.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives affecting site readiness, scalability and operational performance, and shape the operating model, systems and practices that support growth.
• Define the competencies required to operate and maintain assets to IREN’s operating standards; support Operations and HSSE in building the training and exercise programs against them.
• Hold technical authority for the operating standards, readiness protocol and operational management of change: approve standards and deviations within them, reduce approval timelines while strengthening audit and compliance readiness, and escalate enterprise-level deviations to the Global Director.
• Own the lessons-learned system and the operational governance framework for the portfolio, institutionalizing consistency and repeatability globally.
• Act as the senior interface between site operations, the commissioning organization and corporate operational excellence, accountable for organizational readiness across the business and serving as the commissioning-to-operations liaison.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Engineering, Technical Studies, or equivalent), with relevant certifications or technical leadership training considered an asset.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in critical-facilities engineering or mission-critical operations (electrical and mechanical infrastructure, commissioning, 24/7 operations) with multi-site scope, preferably within hyperscale, colocation, or large-scale industrial environments.
• Demonstrated experience building and owning KPI tracking, audit frameworks, or operational governance processes across multiple sites.
• Experience operating across the construction-to-operations boundary, including facility onboarding and commissioning handover, with accountability for the acceptance decision.
• Demonstrated progression from hands-on site-level execution to leadership of operational governance or process improvement, including leading a team.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead through functional direction without direct line authority across site teams.
• Sound technical judgment and the ability to hold technical accountability (approve standards and deviations) while aligning with enterprise standards.

Benefits

At IREN, we offer a comprehensive, market-competitive total rewards package designed to support employees’ well-being, career advancement, and financial wealth. Our offerings reflect our commitment to Proceed with Purpose while rewarding high performance and long-term growth. 

Compensation 

• Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications.
• Relocation and Living-out-allowance (as applicable and based on successful candidate circumstances)

Health & Wellness 

• 100% company paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependents
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – when combined with the High-Deductible Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Retirement & Financial Wealth 

• 401(k)  retirement plan with company match
• Paid professional development and access to financial planning and legal services

Time Off & Leave Programs 

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

Growth & Development 

• Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related training

Community & Culture 

• Company events and team-building activities

We value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you’re passionate about this role, we want to hear from you — whether you meet every criteria or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need!   

IE US Operations Inc., the employing entity and proud member of the IREN group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are committed to evaluating qualified applicants and do not discriminate against protected characteristics under applicable legislation. 

IE US Operations, Inc. “IREN” participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. 

By applying for this position and submitting your resume and application materials, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with our Job Applicant Privacy Statement available on our website at www.iren.com.