Project Manager - AI Data Center Fiber Infrastructure

Position Summary:

National OnDemand is a telecommunications construction general contractor delivering fiber optic and outside plant (OSP) infrastructure programs nationwide. We are staffing a multi-year, large-scale project to install and test fiber optic and structured cabling infrastructure inside an AI data center campus in Louisiana. NATIONAL ONDEMAND is executing this scope as a construction partner to the general contractor leading the site program, and this role owns NATIONAL ONDEMAND’s execution from mobilization through final acceptance and turnover.

The Project Manager will run day-to-day field execution, crews, scheduling, budget, and the working relationship with the general contractor’s site program team for the duration of the assignment, reporting into NATIONAL ONDEMAND’s Program Management Office. The end customer and site cannot be named in this posting full details are provided during the interview process.

Primary Position Duties:

Own the full project lifecycle for NATIONAL ONDEMAND’s fiber and structured cabling scope: initiation, planning, mobilization, execution, monitoring, testing and turnover, and closeout.
Lead deployment of fiber optic and copper structured cabling systems supporting a high-density AI compute environment, including pre-terminated and high-fiber-count cabling solutions.
Serve as NATIONAL ONDEMAND’s primary on-site point of contact to the general contractor’s program and construction management team, representing NATIONAL ONDEMAND’s scope, schedule, and quality commitments.
Develop and maintain the project schedule, work breakdown structure (WBS), and communication/governance plan coordinate project org chart, roles and responsibilities, and RACI with the GC’s team.
Build and maintain the master CPM schedule, track milestones and critical path, and manage multi-year phasing across a large, multi-building campus.
Coordinate daily with the general contractor’s engineering and construction teams and other trades (electrical, mechanical, security) on interface sequencing and site access.
Manage crews performing fiber and copper cabling placement, splicing, and testing: staffing plans, mobilization, daily production tracking, and quality assurance.
Own fiber optic testing and turnover to GC and industry standards (TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC): OTDR testing and certification, insertion loss and return loss verification, Tier 1/Tier 2 acceptance testing, SMF/MMF and MTP/MPO connectivity validation, splice certification review, and redline/as-built documentation.
Validate design compliance and installation quality against GC and manufacturer installation standards implement and drive quality management system (QMS) practices for the crew.
Support SOW development, scope and pricing discussions, and change order negotiation with the general contractor as project conditions evolve.
Manage project financials: cost tracking and forecasting, pay application review, change order management, and margin protection.
Identify and document project risks, prepare mitigation plans, and manage change approvals with the GC.
Ensure compliance with applicable prevailing wage requirements, NESC and OSHA safety standards, and the site’s access, security, and safety protocols for a live, mission-critical facility.
Manage material logistics for fiber cable, splice enclosures, patch panels, and test equipment, including procurement coordination and site staging.
Lead daily and weekly production reporting, two-week look-aheads, and status updates to both NATIONAL ONDEMAND leadership and the GC’s reporting cadence.
Identify and resolve field issues, RFIs, and constructability conflicts in real time to protect schedule and cost.
Assemble as-built documentation and closeout packages required for GC and customer acceptance and final turnover.
Use company project management and reporting tools (Monday.com, PenguinData, Power BI) to maintain schedule, production, and financial visibility.

Position Requirements:

Required

This is a 100% on-site position. Candidates must currently reside in, or relocate to, the local market before start relocation assistance is available.
6+ years managing data center, campus, or large-scale telecommunications OSP construction projects.
Direct experience overseeing fiber optic and structured cabling installation, splicing, and testing/turnover processes, including high-density and pre-terminated systems.
Working knowledge of OTDR and certification testing, SMF/MMF and MTP/MPO connectivity, and industry-standard fiber test documentation (Tier 1/Tier 2).
Familiarity with industry cabling standards (TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC) and the discipline to hold crews and vendors to them.
Experience managing labor crews and vendors across multiple concurrent work areas.
Must currently reside within a reasonable commute of the site or be willing to relocate to the local area before start this is a 100% on-site role for the duration of the assignment, not a rotational or fly-in/fly-out position.
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check and any site-specific security screening required for access to a mission-critical facility.
Ability to work on an active construction site, including data center floors and outside plant routes.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and walk extended distances across a large campus.
Ability to sit for extended periods for administrative and reporting work, and to stand or walk for extended periods during field oversight.
Ability to work in varying indoor and outdoor conditions as required by the site.

Preferred

PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.
FOA CFOT/CFOS certification or comparable fiber optic technician credential.
Prior experience on hyperscale, AI/ML, or colocation data center construction programs.
Familiarity with emerging fiber technologies (multicore, hollow-core) supporting increasing AI compute fabric density.
Experience with Davis-Bacon or other prevailing wage compliance requirements.
Comfort presenting design solutions, installation methodologies, and project status to senior stakeholders on both the NATIONAL ONDEMAND and GC sides.
Familiarity with Monday.com, PenguinData, Power BI, or comparable program management and reporting platforms.

Education or Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
Proficiency with CPM scheduling tools (MS Project or equivalent), MS Office Suite, and Bluebeam.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, splice diagrams, and fiber route maps.
Strong financial acumen: budgeting, cost forecasting, and change order management.

Benefits

This is a full time position with access to our comprehensive benefits which include paid time off (PTO), medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and 401(k). ; EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: NATIONAL OnDemand, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The company’s policy does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. NATIONAL OnDemand, Inc. prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.

FAQs

Q. What kinds of careers does National OnDemand offer?

We hire across a wide range of disciplines. That includes field operations such as fiber construction, last mile installation, specialized capabilities, and maintenance, as well as corporate and regional roles in project management, safety, HR, finance, marketing, IT, and logistics. Whether you’re interested in working in the field or at headquarters, there are opportunities to grow and make an impact.

Q. Where is National OnDemand located?

Our corporate headquarters is in Burlington, North Carolina, and we have regional offices and project sites across the United States. Many of our employees travel between job sites depending on their role. This nationwide footprint allows us to provide “on demand, anywhere in the U.S.” service for our clients and flexible career opportunities for our teams.

Q. Do I need a telecommunications background to apply?

Not necessarily. Some roles require telecom experience, but many do not. We hire people from a variety of backgrounds, including construction, utilities, project management, administration, safety, and customer service. If you bring a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, we can provide the training needed to succeed in your position.

Q. What does the hiring process look like?

The process is designed to be clear and respectful of your time:

Submit your application through our Careers page.
Our recruiting team reviews your skills and experience.
If selected, you’ll be contacted for a phone or virtual interview.
Some roles may include a skills assessment or background check.
Once a hiring decision is made, we’ll reach out with next steps and onboarding information.

We aim to communicate clearly throughout the process so you always know where things stand.

Q. Does National OnDemand provide training and advancement opportunities?

Yes. We believe in growing talent from within. Our teams have access to on-the-job training, safety certifications, leadership development, and technical programs tailored to their field. Many of our managers and directors started in entry-level positions and advanced through performance and dedication.

Q. What kind of benefits are offered?

Eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance and disability coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Paid time off and holidays
Employee assistance and wellness programs

Specific benefits vary by position and employment type, but we strive to provide competitive, supportive options across the company.

Q. Does the company support work-life balance?

We understand that balance looks different for every employee. Field teams may work variable schedules depending on project timelines, while corporate roles may follow more traditional business hours. We encourage leaders to foster realistic workloads and open communication so employees can perform at their best both professionally and personally.

Q. What is the company culture like?

Our culture is rooted in the six core values that define who we are and how we work. At National OnDemand, Integrity guides every decision, ensuring we do what’s right even when no one is watching. We believe in Teamwork, working together across boundaries to meet customer needs and help one another succeed. You can count on Reliability from every member of our team — consistent, trustworthy performance that our clients and coworkers depend on. We show Respect for each other, our clients, and the communities we serve, valuing every perspective and contribution. We pursue Excellence in everything we do, delivering premium quality and service that set us apart. And we never forget Gratitude, recognizing and appreciating the people who make our success possible. This shared commitment shapes a culture where employees feel supported, valued, and proud to deliver “Anytime, Anywhere” service every day.

Q. How does National OnDemand approach safety?

Safety is a core value across every division. All employees receive thorough safety training, and our teams follow established protocols to protect themselves, their coworkers, and the communities we serve. At the corporate level, our Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team ensures compliance with all federal, state, and client-specific standards so that every employee returns home safely at the end of each day.

Q. How can I check the status of my application?

You can log into the Careers portal to view your application status. Our recruiting team also communicates directly by email if additional information or interviews are needed. If you haven’t heard back within a few weeks, you’re always welcome to follow up with our HR department for an update.

Q. What makes National OnDemand a great place to work?

We are a fast-growing, national organization with the heart of a family-run business. Employees appreciate the combination of stability, opportunity, and purpose that comes with helping build the networks that connect communities across the country. At National OnDemand, you’re not just taking a job — you’re joining a team that’s building the future of connectivity.

Q. What qualifications or certifications are required to work in fiber optics?

Many of our entry-level roles don’t require prior fiber experience as we provide on-the-job training. However, certifications like OSHA safety training, CDL licenses, or fiber optic certifications can be helpful for advancing in certain technical positions.