CPI is seeking an experienced Project Manager SME to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise within Amazon's Critical Projects Implementation (CPI) team. This role will drive regional and AMER-wide initiatives, establish best practices, and contribute to complex infrastructure improvement projects across our data center portfolio. The position requires an exceptional leader who can influence cross-functional stakeholders, mentor team members, and shape the technical direction of critical infrastructure projects while ensuring operational excellence. Position requires up to 25% travel to support projects and initiatives as required.
This role requires an exceptional leader who can balance strategic thinking with tactical execution, drive technical excellence across multiple projects, and influence without direct authority. The successful candidate will shape the future of Amazon's data center infrastructure while maintaining operational excellence and fostering innovation.

Key job responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Program Management:
• Develop and implement comprehensive solutions for critical infrastructure improvements across multiple regions
• Establish standardized methodologies and best practices for project execution across the CPI portfolio
• Drive strategic initiatives that optimize space, power, and cooling utilization in operational data centers
• Provide technical support and direction for multiple complex, high-impact projects simultaneously
• Lead risk assessment and mitigation strategies at both project and program levels

Technical Excellence & Innovation:
• Serve as the technical resource for complex electrical, mechanical, controls, and architectural first of kind projects and program rollouts
• Develop and implement quality standards and technical requirements for CPI projects
• Identify and champion opportunities for systematic improvements and cost optimization

Cross-functional Leadership & Influence:
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior leadership, including Engineers, Managers, and Directors
• Mentor project managers and technical team members
• Lead cross-functional reviews and discussions to drive alignment on complex technical issues
• Influence design standards via constructability reviews across multiple organizations
• Collaborate with Principal Engineers and Product teams to shape technical direction

Leadership Competencies:
• Strategic thinking and long-term vision development
• Executive-level stakeholder management
• Program-level risk management and decision-making
• Technical and thought leadership
• Change management and organizational influence
• Business acumen and financial management

Basic qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management or an equivalent engineering science
- 5+ years of project management experience in data centers or comparable critical construction infrastructure (operational facilities, construction, etc)
- 5+ years of construction management experience in operational environments including on site vendor management
- Demonstrated experience leading program-level initiatives and driving organizational change
- Knowledge of data center mechanical, electrical, structural and controls systems
- Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively across competing priorities, adjusting focus based on business needs to consistently meet deadlines
- Ability to rapidly read, synthesize, and distill large volumes of technical documentation into clear, concise written deliverables that drive informed decision-making.

Preferred qualifications

- 5+ years of technical management experience in mission-critical facilities
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field
- Experience developing and implementing technical standards and best practices
- Strong executive presence and presentation skills
- History of mentoring and developing technical talent
- Professional certifications (PE, PMP or equivalent)
- Health and Safety certifications (OSHA30, NFPA70E or equivalent)

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, VA, Herndon - 111,300.00 - 186,100.00 USD annually

Project Manager Regional SME, US-East CPI