Let Us Help Build Your Datacenter Dream Team
Providing the talent acquisition expertise to find, vet, and place the industry’s most sought-after datacenter talent into your organization.
The data center industry is evolving rapidly, and skilled professionals are the cornerstone of this growth. At EMA Partners, we help organizations like yours bridge the talent gap with precision, delivering the leaders and specialists needed to ensure efficiency, scalability, and innovation.
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The Data Center Talent Shortage Is Real —And Growing
The demand for talent in the data center industry has outpaced supply. Organizations are struggling to fill critical roles, which slows growth, impacts uptime, and delays innovation.
We help fill these critical senior and experienced datacenter roles:
· Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
· Data Center Manager
· Project Engineer – Data Center Design
· Critical Infrastructure Technician
· AI/ML Engineer
· Cybersecurity Analyst
· Sr. Data Center Architect
· Cloud Solutions Architect
· Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
· Facilities Manager
· Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer
· Renewable Energy Specialist
Note that for early career talent in datacenters, we work with a leading datacenter talent training center.
In short, we bring qualified talent to the high-tech world of datacenters, especially those being retrofitted and re-designed or built ground-up for artificial intelligence compute demands.
- Double-Digit Growth: The data center industry is growing over 25% annually.
- 19,000+ New Staff Needed Each Year: Roles in operations, engineering, and management are in high demand.
- Aging Workforce & Limited Pipeline: The lack of new, skilled professionals creates bottlenecks for scaling operations.
Why Industry Leaders Choose EMA Partners
EMA Partners is trusted by organizations worldwide to secure top-tier data center talent. Our experience and dedication ensure we deliver results for every search.
- Deep Industry Expertise:
With leaders from AWS, telecom, and mission-critical infrastructure, we understand the unique challenges you face. - Proven Processes:
From talent mapping to seamless onboarding, our approach ensures the right technical and cultural fit every time. - Exclusive Talent Network:
Gain access to a global pool of pre-vetted professionals—ready to deliver results immediately.
Former AWS executive and data center start-up leader, helping top companies solve the industry’s talent challenges.
From Executive Leadership to Entry-Level Specialists— We Deliver
EMA Partners specializes in sourcing high-impact professionals across all levels of data center operations. Here are just a few of the critical roles we fill
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Leads the organization’s technical vision, ensuring innovation and scalability.
- Data Center Manager: Oversees the full lifecycle of operations, driving efficiency and compliance.
- Project Engineer - Data Center Design: Develops optimized designs for performance, cooling, and efficiency.
- Critical Infrastructure Technician: Maintains critical systems, including HVAC, power, and cooling, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
- AI/ML Engineer: Implements predictive maintenance and operational efficiency tools using AI.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protects infrastructure and data from cybersecurity threats.
- Sr. Data Center Architect: Designs scalable, resilient infrastructure for hyperscale and colocation facilities.
- Cloud Solutions Architect:Develops cloud-based solutions to support seamless scalability.
- Electrical & Mechanical Engineers:Ensure critical reliability and efficiency of power and cooling systems.
- Facilities Manager: Manages compliance, safety, and operational standards for mission-critical infrastructure.
- Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer: Ensures real-time network monitoring and peak performance.
- Renewable Energy Specialist: Integrates sustainable energy solutions into operations to reduce environmental impact.
Proven Processes to Close the Gap
Our approach ensures that your organization gets access to the best talent, whether for immediate hires or long-term workforce planning.
- Strategic Talent Mapping: We identify candidates across active and passive talent pools globally.
- Partnerships That Deliver: Collaborating with training providers, military pipelines, and colleges to source new talent.
- Comprehensive Vetting: From skill validation to cultural fit assessments, we ensure every hire meets your standards.
We Understand that A Shortage of Talent Is a Shortage of Efficiency and Growth
In a fast-paced industry driven by AI, cryptocurrency, and edge computing, talent delays mean:
- Missed Deadlines: Growth and innovation slow without the right team in place.
- Lost Revenue: Operational inefficiencies impact profitability.
EMA Partners accelerates time-to-hire while maintaining quality.
A Letter from Our Global Practice Leader, AI
Dear Data Center Leaders,
The data center industry is at the forefront of innovation. As demand for hyperscale growth, AI workloads, and edge computing accelerates, one thing remains clear: success depends on having the right team.
At EMA Partners, we understand the challenges you face. My career began with acquiring and launching a data center, where I learned firsthand how critical the right talent is to success.
Later, at Amazon Web Services (AWS), I led global initiatives to scale and assemble high-performing teams that transformed the industry.
Today, at EMA Partners, I’m passionate about solving the industry’s most pressing talent challenges. Our retained search services are designed to deliver the professionals who will drive your success—whether you’re hiring C-level executive leaders, engineering specialists, or operations experts.
Let’s talk about how we can build your future together.
Sincerely,
Ezra Hodge
Global Practice Leader, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Managing Partner, EMA Partners Seattle
A Letter from Our Sr. Managing Partner
Dear Data Center Leaders,
With decades of experience as a retained search consultant, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with some of the world’s most dynamic organizations. I’ve conducted hundreds of successful searches across industries, ensuring businesses like yours are equipped with the leadership and talent needed to grow, innovate, and succeed.
The data center industry is a prime example of transformation at an unprecedented scale. As demand for hyperscale builds, AI-driven infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives accelerates, the pressure to secure skilled professionals has never been greater.
Finding the right leaders and specialists is no longer just a challenge—it’s a business imperative.
At EMA Partners, we understand the complexities of your world. My extensive experience includes spearheading high-level searches across mission-critical environments, helping companies build teams that not only meet today’s challenges but prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right hire can revolutionize an organization, drive innovation, and solidify market leadership.
I’m proud to bring this wealth of experience to your talent needs. Whether you’re seeking visionary executives, strategic engineers, or operational experts, my team and I are committed to delivering results that exceed expectations.
Let’s have a conversation about your specific challenges and how EMA Partners can help you secure the professionals who will shape the future of your data center operations. Together, we’ll build the team that powers your success.
Sincerely,
Richard Sbarbaro
Sr. Managing Partner, EMA Partners
Global Practice Leader
Dedicated, Focused, Effective
Our retained search model ensures that your hiring needs receive priority attention and top-tier results.
- Exclusive Priority: Your critical roles get the focus they deserve.
- Customized Solutions: Tailored hiring strategies for leadership, niche, and entry-level roles.
- Post-Hire Support: Ongoing engagement to ensure retention and long-term success.
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Let’s Build the Future of Your Data Center Together
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Your Data Center Talent Solution—Built to Power Growth
In the rapidly evolving data center industry, finding the right talent is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. With increasing demands driven by AI, cryptocurrency, hyperscale deployments, and renewable energy integration, the need for skilled professionals has never been greater.
At EMA Partners, we specialize in retained search services designed to solve one of the industry’s greatest challenges: talent shortages. Whether you’re building new facilities, upgrading existing infrastructure, or scaling operations to meet growing demand, our team ensures you have the talent to thrive.
The Data Center Talent Shortage Is Real—And Growing
The data center industry is experiencing double-digit growth, with over 700,000 jobs in the U.S. alone. Yet, the sector is grappling with a serious challenge: the demand for talent far exceeds supply.
- 19,000+ Staff Needed Every Year: Critical roles remain unfilled, impacting uptime and scalability.
- Aging Workforce: Retirements have created a vacuum of experienced professionals.
- Limited Talent Pipeline: A lack of specialized training programs has left the industry struggling to upskill the next generation.
This talent gap threatens growth and operational efficiency. But there’s a solution.
Why Industry Leaders Choose EMA Partners
At EMA Partners, we don’t just fill roles; we build teams. With a proven track record in data center operations, IT infrastructure, and mission-critical environments, our team delivers the expertise and insights you need.
- Deep Industry Knowledge: Led by Ezra Hodge, a former AWS executive and data center founder, our team understands your unique challenges and opportunities.
- Proven Processes: From strategic talent mapping to onboarding, we ensure every hire meets your technical and cultural requirements.
- Exclusive Talent Network: Access to a global pool of pre-vetted professionals—from seasoned leaders to highly skilled technicians.
We bring decades of experience to every search, making us the trusted partner for organizations worldwide.
Find out why top organizations trust EMA Partners.
The success of your data center operations depends on the right people in the right positions. EMA Partners specializes in sourcing top talent for the most critical roles, including:
- Leadership Roles:
a. Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Shapes and drives your organization’s technical strategy, ensuring scalability and innovation.
b. Chief Information Officer (CIO): Aligns IT strategy with business goals to enhance efficiency and security.
c. Vice President of Data Center Operations: Oversees daily operations to maximize uptime, compliance, and performance. - Specialized Technical Roles:
- 4. Sr. Data Center Architect: Designs resilient and scalable infrastructure solutions for hyperscale, colocation, and edge facilities.
5. AI/ML Engineer: Implements advanced AI tools for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.
6. Cybersecurity Analyst: Safeguards your infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.
7. Cloud Solutions Architect: Designs cloud-based solutions for seamless data center scalability. - Operational Roles:
8. Data Center Manager: Ensures smooth day-to-day operations while maintaining compliance and uptime standards.
9. Critical Infrastructure Technician: Maintains essential systems like HVAC, power, and cooling to ensure uninterrupted performance.
10. Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer: Monitors and manages network infrastructure for real-time issue resolution.
11. Facilities Manager: Oversees compliance, safety, and mission-critical infrastructure operations.
12. Renewable Energy Specialist: Integrates sustainable energy solutions to reduce environmental impact. - Entry-Level Roles:
13. Project Engineer – Data Center Design: Supports the design and implementation of efficient, cost-effective facilities.
14. Electrical & Mechanical Engineers: Contribute to maintaining and improving the reliability of power and cooling systems.
Explore our unmatched expertise in filling these critical roles
How EMA Partners Solves Talent Shortages
EMA Partners offers a proven process to ensure you secure the talent you need to grow and thrive.
- Strategic Talent Mapping: We identify active and passive candidates globally, leveraging our industry connections and data-driven insights.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Working with community colleges, certification programs, and military transition pipelines, we expand the talent pool to include diverse, motivated candidates.
- Rigorous Vetting: Every candidate is assessed for technical expertise, cultural fit, and leadership potential through comprehensive evaluations.
Whether you’re hiring executives, specialists, or entry-level technicians, we deliver talent with the skills and commitment to meet your goals.
Let’s discuss how we can solve your hiring challenges.
Every Day Without the Right Hire Costs You
The rapid growth of AI, cryptocurrency, and edge computing has placed unprecedented pressure on the data center industry. The cost of delayed hiring is significant:
- Missed Growth Opportunities: A lack of skilled talent slows project timelines and hinders innovation.
- Increased Costs: Operational inefficiencies lead to downtime and revenue losses.
EMA Partners accelerates time-to-hire without compromising on quality. Our retained search process is designed to minimize delays, ensuring your team is equipped for success.
Don’t wait to fill your critical roles
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You Need Datacenter Talent:
Tell Us Your Requirements and Let’s Talk
- Strategic Talent Mapping: We identify active and passive candidates globally, leveraging our industry connections and data-driven insights.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Working with community colleges, certification programs, and military transition pipelines, we expand the talent pool to include diverse, motivated candidates.
- Rigorous Vetting: Every candidate is assessed for technical expertise, cultural fit, and leadership potential through comprehensive evaluations.
