Head of Secure Data Center Scaling

About the role

Security Level 5 is a Bay Area AI security nonprofit seeking a leader to design and build the first data center purpose‑built to the SL5 standard, defending frontier AI labs against nation‑state level threats. The role will shape the SL5 architecture, create a reference tech stack, and guide labs toward secure, cost‑effective, and productive deployments within a 2‑3 year timeline.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a practical roadmap for a full‑scale SL5 data center by synthesising generic large‑datacenter plans, SL5 prototypes, the SL5 Standard, and external materials.
• Produce schedule and delay estimates, sequencing, and identify long‑lead items such as permitting, shell, power, cooling, accelerator procurement, and ICD 705 physical work.
• Translate SL5 physical and zoning requirements into actionable constraints for design and construction teams.
• Collaborate with technical track partners to integrate build and security requirements that cannot be retrofitted later.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading large data‑center builds across all phases, from siting and power to commissioning.
• Ability to generate credible schedule and cost estimates that hold up during implementation.
• Background building under regulated, classified, or other security‑constrained conditions (bonus: ICD 705/SCIF experience).

What we offer

• Base salary range $250,000‑$500,000 per year, with potential for higher compensation for exceptional candidates.
• Full benefits package including healthcare, dental, vision, 401(k) match, and more.