Let Us Build Your Datacenter Dream Team
We bring the people network and 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 technical talent is the cornerstone of this growth. At EMA Partners, we help organizations bridge the talent gap with speed and precision, delivering the leaders and specialists needed to ensure efficiency, scalability, and innovation. Every time.
Need Help Hiring Datacenter Talent?
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 our clients 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.
Datacenter Talent Demand Drivers
- 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. And we’ve work on small to multi-gigawatt engagements. - 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 network of experienced professionals—ready to deliver results with speed.
Ezra Hodge is a Sr. Managing Partner at EMA Partners and a former AWS business executive. His experience includes datacenter start-up and helping top companies solve the industry’s toughest IT talent challenges.
Richard “Dick” Sbarbaro is a Sr. Managing Partner at EMA Partners and former EMA global chairman. He has led thousands of retained executive searches across industries.
From Executive Leadership to Individual 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.
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.
Whether you’re hiring executives, mid-level leadership, 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.
Proven Processes to Close the Talent Gap
Our multi-prong talent approach ensures that your organization gets access to top 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 industry leaders, training providers, military-exit pipelines, and colleges to source new talent.
- Comprehensive Vetting: From skill validation to cultural fit assessments to remote mindset analysis, we bring talent that raises your talent bar.
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, datacenter talent hiring 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 EMA's Global Practice Leader for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Colleagues,
We know that the data center industry is at the forefront of innovation. As demand for hyperscale growth, AI compute workloads, towering power demands, and edge computing accelerates the demand, 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 datacenter, 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 helped transform cloud talent.
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 accelerate your competitive edge with the right talent.
Sincerely,
Ezra Hodge
Global Practice Leader, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Sr. Managing Partner, EMA Partners Seattle
Richard "Dick" Sbarbaro
“We connect our clients to top data center talent.”
A Letter from EMA's Global Practice Leader for Education and Training
Friends,
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 educate, train and 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 thousands of high-level searches including those 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
Chicago
Global Practice Leader, Education and Training
A Note from EMA's Senior Consultant with EMA Chicago
To the Datacenter Leadership Community,
We recognize that data center engineering and technology leadership are critical to meeting today’s rapidly evolving demands. From hyperscale growth to increasing AI workloads, organizations in our field depend on leaders who can drive progress while ensuring operational stability.
At EMA Partners, I focus on identifying and placing executives who align with these goals. My background spans over two decades in executive search and management consulting. Through my work at EMA Partners Chicago, I have collaborated with organizations looking to build senior-level teams in datacenters, engineering, and other key sectors. This experience has allowed me to support clients in structuring leadership that propels sustainable growth.
I am dedicated to tailoring search strategies that address the distinct needs of each client. Whether you are seeking a technical specialist or a senior executive, our mission is to connect you with professionals who can navigate complexity and drive results.
I look forward to discussing how our retained search services can help your organization build the right leadership team.
Sincerely,
Marnie Kane
Senior Consultant, EMA Partners Chicago
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 specialized roles.
- Post-Hire Support: Ongoing engagement to ensure retention and long-term success.
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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, retrofitting or 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 success with talent. With a unique network and commitment to datacenter 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 datacenter startup consultant, 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 top datacenter 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
Every Day Without the Right Talent Has A Cost
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.
Rushed Hiring Rarely Pays Off
Urgency is key, and at EMA, we can help you hire the best talent very quickly. But waiting too long to get help on your talent acquisition can lead to rushed hiring, which is not ideal.
Rushing the hiring process can lead to detrimental consequences for any organization. These effects are exacerbated in the datacenter field due to the low supply and high demand of these critical roles. Therefore, choosing the right candidates for your datacenter is crucial.
- Unqualified Hires: A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) revealed that 61% of employers admitted to hiring under qualified candidates, with 56% acknowledging they rushed recruitment.
- Financial Impact: Forbes reports that hiring mistakes can cost 50–250% of the employee’s salary, placing a heavy financial burden on organizations.
- Team Morale: Poor hiring decisions can harm team morale, affecting productivity and collaboration.
- Technical Risks: According to Forbes, in fields like data centers, unqualified hires contribute to 70% of outages due to human error.
To help our clients avoid these pitfalls, EMA guides hiring leaders to adopt a rigorous, culturally aligned hiring plan, something we help with. The EMA approach builds stronger teams, boosts productivity, and minimizes time spent on hiring mistakes—allowing you to focus on growing your datacenter and business.
Let Us Find the Top Talent for Your Datacenter
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.
