Life at Google Data Centers

Aishah

Data Center Facilities Specialist

Boasting 15 years’ experience in the maintenance industry, Aishah has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, an MBA in finance, and four beautiful children. She values the variety her job provides, switching focus between finance, legal, and maintenance operations, as well as the opportunity it’s given her to make a large-scale societal impact. She emphasizes that her job has led her to an appreciation for the importance of team diversity. “Embrace the difference in opinion,” she says, “to ignite the imagination and continue learning.”

Mario

Data Center Technician

“I enjoy being part of a team that completes major projects on time,” Mario says. “That’s a good feeling, knowing that everyone put in a good day’s work.” Offered over 30 different football scholarships, Mario was a three-year starter on his college football team and earned a BS in business marketing and education. He's now furthering his education by pursuing Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate. “You have to come in with a great attitude, ready to work,” he says. “Stay focused and be willing to learn on the fly, because the pace can be fast and you have to adapt to change. Just be yourself and give it your all.”

Anne-France

Construction Quality Program Manager

Anne-France, whose job is to improve business operations in Google’s European data centers, enjoys the travel her job entails and the opportunity to interact with hundreds of people in different sectors. “This is an environment where you touch different technical fields,” she says, “where you can go deep into any level of expertise and where you will work with a lot of experienced people. You will definitely learn a lot from it.” Outside work, Anne-France is an athlete who participates in short-distance triathlons.

Alain

Data Center Facilities Manager

Alain’s responsibilities include electrical operations and maintenance, as well as energy management and sustainability projects. With a background in electrical engineering and a multifaceted skill set that includes managing projects and people, Alain's incredible co-workers are what he likes most about the job. “I’ve learned that what is sure one day, is no more the day after,” he says. “If you are passionate and not afraid to learn, come along!” Offline, Alain is also a scuba diving instructor with an affinity for playing vintage pinball games.

Haikal

Data Center Technician, Hardware Operations

"I love how Google values its employees, giving them the opportunity to grow and guiding them,” says Haikal. With diplomas in both machine technology and information technology, Haikal is responsible for keeping the data center network up and running, as well as keeping user data secure. He also enjoys occasionally playing table tennis at work. “Everyone's a leader here at Google,” says Haikal. “Anyone can ask questions and also give their opinions. What we value is your contribution and your dedication.”

Derek

Data Center Facilities Technician

The ability to multitask is essential for Derek, a data center facilities technician and busy father of three. “We're here 24/7 for the rare times when things go wrong,” he says. “We're trained to respond promptly and efficiently to fix any issues as they arise. You get a great sense of satisfaction on a job well done.” In addition to daily operations, Derek is responsible for keeping the data center online and monitoring on-site standby generators. He appreciates the freedom to do his job, as well as the support from his colleagues. “Working at Google has been a very positive experience,” he says. “I have taken on new challenges and learned many new skills. You never know where the job is going to take you from one week to another.”

SL

Mechanical Engineer

As a mechanical engineer, SL designs and builds critical data center facilities with a diverse team. “It starts with some design sketches. Then many healthy debates, planning, engineering, calculations, and reviews to reach a consensus,” he says. “The 'no blame culture' at Google helps us innovate by challenging the norm, challenging the industry, and taking risks.” SL is proud to be on the Google team and considers it a privilege to build and deliver data capacity at the unprecedented scale Google Data Centers offer. “We build data centers differently from the market,” he says. “We build our own cooling units and use machine learning controls to cool and run the data center in the most efficient way.”

Rebekah

Data Center Technician

Originally from Ohio, Rebekah’s eclectic career portfolio includes running a motorcycle dealership and working in film and music video production. Today she’s a data center technician in Google’s Netherlands location, where she’s in charge of projects that increase the size and speed of the Google network. “Working in a data center is unlike anything else I have experienced,” she says. “It can be an exciting adventure!” Rebekah keeps occupied in her spare time baking, knitting, and lifting weights. She values the constant evolution of her job and the connections she makes along the way. “My favorite part of the job is working with amazing and fascinating people,” she says.

Laura

Lead, Data Center Energy & Location Strategy

Laura learned the value of embracing change at Google Data Centers. Responsible for buying data center capacity and identifying market locations, her role requires understanding of real estate market trends and dynamics impacting the data center industry. “We’re working in an industry that is constantly evolving and changing at lightning speed,” she says. “It’s exciting to see the progress made in a short amount of time.” Laura is also an avid downhill skier with a love for travel, cooking, and caring for her son.

Stephen

Program Manager, Data Center Deployments

Stephen loves coming to work, learning from his fellow employees and discovering what innovations Google and Alphabet are working on. “Googlers don’t just see projects,” he says, “we see the impact our projects have on the lives of billions of users worldwide.” Stephen aligns people, processes, and technology to maintain Google Data Centers and help them scale. He says his first love is his wife and two kids, “closely followed by soccer," as well as movies, reading, and learning new things. “Google is a journey, not a destination,” he says. “Be ready for the ride, you’ll totally enjoy it.”

Mario

Data Center Technician

"Just come in, be yourself, and give it your all."

Marisa

Program Manager, Hardware Operations

”Google has taught me you can really make great things happen when you bring together all different types of people and skill sets."

Alex

Global Lead, CSRM & Supply Chain

"Don't limit yourself."

Janine

Global Head of Learning & Development

Janine manages global and transformational business technology projects to automate business processes for Google Data Centers. “One day I could be in Singapore piloting a new technology,” she says. “Another day I could be conducting user experience and acceptance testing in Belgium.” She has a bachelor's degree in managerial economics and an MBA, is an International Business Lecturer, and also a black belt in kung fu. “Be open-minded about your past work history and future career path,” she says. “There is no ‘one size fits all’ at Google Data Centers.”

Ryan

Manager, Business Information & Technology Solutions, Operations

With a background in political science, Ryan spent time in construction operations before coming to Google. Responsible for making internal tools easier to use, his role requires skills in organization, writing, and communication, as well as a willingness to take on the status quo. ”It takes a lot of people from many backgrounds to keep Google up and running,” Ryan says. When not in the office, Ryan says you can often find him behind a camera trying to take the perfect picture.

Rita

Strategic Negotiator

With an established background in environmental engineering, Rita first joined Google Data Centers as a sustainability program manager. She's since transitioned into a portfolio manager role working with Google’s Energy and Location Strategy team, where she ensures new and existing sites are prepared for development or expansion. She credits her job with teaching her valuable cross-functional communication skills and says she greatly enjoys acting as the face of the organization during each project’s early stages. For those interested in following a similar trajectory, Rita advises, “Open your mind and come ready to learn.”

Anu

Senior Director, Global DC Front-end Planning & Preconstruction

Anu’s role requires a technical mind for strategic planning, team management, making sound decisions, and implementing solutions. She has multiple engineering degrees from the US and India, and a background in leadership roles at hardware, networking, and internet search companies. She enjoys anticipating business patterns, problem-solving in high-pressure situations, and helping the team overcome obstacles. “Don't optimize things based on the short term,” says Anu. "No matter what your role is, take calculated risks, aim for audacious goals, and learn from your failures along the way." In her off time, Anu enjoys running, hiking, painting, and cooking.

Ruby

Program Manager, Business Information & Technology Solutions

Ruby’s passions and interests align with her career. The passion that drives her is her love of statistics. With degrees in statistics and data science, and a multifaceted analytic skill set including knowledge of programming languages and statistical methodologies, Ruby was excited to see the impact of her work at Google Data Centers. “People value data-driven decisions here,” she says. “At Google Data Centers, you have the opportunity to work where it all starts.”

Robin

Data Center Facilities Specialist

Robin prepares contractual agreements for data center facility operations, manages onsite vendor relationships, and is responsible for data center operations budgeting, forecasting, and accruals. Outside of work, Robin is a licensed funeral director and ordained minister who teaches the gospel throughout the US and abroad. She has an affinity for travel and a passion for helping the less fortunate. “I lend myself to the underdog,” she says, “as there is a part of me that can truly relate when what you do does not line up with where you’ve been.” Robin also loves writing and opportunities to share through motivational speaking.

Lazo

Hardware Operations Technician Assistant

Lazo works on various projects in hardware operations, such as verifying that new equipment is properly placed and connected. Local lead of the Black Googler Network internal group, he enjoys working with a team of great people and says he's learned that change is good. “You have to pay attention to details in my position,” he says. “Things change fast.” When not at work, Lazo is a musician, emcee, and music producer.

Marisa

Program Manager, Hardware Operations

Marisa manages internal customer relationships between hardware operations and partner organizations. She has a BA in mass media with a minor in theater, as well as an MBA with concentrations in organization, management, and leadership. Her role requires strong communication skills, working cross-functionally with multiple teams, and the ability to solve problems with innovative, outside-the-box thinking. ”You can really make great things happen when you bring together all different types of people and skill sets,” Marisa says. “Everyone has something to bring to the table to help solve problems and make things better.” Marisa enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, and attending concerts.

Gary

Senior Director, Data Center Energy & Location Strategy

"After more than 12 years at Google, each new project is still an adventure,” Gary says, “and the work we do has long-term impact around the world.“ Charged with leading the global team responsible for selecting data center sites and procuring the energy needed to run them, Gary attributes his success in his role to a sense of humility, listening to learn, and asking a lot of questions. A lover of the outdoors who calls swimming to San Francisco from Alcatraz a “magical experience,” he previously spent 10 years in management consulting. To anyone interested in following a similar path, Gary advises, “Have a sense of adventure, an eye for detail, a passion for solving complex problems, and an ability to maintain calm when the outcome seems uncertain.”

Petra

Data Center Operations Engineer

Petra describes herself as a "super-hyper person with a sponge-like hunger for knowledge." Originally from Slovakia, Petra worked as a teacher in Kuwait before relocating to Ireland, where she started taking online courses in networking and programming. Today she’s a data center technician and global subject matter expert working with a team that maintains Google production servers and networking infrastructures. “It’s always challenging and it never gets boring,” she says. “I love to solve problems. Never stop learning.”

Brian

Data Center Facilities Technician

Brian works on systems that monitor his data center’s electrical infrastructure, mechanical cooling infrastructure, and safety systems that keep the data center running. With 10 years' experience in controls and electricity, he enjoys the challenges of working with new designs and exercising outside-the-box critical reasoning. ”As members of the Data Center Operations team, we're responsible for keeping the servers powered up and cool,” he says. ”Working in the data center is exciting, fast-paced, and rewarding.” Brian is also a pilot who enjoys flying, and likes to build things in his spare time.

Erik

Technical Program Manager, Data Center Delivery & Engineering

Erik is responsible for creating the data center supply plan to meet Google’s capacity requirements, as well as designing new approaches to improve data center delivery performance. With degrees in mechanical engineering and experience in the aerospace and tech sectors, his role requires the ability to prioritize and make decisions from large sets of unclean and often conflicting data. “I learn something new and interesting every single day,” he says. “Embrace your curiosity. Open, eager minds are what make Google Data Centers an exciting place to work.”

Rachel

Technical Program Manager & Lead, North America Data Center Program & Product Design

Rachel leads a team that partners with a cross-functional group of technical leads to deliver effective North America data center product and program designs for efficient and reliable data centers. She drives the delivery of these designs, which are then localized by our site teams. "I love working with a team that thrives in solving problems and designing solutions for the impossible – it's critical to embrace ambiguity and see change as an opportunity. To enable innovation and see it come to fruition keeps every day fun and exciting."

Ryan

Program Manager, Business Information & Technology Solutions

”It takes a lot of people from many backgrounds to keep Google up and running!”

Ivey

Data Center Technician

”Expect the unexpected.”

Sheleen

Administrative Business Partner

Tasked with bringing fun and culture to data centers, Sheleen’s workdays vary widely. Her responsibilities include daily administrative work and planning site-wide outings and employee summits. “No two days are alike and you often have to switch gears,” she says. “However, our team motto is ‘Bring the Magic.’" Sheleen earned a bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in marketing. She took on various roles in the hospitality industry and worked as an executive assistant before coming to Google. “I've grown so much in the last two years,” she says. “Be patient with yourself, because the only person you’re in competition with is yourself!”

Jim

Data Center Engineering Manager

Jim spent 14 years as an officer in nuclear submarines before joining Google Data Centers. He now enjoys the challenge of working with a global team that designs large, globally scalable data centers and computers. “Even though I lived in Japan and Bahrain, Google has really taught me how to work and deliver globally,” he says. With a BS in electrical engineering, he attributes his success in part to his strong sense of teamwork and ability to keep learning. “Of course you need technical skills; look how the internet has evolved in just the last five years,” he says. “Imagine what will come next, and the data centers we’ll need to support it.”

Mathilde

Technical Writer

“Join the party,” says Mathilde, a technical writer at Google Data Centers. “Every day is different. No time to get bored.” Mathilde, whose job consists of writing, editing, and archiving procedures for technicians, works for various sites around the globe, meets with all kinds of people, and is highly involved in Google’s thriving women’s community. “Google allows me to be who I am,” she says, “which I appreciate a lot.”

Nancy

Data Center Electrical Engineer

Nancy designs, implements, tests, and commissions electrical distribution systems that power the data center infrastructure. “I’m good at driving issues to resolution,” she says, noting she enjoys experiencing the transformation of her projects from conception to completion. A mother of two who loves spending time with her children, Nancy has rock-solid determination and is proud of her willingness to face new challenges. "I always exercise the freedom to make my own choices," she says. "I've learned that if I don't make a choice or a decision, I create a vacuum for other people to make that choice or decision for me. If the opportunity is available, it’s my responsibility to seize it."

Mick

Data Center Facilities Technician

Every day on the job introduces new people and different challenges for Mick, a technician working in data center operations. With a degree in mechatronics engineering and a background as an electrical and instrumentation technician, this subject matter expert for fire suppression systems is skilled at troubleshooting and updating systems to maximize performance. “There are always great people here to bounce ideas with and design new ways to make processes more efficient,” he says. “If you enjoy a challenge and meeting new people, Google is the place to be.”

Alex

Data Center Hardware Operations Manager

Alex earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice before teaching himself networking and programming languages. Responsible for overseeing machine deployments and troubleshooting network issues, at Google he found that there’s always something new to learn. He greatly appreciates the upward mobility his job provides. ”I enjoy coming to work, because my goal is to learn every day to grow my career,” says Alex. “I also love the environment, culture, and co-workers.” A music fan who does some carpentry on his days off, Alex advises would-be Googlers, “Be a good team player and have a passion for learning.”

Christina

Program Manager, Data Center Delivery & Engineering

“Be open-minded and stay true to who you are,” says Christina. Responsible for managing financial forecasting and risk reporting for data center delivery and engineering, Christina analyzes large data sets and interprets their story. She loves to travel and explore, and credits her job with teaching her to maintain a healthy work-life balance. "You're the most impactful when you take care of yourself," she says.

Jiali

Staff Engineer, Reliability

“Life at Google is colorful,” says Jiali, who received the Google Citizenship Award for embodying Google values. A master of reliability prediction models and simulations, Jiali oversees reliability engineering throughout the data center lifecycle. Among his accomplishments, he's created a digital inventory of Google Data Centers, interpreting the physical buildings as computer-enhanced models. “Know that I won’t stop, I am building reliability models all over the world,” he says. “Join us, and the world’s infrastructure will be in your hands.”

Annemieke

Program Manager, Environment, Health & Safety

Annemieke has a 20-year varied background in safety, health, training, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, and consulting in "all different kinds of industries." Today she works in environment, health & safety at Google Data Centers, where she endeavors to create a zero-harm work environment. Although the challenges in her job are many and the pace can be vigorous, she sees these as opportunities and finds her work inspirational. “Always happy to get involved and engaged,” she says.

Mabell

Program Manager, APAC Logistics

Mabell, Logistics Program Manager at Google’s Singapore data center, speaks five languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and German. With a bachelor's in chemical engineering and a master’s in supply chain management, she enjoys the challenge of working with people across cultures. To those interested in working at Google Data Centers, Mabell says, “Welcome – join us in creating a world of possibilities!”

Alex

Technical Writer

Alex's chief role is to create documentation by converting technical information into comprehensible written content. “I’ve learned that I thrive in fast-paced environments,” he says. After studying biology and philosophy with the intention of pursuing a career in medicine and the biomedical sciences, Alex first joined Google as an operations engineer. Operations engineers are now the primary audience for his current work. ”Whatever your role may be, you have impact,” he says. “I’ve been amazed by the people I’ve met working here, and the accomplishments we’ve achieved together. It’s a great ride!”

Ana

Program Manager, Environment, Health & Safety

“I never imagined that one day I would be working at Google,” Ana says, “but when the opportunity appeared, I decided to take a chance. Why not me?” Responsible for the Global Electrical Safety program, Ana spends her days developing and implementing procedures to optimize electrical safety and ensure that everyone gets home safely at the end of the day. She welcomes the challenges of her job and new life with enthusiasm. “I moved to another country, started a new life, and – besides being far away from family and friends – couldn’t be happier.”

Ivey

Data Center Technician

A former craft beer bartender, Ivey went to college to study English literature. “It’s the opposite of what I do now!” she says. As a data center technician in hardware operations, Ivey has a multitude of responsibilities including maintaining servers and network equipment, handling backup storage, and testing new software. ”Since we have to manage a variety of jobs, flexibility and quick learning are key,” she says. ”Expect the unexpected.”

Mike

Program Manager, Data Center Operations Incident Management

Mike spent 10 years as an Army officer and Kiowa Warrior helicopter pilot before coming to Google Data Centers. Responsible for helping personnel respond effectively to facility power and cooling-related incidents, as well as processes, tools, and training that allow personnel to rapidly escalate issues, Mike attributes his success in part to his willingness to learn. “You can't be good at this job by sitting behind a desk,” he says. “You have to spend time learning from the people who are running our data centers. Cross-functional collaboration is critical to getting things done at Google.”

Stephen

Design Engineering and Sustaining Lead, EMEA and APAC

Stephen is in charge of technical direction to resolve issues for the data center engineering team. His job requires him to be good at listening, asking questions, and making decisions. He enjoys the scale and breadth of his work, and engineering optimal solutions. “‘Perfect’ is the enemy of ‘good enough’,” he says. “You will run the full range of human emotions working at Google Data Centers, but it is personally very rewarding.”

John

Program Controls Manager

For John, there’s something thrilling about the magnitude of working at Google Data Centers. “The scale of what we are doing across the regions is nothing like what you might expect,” he says. “It’s an exciting program to become involved in.” Responsible for overseeing commercial aspects of new data center construction sites, John values the encouragement he receives to develop new processes, the opportunity it grants him to make a difference, and – most of all – the people on his team. “Google is a great company to work for,” he says. “Not just the places we work, the free food, and the great facilities, but mainly the people that we get to meet here and on the global program. You get to make friends!”

Bre

Program Manager, Supplier Operations, Contracts

Organization, communication, and motivation to keep learning are essential skills in Bre’s role. Responsible for managing the CSA (Civil, Structural & Architectural) and ODC (Offices at Data Centers) programs, Bre enjoys working with a fleet of data centers that spans the globe. “It’s exciting to understand what makes each of our data centers unique,” she says. “I’ve learned to manage the chaos, not stifle it, as chaos helps breed innovation.” When not at work, Bre enjoys rock climbing, golf, and DIY projects.

Alex

Global Lead, CSRM & Supply Chain

Responsible for ensuring the data center’s physical security, Alex cites communication, flexibility, and organization as essential components of her job. “Being able to provide the right information to the right people is critical,” she says. “Building connections, knowing who to loop in or reach out to, can make or break a program.” She holds a BA in communications as well as a professional project management certification, and says she learned to be “uncomfortably excited” on the job. “Don’t limit yourself,” she says. “You don’t need an IT background to be successful at Google.” Alex also loves to travel, with her experience hot-air ballooning in Turkey a “major highlight," and is co-founder of Google's Women@Data Centers internal group.

Kate

Global Data Center Communications

Kate manages executive communications, spending much of the day writing and working with media. With a bachelor's in film/TV, a master's in social work/psychology, and 20 years' experience in the communications field, she never expected she’d be working in the data center industry. “I love that every day is different. Learning about data centers and how they work is just fascinating. Especially since I come from a non-technical background.”

Ruby

Program Manager, Business Analytics

“At Google Data Centers, you have the opportunity to work where it all starts.”

Jiali

Staff Engineer, Reliability

“Life at Google is colorful.”

Mike

Program Manager, Data Center Operations Incident Management

"Cross-functional collaboration is critical to getting things done at Google.”

Martin

Data Center Hardware Operations Engineer

Martin spent much of his career in the entertainment lighting industry before retraining to work at Google as a data center technician. He wasn’t expecting the size of the operation when he first joined and had never seen servers run on the scale Google’s do. “No day is the same,” says Martin. “Routine tasks can be executed easily, but when things go wrong we have to prioritize our work.” Responsible for looking after data security operations, Martin’s role requires him to be good at organizing and troubleshooting. “It’s always satisfying when you can resolve or help resolve an issue that arises,” he says.

Ray

Data Center Facilities Technician

Ray enjoys the variety of his work and learning new things every day in Google’s unique environment. “The culture is like nowhere you will ever see,” Ray says. “There are huge opportunities for career development and strong encouragement for doing so, which makes this, I believe, a great place to work.” As a data center facilities technician, Ray is responsible for overseeing low voltage electrical systems and power monitoring. When not at work, he does some DJing on the side and loves running, electronics, and his wife and two little girls.

Narissa

Program Manager, Global Logistics

Responsible for warehouse inventory and the global logistics programs, Narissa’s skills include inventory management, data analysis, leadership, and reliability. She comes to the role with a bachelor’s in business administration and a minor in computer information systems, and enjoys cross-functional interaction with multiple teams. “Listening is invaluable,” she says. “There’s a lot to learn, so practice listening first.” Narissa also says spending time with her family is her first priority.

Lazo

Data Center Technician

“You have to pay attention to details in my position. Things change fast.”

Alex

Technical Writer

”Whatever your role may be, you have impact."

Gerda

Data Center Business Program Manager

“Every day is different,” says Gerda. “Besides my daily work, there are so many exciting things to be done.” Among many other things, Gerda is responsible for procurement, contracts, and finance. Her job requires expertise in negotiation, vendor management, and cost control. “Being flexible is very important,” she says. “If you are ready to work in a fast-moving and growing environment, please join!”

Gert Jan

Data Center Hardware Operations Engineer

Gert Jan is a technician in hardware operations responsible for data security. An expert analyst and troubleshooter, he says working at Google Data Centers has also taught him valuable skills in team leadership. His favorite part of the job is the opportunity to work on large-scale issues. “Don’t be afraid of making mistakes,” he says, “and focus on quality rather than quantity.” When not at work, Gert Jan enjoys sports, fitness, guitar, and chess.