Executive Director, Data Center Infrastructure Validation

Job Title

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Executive Director, Data Center Infrastructure Validation Location: =============

Charlotte, NC, Palo Alto, CA, Remote/Home Based, Washington, D.C. Job Summary and Description: ================================

The Executive Director Data Center Infrastructure Validation – is a technical role responsible for designing, operating, and advancing EPRI’s DCFlex Sandbox as the premier neutral validation environment for emerging datacenter and grid‑interactive hardware technologies in the United States.

This role sits at the intersection of advanced engineering research, industry validation, and executive stakeholder engagement. The incumbent is a recognized technical authority who leads complex, first‑of‑its‑kind validation efforts where precedent is limited, technical ambiguity is high, and creative, systems‑level thinking is required.

Reporting to the DCFlex Program Director, with executive sponsorship from senior EPRI leadership, the Innovation Lead represents EPRI internally and externally, shaping how utilities, hyperscalers, and technology innovators confidently adopt next‑generation datacenter infrastructure.

Why This Role Exists

DCFlex serves as a sandbox where emerging datacenter hardware—advanced cooling, power electronics, energy storage, modular systems, and AI‑enabled controls—can be evaluated under real grid conditions, against real operator requirements, with neutral, decision‑grade evidence.

The Innovation Lead owns the technical and strategic integrity of this sandbox, ensuring that EPRI’s validation work:

• Advances the state of knowledge in datacenter‑grid integration
• Produces evidence trusted by utilities, operators, and regulators
• Strengthens EPRI’s leadership and credibility in AI‑era infrastructure

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Research Oversight

* Design and oversee complex validation programs and research studies that advance industry knowle