Power, Politics & Data Center Talent

Once a quiet force behind the scenes, data centers have become the critical infrastructure powering our digital-first world. In the United States, this transformation is accelerating, turning the country into a key arena for technological growth and innovation.

But with expansion comes complexity. From workforce shortages to evolving operational demands, the challenges are mounting. Lucy Loomes, Associate Director of Data Center Infrastructure & Real Estate US at LVI Associates, shares her perspective on the shifting landscape and what it takes to thrive in the fast-moving world of US data centers.

What the government’s role means for data center growth

US data center growth isn’t just a response to market demand — political momentum is also shaping the landscape. Lucy highlights how recent government moves are influencing investment in digital infrastructure.

“Donald Trump has announced 20 billion in foreign investment in data centers,” she explains. “These high-profile deals send a clear message to the market that the government is prioritizing expansion.” 
Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet and Amazon alone spent more than $200 billion last year in capital expenditures to fuel the AI boom, including the data centers to power the technology.

At the same time, Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement — a move that sparked widespread debate — suggests a potential easing of environmental regulations to accelerate energy production. While this could help alleviate short-term energy constraints for data centers, it also introduces long-term questions around sustainability and regulatory risk.

For hiring managers, this evolving political climate calls for adaptability and awareness. “Companies that stay ahead of legislative shifts and leverage government-backed incentives will be better positioned to attract both investors and top-tier talent,” Lucy adds.

Power grid pressures and the need for infrastructure innovation

Despite political changes, there’s one challenge the industry can’t avoid: power.

“Power supply is probably the biggest obstacle facing the US data center market right now,” says Lucy. “We’re seeing growing power queues across key hubs, and it's causing serious project delays.”

In Dallas, the current power queue for new data center builds is up to three years. In California, the situation is even more severe, with a seven-year wait. “That’s a huge issue for any business trying to scale quickly, especially with rising AI adoption and increasing cloud needs,” Lucy adds.

This power bottleneck is driving the need for innovation in how data centers are powered, cooled, and constructed. Some companies are exploring microgrids, renewables, or hybrid power models — all of which require talent with highly specialized skill sets.

“There’s now a strong premium on professionals who understand power infrastructure at a deep level — especially those with relationships within utilities or experience navigating permitting and regulatory hurdles,” Lucy notes.

Emerging data center hubs

Historically, Northern Virginia has been the data center capital of the US, but that’s beginning to change.

“The DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) area in Texas is quickly becoming a major hub for data center growth,” says Lucy. “We’re seeing more developers transition out of Northern Virginia, which is becoming oversaturated, and into regions like Texas, where land is more available and state-level policies are more favorable.”

Lucy also points to Reno, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona, as emerging hotspots. “Their drier climates make them ideal for cooling infrastructure, which is a major consideration as facilities scale in size and power usage.”

For candidates, these geographic shifts mean that relocation flexibility is increasingly valuable. For employers, it means expanding search parameters and offering competitive relocation packages to secure the right talent.

The talent landscape

As the US data center sector matures, companies are no longer just looking for technical talent — they need experienced professionals who can lead divisions, drive commercial outcomes, and oversee major builds from end to end.

“Lots of emerging firms are growing out new divisions, so bringing in professionals with industry experience and the ability to confidently run a business unit is a huge priority,” says Lucy.

Leadership and sales roles are in particularly high demand, especially at companies that are expanding rapidly or entering new regions. These individuals need to balance commercial strategy with technical know-how and possess strong networks within the developer and operator ecosystem.

Additionally, real estate acquisition is a highly sought-after skill in the current market. “The ability to research, identify, and secure plots of land — particularly those with zoning or energy access — is incredibly valuable,” Lucy explains. “Often, these individuals have built strong relationships with landowners, especially in rural areas. That kind of access can make or break a project timeline.”

What employers should look for

Technical roles remain crucial, but the scope of in-demand skills is expanding. Beyond electrical and mechanical engineering, employers are increasingly prioritizing:

• Power systems and utility coordination – especially in light of growing grid constraints.
• Environmental permitting and compliance – as sustainability expectations evolve.
• Construction project management – to ensure timely delivery of new builds.
• AI infrastructure design – as new technologies reshape server and storage requirements.

“Hiring managers are looking for agility,” Lucy says. “They want professionals who understand how to work across complex projects, with multiple stakeholders, and who can get things done efficiently.”

Soft skills are also becoming more important. “As projects grow in complexity, collaboration becomes key. People who can communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams are in high demand.”

What this means for hiring strategy

The US data center landscape is expanding rapidly, but the road ahead is not without its challenges. From power bottlenecks and policy shifts to increasing demand for leadership and specialized skills, companies need to be more strategic than ever in their approach to talent acquisition.

“We’re in a moment where competition for top talent is fierce,” says Lucy. “To win, companies must be prepared to move quickly, offer compelling packages, and — crucially — work with partners who understand the nuances of this space.”

Need support with your data center hiring strategy?

At LVI Associates, we specialize in helping companies across the US secure top  talent in the data center space. With the industry expected to grow by 60% over the next five years, now is the time to ensure your team is equipped to scale.

Whether you're expanding into a new market or building out an existing site, our consultants bring deep market expertise and a proactive approach to hiring.

Request a call back to speak with one of our US data center specialists and discover how we can help you build a high-performing team, ready to meet the demands of the digital future.