VP, Data Center Operations
Christopher Lettiere, VP of Data Center Operations, joined us this year, bringing deep experience across facilities management, security, telecom infrastructure, capital projects, and team leadership. Today, he’s part of a group helping oversee Oracle’s AI Data Centers, including delivery, construction, project controls, and facility operations.
For professionals in construction operations and facilities roles, his story shows what makes data center work different: the pace is fast, the systems are critical, and the work supports services people everywhere rely on every day. Oracle is also hiring for crucial data center facilities roles, including operations-focused positions that call for strong ownership, teamwork, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related technical skills. We caught up with Christopher to learn more.
Christopher, what first shaped the way you think about mission-critical work and what brought you to Oracle this year?
I was fortunate to start my career working alongside my father at a dairy-processing facility back in 2004. That’s where I first learned what “mission critical” truly means. Every decision, or failure to make one, could impact production hours, employee safety, or even lives. It was a serious environment, and it shaped the way I approach leadership and operations to this day.
In 2017, I relocated to Northern Virginia where I started as an operations leader and eventually became a general manager in my final year there. I heard about this opportunity, and honestly, I couldn’t say no. It was way too exciting. I’d spent about 14 years in essentially the same role without much growth. That wasn’t an accident: I was playing small and didn’t even realize it. A mentor and close friend held up the mirror for me one day, and I learned an important lesson: start saying “yes” more than “no.” Once I got out of my own way, my career really took off.
“We’re building the new frontier of data centers. Oracle is helping define what’s possible in terms of both speed and scale and that made joining at this moment an easy decision.”
You joined during a major growth moment. What makes this opportunity feel different?
We’re building the new frontier of data centers. Oracle is helping define what’s possible in terms of both speed and scale and that made joining at this moment an easy decision. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being able to point at these facilities years from now and say, “We built that.” Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and I knew I had to jump in.
What stood out when you saw Oracle’s data center work up close?
The strength and quality of the team being built immediately stood out to me. The combination of technical talent, mindset, and leadership makes me fully confident this team is going to succeed in a massive way.
I have a saying I strongly believe in: “Hire the right people first, and execution will follow.” Everyone I’ve met so far not only has an incredible industry track record, but they’re also genuinely great teammates and people. That matters.
For someone new to the field, what do data center facilities operations teams actually do?
We help ensure the critical infrastructure that powers modern life remains available, reliable and secure. That includes healthcare, 911 call centers, businesses, education, social media, cloud platforms, and everything in between.
It’s a 24/7 responsibility so people around the world can reliably access the systems they depend on every single day.
You help oversee delivery, construction, project controls, and facility ops for Oracle’s AI Data Centers. How do those teams work together?
It takes close coordination and constant communication to keep the wheels turning efficiently and on schedule. What’s impressed me most so far is the lack of ego in the collaboration. Everyone is focused on one thing: “What do we need to do to help each other succeed?” That mindset is powerful, and it’s been exciting to witness firsthand.
What does a great day look like for an operations team?
Beyond that, it’s about solving problems for customers and our internal teams and taking pride in doing it well. Sometimes the impact of operations can feel invisible when you spend your day surrounded by mechanical and electrical equipment. But the reality is that every successful business outcome relies on those systems running smoothly. It’s important that our teams never lose sight of how valuable their work truly is.
For roles like facility operations, operations electrical engineer, and facility operations center operator, what matters most on day one?
We hire for mindset and soft skills first, technical ability second. Our teams are built with a broad mix of talent—from entry-level operators to highly technical engineers—so technical skills matter, but we evaluate them relative to the requirements of each position. But we care deeply about things like accountability, teamwork, problem-solving, curiosity, and ownership. We want people who move toward problems instead of away from them. People who want to understand their facility at a deep level. People who care about winning for the entire team.
What do people misunderstand about data center operations and facilities work?
A lot of people think data centers are just giant buildings full of equipment. What they miss is how much value those buildings create for society every single day. These facilities support countless critical services that people depend on, often without even realizing it.
Earlier in my career, I loved the high-stakes nature of the work. Responding to complex incidents with the clock ticking, rallying the team, solving the problem, and ultimately saving the day for the customer and the company. There’s a real sense of purpose and accomplishment that comes from working through those challenges together.
Today, what excites me most is helping people grow their careers and change the trajectory of their lives and their families in a meaningful way.
How are you thinking about building culture across critical infrastructure teams?
It starts with creating a shared vision that people genuinely believe in. When employees understand their role clearly, feel supported in their growth, and trust their leaders to do the right thing, strong culture follows naturally.
What should candidates know about the day-to-day data center operations?
Data center operations can move at a very fast pace. One hundred percent uptime doesn’t happen by accident. It requires structure, ownership, collaboration, and operational discipline every single day. We don’t do anything without documented procedures and work orders. So, if you’re someone who enjoys structure, teamwork, and solving meaningful problems under pressure, this industry can be incredibly rewarding.
What should applicants highlight on their resume and how can they stand out in interviews?
For operations-focused roles, any mechanical, electrical, or plumbing (MEP) background is valuable. Candidates should absolutely highlight that experience if they have it. We also have plenty of entry-level opportunities across the fleet, so even adjacent technical experience can help your resume stand out.
During the interview? Be yourself. Like I said, we hire for mindset first. Skills can be taught. Integrity, attitude, curiosity, and teamwork are much harder to teach. Bring your best, most authentic self to the conversation. People can tell when it’s genuine.
Make a difference alongside colleagues who care at Oracle. Explore current data center facilities opportunities, and join the Oracle Talent Network for advice and insights.