Data centers are undergoing major changes as pressure mounts to modernize infrastructure for AI. Across the country, new facilities are being built, and existing ones are being upgraded to meet rising demand. That demand is only expected to grow, with global demand for data center capacity projected to grow 19 to 22 percent annually by 2030. Tech giants have already begun to invest billions in AI-ready infrastructure, signaling that the shift is well underway.

Although, adopting AI requires more than just increased power, storage, and connectivity. It fundamentally changes how data centers operate. Without the right team in place, even the best modernization efforts can fall short. Here’s a closer look at how to build and upskill an engineering team with the expertise needed to support AI-ready data centers.

AI’s Impact on Data Centers

There are several benefits AI can deliver for data centers. One of AI’s biggest strengths is helping data centers run smarter. It can spot patterns, adjust workloads on the fly, and fine-tune how power and space are used. As a result, data centers are set up for better performance, greater efficiency, and less waste.

But these benefits depend on having the right infrastructure. Most data centers weren’t built to handle the power and cooling needs of modern AI workloads. Retrofitting them means supporting high-performance GPUs, dense storage, and advanced thermal management systems. It’s a complex project. And technology alone won’t make it work. You need a team that understands both the systems in place and the capabilities AI can deliver.

The Talent Challenge

Hiring AI-ready talent has proven to be one of the largest obstacles when modernizing data centers. Since 2019, demand for AI skills has grown by more than 20 percent every year. Compensation has climbed too, rising at a steady 11 percent annually. Despite the hype, many organizations still lack the in-house expertise to implement and maintain AI systems.

Integrating AI into a data center isn’t something a single hire can solve. It requires close collaboration between those who understand complex AI systems and those who manage the physical infrastructure. AI might suggest how to optimize power or cooling, but it takes skilled engineers to turn those insights into results.

What to Look For in an AI-Ready Engineering Team

When it comes to AI roles, the details matter. Not every candidate with “AI” on their resume is equipped to lead a data center modernization project. Leaders need to distinguish between basic automation experience and advanced AI expertise to make the right engineering hire.

Download the full eBook to reveal the technical skills that matter most when hiring engineers for data center modernization.

But technical skills alone aren’t enough. Great engineers also think critically, work well across teams, and know how to apply AI in practical ways. These are the people who can do more than build models. They help shape how your data center grows.

Start with the Right Partner

The demand for AI talent is growing fast. Competition is high, and the stakes are too. That’s why many organizations are leaning on trusted partners to help navigate the hiring process.

At Yoh, we specialize in identifying top AI and engineering professionals for projects like this. Our team understands the complexities of AI adoption and works closely with data center leaders to match the right talent with the right challenges. Whether you're planning an upgrade, expanding your team, or just exploring what’s next, building the right foundation starts with knowing who you need and where to find them.

Download the full eBook to dive into the benefits of AI in data centers, skills to target when looking for engineering talent, and more on building an AI-ready data center team.