Under the Radar — December 19, 2025

Infrastructure Battles & Foundation Skills

📋 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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This Week’s Headlines
Bottom Line Up Front
Top 4 Career Opportunities (No Movement)
Movement & Analysis
Labor Market Reality Check
Foundation Skills Framework: Domain Expertise
This Week’s Deep Dive: Healthcare + Infrastructure + Compliance
Infrastructure Spotlight: Michigan Data Center Battles
One to Watch: AI Compliance & Ethics Specialist
Free Resources
Methodology & Sources

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🔥 This Week’s Headlines

December 19, 2025

INFRASTRUCTURE:

Oracle/OpenAI Michigan data center approved today despite Blue Owl Capital pulling $10B funding yesterday
100+ protesters at Michigan State Capitol Dec 16 demanding data center moratorium
10+ Michigan townships in data center battles (Van Buren Jan 14 decision upcoming)

EMPLOYMENT:

182,963 tech workers laid off in 2025 (579/day)
December: 300+ layoffs this week alone
Entry-level job market: Lowest professional services openings since 2013

FEDERAL POLICY:

Genesis Mission: 24 tech companies join federal AI acceleration (Amazon, Google, NVIDIA, Oracle, OpenAI)
OpenAI/Department of Energy MOU signed for energy sector AI collaboration
Trump July EO fast-tracking data centers + December EO attacking state AI laws = two-part strategy

THE PATTERN: Infrastructure buildout accelerating despite financing uncertainty. Workers caught between automation pressure and infrastructure job promises that don’t materialize.

Bottom Line Up Front

Top 4 holding steady. No movement this week.

What changed this week:

Blue Owl Capital walked away from Oracle’s $10B Michigan data center. Oracle’s largest data center partner cited concerns about Oracle’s $105B debt (up $78B from last year) and unfavorable lease terms. Blackstone reportedly in talks but no deal signed.

What this means for workers:

Infrastructure jobs aren’t the answer. Michigan promised 450 permanent jobs at $7B for one Michigan facility. Cost-per-job: $933,000 in subsidies. Construction jobs would be: 18-24 months, then gone. Meanwhile, the AI facility enables automation that eliminates jobs elsewhere.

Foundation Skills remain the smart bet. This week we’re covering Domain Expertise. The second foundation skill that translates across every AI transformation we’re tracking.

Last week: Python + API Integration (how to code for AI systems) This week: Domain Expertise (understanding the industry where AI deploys) Next three weeks (subject to change): Systems Thinking, Governance/Compliance, Stakeholder Translation

Subscribe: theopenrecordl3c.substack.com

Top 4 Career Opportunities

(Still Only 4 This Week)

No Movement in Rankings For the Third Week

All four positions holding steady. Here’s why that matters:

What They Initially Survived:

Platform commoditization (Dec 2-3)
Infrastructure financing crisis (Dec 17-18)
Continued entry-level collapse (professional services openings lowest since 2013)
579 tech workers/day on average losing jobs

These four positions are demonstrating resilience because they require foundation skills that can’t be easily automated or eliminated.

#1: Forward Deployed Engineer

Score: 85/100 (No Change)

What It Is: Embed with customers on-site (25-50% travel), write production code they depend on, make AI systems work in real environments.

Why It Holds:

Genesis Mission = more companies deploying AI = more need for FDEs to make it work
Oracle/OpenAI infrastructure builds require specialists who can deploy in customer environments
Platform tools handle generic cases; FDEs handle complex/custom implementations

The Data:

Growth: 1,165% year-over-year (Jan-Oct 2025 vs 2024)
Salary: $135K-$200K (Palantir range), median $174K
AI Integration: 35% explicitly mention AI Agents, 31% require LLM experience

Who’s Hiring:

Palantir (pioneered role, 50% of workforce)
OpenAI (established FDE team early 2025)
Ramp (~15 FDEs, hiring more)
Deloitte (Palantir partnership FDEs)
Multiple AI startups expanding FDE teams

Foundation Skills Required:

Python + API Integration (Tier 2-3: Production systems)
Domain Expertise (This week’s focus)
Systems Thinking + Troubleshooting
Stakeholder Translation

Silent Firing Risk: LOW

30-Day Action Plan: theopenrecord.org/resources/30D-forward-deployed-engineer.html

#2: Healthcare Patient Care Coordinator

Score: 80/100 (No Change)

What It Is: Coordinate complex patient care across providers, insurance, and services. Navigate HIPAA requirements, explain medical information, advocate for patients.

Why It Holds:

Physical presence required (not remote-automatable)
HIPAA compliance limits algorithmic management
AI creates MORE coordination complexity, not less
Trust relationships with patients can’t be automated

The Data:

Job Postings: 52,000+ nationwide (Indeed, December 2025)
Salary: $45K-$95K (entry to experienced)
Growth: 29% projected through 2033 (BLS)
Entry: 70% hiring odds, entry-level available

Foundation Skills Required:

Domain Expertise (Healthcare operations – this week’s focus)
Stakeholder Translation (Explaining medical info to patients)
Systems Thinking (Navigating complex care coordination)
Governance + Compliance (HIPAA, insurance regulations)

Silent Firing Risk: MEDIUM (AI productivity metrics pressure, but physical presence + HIPAA protections)

30-Day Action Plan: https://theopenrecord.org/resources/30D-healthcare-coordinator.html

#3: Synthetic Data Creation

Score: 75/100 (No Change)

What It Is: Generate artificial datasets that maintain statistical properties of real data while protecting privacy. Enable AI training without exposing sensitive information.

Why It Holds:

Privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA) make real data harder to access
Highly technical work requiring both statistical expertise and regulatory knowledge
Growing regulatory demand for privacy-preserving AI training

The Data:

Market: $1.81 billion (2024), growing 31.1% CAGR
Salary: $130K-$200K (highly specialized)
Gartner: 60% of AI training data will be synthetic by 2025

Foundation Skills Required:

Python + API Integration (Tier 3: Advanced data manipulation)
Domain Expertise (Understanding data structure of specific industries)
Governance + Compliance (Privacy regulations, data protection)
Systems Thinking (How synthetic data integrates into training)

Silent Firing Risk: LOW (Too specialized, small teams, growing regulatory demand)

30-Day Action Plan: https://theopenrecord.org/resources/30D-synthetic-data-creation.html

#4: Voice AI Implementation Specialist

Score: 70/100 (No Change)

What It Is: Deploy voice AI systems in enterprise environments. Configure NLP, integrate with phone systems, ensure HIPAA/regulatory compliance in healthcare.

Why It Holds:

Healthcare-specific deployments still require specialists
Medical terminology, HIPAA compliance, EHR integration = not generic
90% of hospitals projected to use AI agents by end of 2025

The Data:

Market: $2.4B (2024) → $47.5B by 2034 (34.8% CAGR)
Salary: $90K-$160K
Enterprise voice deployments accelerating

Foundation Skills Required:

Python + API Integration (Tier 2)
Domain Expertise (Healthcare operations, call center workflows)
Systems Thinking (Integration with legacy phone systems)
Governance + Compliance (HIPAA for healthcare voice AI)
Stakeholder Translation (Training staff)

Silent Firing Risk: MEDIUM-HIGH (Platform tools improving, but healthcare complexity protects)

30-Day Action Plan: https://theopenrecord.org/resources/30D-voice-ai-implementation.html

#5: [VACANT]

Still not filling this spot. We’ll only add a #5 when we can confidently recommend it (70/100+ score).

Focus on the top 4 + build foundation skills that translate across changes.

Movement & Analysis

No Ranking Changes, But Context Shifts

Infrastructure Financing Crisis (Dec 17-18):

Blue Owl Capital withdrew from Oracle’s $10B Michigan data center. This is Oracle’s LARGEST data center partner walking away citing debt concerns ($105B, up $78B year-over-year) and unfavorable lease terms.

What this signals:

Debt-fueled infrastructure buildout hitting limits
Private equity getting cautious about AI infrastructure returns
Oracle claims “on schedule” but won’t name replacement equity partner
Blackstone in talks but no deal signed

Impact on Top 4: None directly, but validates our ranking approach.

We’re NOT recommending “Data Center Operator” roles because:

Temporary construction jobs (18-24 months)
Minimal permanent jobs (26 at Switch facility vs. 400 promised)
Cost-per-job astronomical ($933K at Saline)
Financing uncertain (Blue Owl pullout shows)

We rank careers with foundation skills that translate. Infrastructure construction doesn’t qualify.

Genesis Mission: Federal AI Acceleration

Announced this week: 24 tech companies joining federal “Genesis Mission” for AI infrastructure buildout. Participants include NVIDIA, Amazon, Google, Oracle, OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, Anthropic.

Impact on Top 4:

Forward Deployed Engineer (#1): POSITIVE

More companies deploying AI = more need for FDEs
Federal partnership = enterprise-scale deployments
Complex integrations across agencies = FDE sweet spot

Healthcare Coordinator (#2): NEUTRAL

Federal AI push includes healthcare, but doesn’t eliminate coordination needs
If anything, more AI tools = more coordination complexity

Synthetic Data (#3): POSITIVE

Federal deployments require privacy-compliant training data
Government contracts favor specialists with clearance + compliance expertise

Voice AI (#4): NEUTRAL

Enterprise deployments continue regardless of federal partnership structure

The pattern: Federal acceleration helps specialized roles, doesn’t eliminate them.

OpenAI/Department of Energy MOU

Signed this week: OpenAI and Department of Energy partnership for AI in energy sector. Terms include grid optimization, nuclear facility management, national lab access for OpenAI research.

Worker Impact:

Grid operators, facility managers facing AI automation
Federal backing = faster deployment in energy sector
But: Energy sector requires domain expertise (regulations, safety, grid operations)

This reinforces Domain Expertise as foundation skill. Energy sector AI deployments need specialists who understand both AI AND energy operations.

Labor Market Reality Check

November-December 2025: Mixed Signals, Continuing Layoffs

Tech Layoffs Continue (2025 Year-to-Date as of Dec 18):

182,963 tech workers laid off (626 layoff events)
579 people per day losing jobs
December alone: 300+ layoffs this week

Latest Government Data (Released This Week):

ADP November 2025 (Dec 3):

LOSS of 32,000 private jobs (expected +10,000)
Biggest decline since March 2023
Small businesses hit hardest: -120,000 jobs
Pay growth: 4.5% YoY (slowing trend)
Nela Richardson (ADP): “Hiring choppy… led by pullback among small businesses”

Manufacturing: -18,000
Professional/Business Services: -26,000
Information: -20,000
Construction: -9,000

BLS November 2025 (Dec 16):

Only +64,000 total nonfarm jobs
Unemployment: 4.6% (up from 4.4% in September)
“Changed little since April”
Healthcare led with +46,000 jobs
Federal shutdown disrupted October data collection

The Pattern: First net private job losses in 2.5 years (ADP November). Government data shows minimal growth. Tech layoffs accelerating. Manufacturing/professional services declining. Only healthcare adding significant jobs.

Key Recent Tech Cuts:

Google: 100+ cloud design roles, shifted to AI
Paycom: 500+ jobs, automation deflating back-office
Multiple startups: 50-200 person cuts

AI Attribution:

10,000+ job cuts in 2025 directly attributed to AI (Challenger Gray)
27,000+ tech jobs since 2023 explicitly AI-driven
Companies now list “AI” as top 5 cause of layoffs

Entry-Level Collapse:

Professional services job openings: Lowest since 2013 (down 20% YoY)
Big Tech graduate hiring: Down 25% in 2024 vs 2023
40% of white-collar job seekers failed to get interviews in 2024

Why Foundation Skills Matter More Now

Job titles change faster than skills.

1980s-90s IT Revolution:

“Network Administrator” → “Systems Engineer” → “DevOps Engineer” → “Site Reliability Engineer”
Job title changed 4 times in 40 years
Foundation skill (systems thinking + troubleshooting) stayed constant
Workers with transferable skills transitioned successfully

2025 AI Revolution:

“AI Agent Builder” (entry-level) → commoditized in 48 hours (Dec 2-3)
“Forward Deployed Engineer” → growing 1,165% YoY
Same foundation skills, different application

Our approach: Teach the skills that survive title changes.

Foundation Skills Framework

This Week: Domain Expertise

Last week: Python + API Integration (how to code for AI systems) This week: Domain Expertise (understanding the industry where AI deploys) Next three weeks: Systems Thinking, Governance/Compliance, Stakeholder Translation

What Is Domain Expertise?

Definition: Deep understanding of how a specific industry operates—workflows, regulations, pain points, stakeholder dynamics, and unwritten rules.

1984 equivalent: Manufacturing operations knowledge / finance operations knowledge

Why it translates: AI tools change every 6-18 months. Industry operations don’t.

Example:

A Forward Deployed Engineer deploying AI in healthcare needs to understand healthcare workflows
The AI platform they’re deploying will change 3 times in 5 years
Healthcare operations (patient flow, insurance, HIPAA, provider networks) won’t change

The math: Learn healthcare operations once → Apply across ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and whatever replaces them.

Why Domain Expertise Matters MORE in AI Era

Counterintuitive but true: As AI tools get better at generic tasks, specialists who understand specific industries become MORE valuable.

The Platform Paradox:

Generic AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini):

Excellent at: Writing generic emails, summarizing documents, coding standard functions
Struggle with: Industry-specific edge cases, regulatory nuances, stakeholder politics

Where specialists win:

Healthcare Example:

AI can schedule appointments
AI can’t navigate: Insurance pre-authorization rejections, HIPAA-compliant communication with family members, coordinating care across 5 specialists who don’t use compatible systems
Healthcare Patient Care Coordinators need domain expertise to handle the 20% of cases AI can’t.

Infrastructure Example:

AI can analyze energy consumption data
AI can’t navigate: Township zoning politics, utility capacity negotiations, community resistance organizing, cost-per-job vs. alternative investment calculations
Communities need domain expertise to evaluate data center proposals.

Financial Services Example:

AI can process trades
AI can’t navigate: Regulatory compliance nuances, client relationship dynamics, market crisis decision-making
Financial advisors need domain expertise for complex client situations.

Domain Expertise Appears in ALL Top 4

#1: Forward Deployed Engineer

Required: Customer’s industry knowledge
Why: Generic AI deployment fails without understanding customer workflows, pain points, stakeholder dynamics
Example: Healthcare FDE must understand patient flow, insurance, HIPAA, provider networks to deploy voice AI successfully

#2: Healthcare Patient Care Coordinator

Required: Healthcare operations, insurance systems, medical terminology
Why: Navigating complex care requires understanding how healthcare actually works
Example: Insurance pre-authorization requires knowing which codes to use, which justifications work, which insurers accept electronic vs. fax

#3: Synthetic Data Creation

Required: Understanding data structure of specific industries
Why: Synthetic data must maintain statistical properties relevant to the domain
Example: Healthcare synthetic data must preserve diagnostic patterns, demographic distributions, treatment sequences while protecting privacy

#4: Voice AI Implementation Specialist

Required: Healthcare operations, call center workflows
Why: Voice AI must understand domain-specific vocabulary, workflows, compliance requirements
Example: Medical terminology, HIPAA-compliant scripting, EHR integration patterns

This Week’s Deep Dive: Three Domain Expertise Paths

Path 1: Healthcare Operations

Why Healthcare:

Appears in 2 of our Top 4 (Patient Care Coordinator, Voice AI Specialist)
29% job growth projected through 2033
HIPAA protections limit automation
Aging population = growing demand regardless of AI

Three-Tier Learning Path:

TIER 1: ENTRY (0-6 months)

“I understand healthcare workflows and can communicate with medical professionals”

Objective: Learn healthcare terminology, insurance basics, patient flow, HIPAA fundamentals. Position for entry-level roles like Patient Care Coordinator.

Time Investment: 10-15 hours/week for 3-6 months

Total Cost: $0-$500

Learning Paths:

Option A – Free Path ($0):

Khan Academy: Healthcare and Medicine (Free) – Medical terminology, basic anatomy, disease processes (4-6 weeks)
CMS.gov Medicare/Medicaid Learning (Free) – Insurance fundamentals, claims, coverage (2-3 weeks)
HHS.gov HIPAA Training (Free) – Privacy regulations, compliance basics (1-2 weeks)
YouTube: Healthcare Operations Channels (Free) – Real-world workflows, insurance navigation (ongoing)

Option B – Certification Path ($200-$500):

Medical Terminology Course (Community college or Coursera, $200-$300) – Professional credential
HIPAA Certification (AAPC or AHIMA, $150-$200) – Industry-recognized compliance training

Key Concepts to Master:

Medical Terminology:

Prefixes, suffixes, root words
Body systems and common diagnoses
Medication categories and abbreviations
Lab values and diagnostic tests

Insurance Basics:

Medicare vs. Medicaid vs. private insurance
Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket max
In-network vs. out-of-network
Pre-authorization and referral processes
Claims submission and appeals

Healthcare Workflows:

Patient registration and intake
Scheduling and appointment types
Medical records and documentation
Discharge planning and follow-up
Care coordination across providers

HIPAA Fundamentals:

Protected Health Information (PHI)
Privacy Rule vs. Security Rule
Permitted uses and disclosures
Patient rights (access, amendment, accounting)
Breach notification requirements

Validation Projects (Build These):

Project 1: Insurance Navigation Guide

Research 3 insurance types (Medicare, Medicaid, private)
Document authorization requirements for common procedures
Create flowchart for appeals process
Skills demonstrated: Research, documentation, patient advocacy

Project 2: Care Coordination Case Studies

Research 5 complex patient scenarios (diabetes + heart disease, cancer treatment, post-surgical, etc.)
Document care team members, communication needs, coordination challenges
Skills demonstrated: Systems thinking, stakeholder identification

Project 3: HIPAA Compliance Scenarios

Research 10 real-world HIPAA scenarios (family requests, provider communication, electronic records)
Document compliant vs. non-compliant responses
Skills demonstrated: Compliance knowledge, judgment

Career Access at Entry Tier:

Patient Care Coordinator ($45K-$58K)
Medical Records Coordinator ($40K-$52K)
Healthcare Customer Service ($38K-$48K)
Scheduling Coordinator ($35K-$45K)

Job Posting Example: “Patient Care Coordinator – Schedule appointments, coordinate care across providers, assist with insurance. Medical terminology preferred. Will train on our systems. $48K-$54K.”

Timeline Summary:

Months 1-2: Medical terminology + insurance basics
Months 3-4: HIPAA + workflows
Months 5-6: Validation projects + job applications

TIER 2: INTERMEDIATE (6-12 months total)

“I can navigate complex healthcare systems and implement improvements”

Builds on: Entry tier foundations

Objective: Understand healthcare IT systems, quality improvement, regulatory frameworks. Position for roles requiring specialized knowledge (Voice AI Implementation, Healthcare Informatics).

Time Investment: Additional 10-15 hours/week for 6 months

Total Cost: Additional $1,000-$3,000 ($1,000-$3,500 total)

Learning Paths:

Option A – Bootcamp Path ($2,500-$3,000):

Healthcare IT bootcamp or Health Informatics program
Structured curriculum, mentorship, career support

Option B – Certification Path ($1,000-$1,500):

Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) ($225 exam, NAHAM) – Patient access specialist
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) ($395 exam) – Quality improvement
Epic or Cerner EHR Certification ($500-$1,000) – Major EHR systems

Key Concepts to Master:

Healthcare IT Systems:

Electronic Health Records (EHR) architecture
Health Information Exchange (HIE)
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)
Practice Management Systems (PMS)
Patient portals and telehealth platforms
HL7 and FHIR standards (data exchange)

Quality Improvement:

CMS Quality Payment Program (MIPS, APM)
HEDIS measures and reporting
Lean/Six Sigma in healthcare
Root cause analysis
Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles

Regulatory Frameworks:

Meaningful Use / Promoting Interoperability
Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA)
Value-Based Care models
Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute basics
Joint Commission standards
State-specific regulations

Revenue Cycle:

Charge capture and coding
Claims submission and tracking
Denial management
Accounts receivable
Value-based reimbursement

Validation Projects:

Project 1: EHR Workflow Analysis

Shadow 3 different provider types (primary care, specialist, hospital)
Document their EHR workflows
Identify inefficiencies and propose improvements
Skills demonstrated: Process analysis, stakeholder interviews, improvement recommendations

Project 2: Quality Measure Implementation Plan

Select 2 HEDIS or CMS quality measures
Research data requirements, workflow implications
Create implementation plan for a fictional practice
Skills demonstrated: Regulatory knowledge, project planning

Project 3: Voice AI Deployment Plan (Healthcare)

Research 1 voice AI platform
Document HIPAA compliance requirements
Create integration plan with EHR
Design training curriculum for staff
Skills demonstrated: Technical integration, compliance, change management

Career Access at Intermediate Tier:

Voice AI Implementation Specialist – Healthcare ($90K-$130K)
Healthcare Informatics Analyst ($70K-$95K)
Clinical Operations Manager ($75K-$100K)
Quality Improvement Coordinator ($65K-$85K)
Healthcare Data Analyst ($68K-$88K)

Job Posting Example: “Voice AI Implementation Specialist – Deploy conversational AI in hospital call centers. Requires understanding of healthcare workflows, HIPAA, EHR integration. Epic experience preferred. $95K-$115K.”

Timeline Summary:

Months 7-8: Healthcare IT systems + EHR certification
Months 9-10: Quality improvement + regulatory frameworks
Months 11-12: Advanced projects + job search

TIER 3: ADVANCED (12-24 months total)

“I design healthcare systems and lead strategic initiatives”

Builds on: Intermediate tier specialized knowledge

Objective: Lead healthcare transformation initiatives, design systems, serve as domain expert for AI deployments. Position for senior roles (Senior FDE – Healthcare, Director of Healthcare Informatics, Chief Clinical Informatics Officer).

Time Investment: Additional 10-15 hours/week for 12 months

Total Cost: Additional $3,000-$10,000 ($4,000-$13,500 total)

Learning Paths:

Option A – Master’s Degree ($10,000-$30,000+):

Health Informatics (MS)
Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Public Health (MPH) with informatics focus

Option B – Executive Certifications ($3,000-$5,000):

Certified Professional in Health Information Management Systems (CPHIMS) – $400 exam
Fellowship in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (FHIMSS) – Multi-year achievement
Healthcare executive programs (Harvard, Wharton) – $3,000-$5,000

Key Concepts to Master:

Healthcare Strategy:

Population health management
Value-based care transformation
Risk stratification and care management
Accountable Care Organization (ACO) models
Bundled payments and alternative payment models

Advanced Health IT:

Interoperability standards (FHIR, HL7, DICOM)
Clinical data warehouses and analytics
Natural Language Processing (NLP) for clinical notes
Machine learning in clinical decision support
Predictive analytics for population health

Change Management:

Physician adoption strategies
Workflow redesign methodologies
Stakeholder alignment (clinicians, administration, IT, patients)
Resistance management
Measuring and demonstrating ROI

AI in Healthcare:

FDA regulations for AI/ML medical devices
Clinical validation requirements
Bias and fairness in healthcare AI
Explainability requirements for clinical AI
Integration patterns for AI in clinical workflows

Advanced Regulatory:

Information blocking regulations
Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA)
State privacy laws (California, Virginia, Colorado)
International regulations (GDPR for EU patients)

Validation Projects:

Project 1: Healthcare System Transformation Plan

Select 1 health system challenge (readmissions, patient engagement, chronic disease)
Design comprehensive solution (technology, workflow, training, measurement)
Present to healthcare executives (real or simulated)
Skills demonstrated: Strategic thinking, ROI analysis, executive communication

Project 2: AI Deployment Case Study (Healthcare)

Document real-world AI deployment in healthcare (via research or participation)
Analyze: technical integration, workflow impact, clinician adoption, patient outcomes, regulatory compliance
Publish case study (blog, conference presentation, white paper)
Skills demonstrated: AI expertise, healthcare operations, research and writing

Project 3: Industry Thought Leadership

Publish 3-5 articles on healthcare AI, interoperability, or value-based care
Speak at regional conferences (HIMSS chapter, local health IT groups)
Build network of healthcare executives and IT leaders
Skills demonstrated: Expertise, communication, leadership

Public Presence at Advanced Tier:

LinkedIn: 3-5 substantive healthcare AI posts/month
Healthcare IT blogs: Regular contributor to HIMSS, Healthcare IT News, etc.
Speaking: Regional HIMSS conferences, health system grand rounds
Consulting: Advisory roles for startups or health systems
Publications: Healthcare journals, industry white papers

Career Access at Advanced Tier:

Senior Forward Deployed Engineer – Healthcare ($150K-$200K+)
Director of Healthcare Informatics ($130K-$180K)
Chief Clinical Informatics Officer ($160K-$250K+)
Healthcare AI Product Manager ($140K-$200K)
Healthcare Strategy Consultant ($150K-$220K+)

Job Posting Example: “Senior Forward Deployed Engineer – Lead AI implementations at major health systems. Design clinical workflows, train clinical staff, ensure regulatory compliance. 8+ years healthcare experience required. Epic + AI platform experience. $165K-$195K + equity.”

Timeline Summary:

Months 13-18: Advanced certifications, strategy and transformation
Months 19-24: Thought leadership, speaking, consulting, executive-level positioning

Path 2: Infrastructure & Community Development

Why Infrastructure:

Michigan data center battles show need for community expertise
10+ Michigan townships fighting proposals RIGHT NOW
Van Buren decision Jan 14, 2026
Communities need specialists who can evaluate proposals

Note: This is NOT “get a construction job at a data center.” This is “help communities navigate data center proposals and energy infrastructure decisions.”

TIER 1: ENTRY (0-6 months)

“I understand energy infrastructure, community development, and can analyze data center proposals”

Objective: Learn energy fundamentals, infrastructure economics, community engagement, environmental impact analysis. Position to support communities or work in municipal planning.

Time Investment: 10-15 hours/week for 3-6 months

Total Cost: $0-$200

Learning Paths:

Option A – Free Path ($0):

MIT OpenCourseWare: Energy Systems (Free) – Electric grid fundamentals, power generation (4-6 weeks)
EPA Energy Resources (Free) – Environmental impact, regulations, sustainability (2-3 weeks)
LocalGov Academy (Free) – Community engagement, public meetings, zoning (2-3 weeks)
Good Jobs First Database (Free) – Subsidy tracking, economic development deals (ongoing research)

Option B – Paid Path ($200):

Coursera: Sustainable Energy (University of Pennsylvania, $49) – Comprehensive energy systems
AICP Candidate Membership (American Planning Association, $130/year) – Access to planning resources

Key Concepts to Master:

Energy Infrastructure:

Electric grid basics (generation, transmission, distribution)
Power capacity (MW vs. MWh)
Grid interconnection requirements
Substations and transmission lines
Renewable energy integration
Energy storage (batteries, other)

Data Center Operations:

Power consumption patterns (MW per square foot)
Cooling systems (evaporative, closed-loop, air-cooled)
Water usage (gallons per MW)
Waste heat potential
Backup generators (diesel, natural gas)

Economic Analysis:

Cost-per-job calculations
Tax abatement structures (PA 198 in Michigan, similar elsewhere)
PILOT agreements (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes)
Infrastructure cost allocation (who pays for grid upgrades?)
Opportunity cost analysis (data center vs. alternative investments)

Community Engagement:

Public meeting facilitation
Stakeholder identification
Transparent communication
Organizing community input
Zoning and permitting processes

Environmental Impact:

NEPA process (National Environmental Policy Act)
State-level environmental review
Water resource assessment
Air quality impacts
Wildlife and habitat impacts

Validation Projects:

Project 1: Data Center Proposal Analysis

Select 1 real proposal (Michigan: Saline, Van Buren, Lyon, Augusta)
Calculate: Cost-per-job, grid impact, water usage, tax revenue vs. incentives
Compare to alternative investments (housing, schools, infrastructure)
Skills demonstrated: Economic analysis, research, critical thinking

Project 2: Community Engagement Plan

Design public meeting strategy for fictional data center proposal
Include: Stakeholder identification, information transparency, feedback collection, decision process
Skills demonstrated: Community organizing, process design

Project 3: Grid Capacity Assessment

Research local utility capacity (DTE, Consumers Energy in Michigan, others elsewhere)
Map existing load, new demand, transmission constraints
Assess feasibility of proposed projects
Skills demonstrated: Technical analysis, infrastructure knowledge

Career Access at Entry Tier:

Community Development Assistant ($38K-$50K)
Municipal Planning Aide ($40K-$52K)
Environmental Compliance Coordinator ($42K-$55K)
Energy Efficiency Program Coordinator ($45K-$58K)

Note: These aren’t high-paying roles, but they provide foundation to move into higher tiers AND directly help communities navigate infrastructure decisions.

TIER 2: INTERMEDIATE (6-12 months total)

“I can lead community impact assessments and advise local governments on infrastructure decisions”

Objective: Conduct comprehensive infrastructure analysis, present to elected officials, organize community response, provide expert testimony.

Time Investment: Additional 10-15 hours/week for 6 months

Total Cost: Additional $1,000-$2,500

Certifications:

AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) – $495 exam – Professional planning credential
LEED Green Associate – $250 exam – Sustainable development credential
Energy Manager Certification (AEE) – $450 – Energy systems expertise

Key Concepts to Master:

Advanced Economic Analysis:

Input-Output modeling (local economic multipliers)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) analysis
Long-term fiscal impact projections
Risk assessment (project failure, cost overruns)
Alternative scenario modeling

Legal & Regulatory:

State data center incentive laws (Michigan PA 515, similar elsewhere)
MEPA/NEPA compliance requirements
Conditional Use Permits and Special Use Permits
Public Utility Commission jurisdiction
Federal preemption vs. state/local authority

Technical Infrastructure:

Distributed energy resources (solar, wind, batteries)
Microgrid design and economics
Waste heat capture and district heating (Finland model)
Grid stability and reliability metrics
Transmission planning and cost allocation

Stakeholder Management:

Coalition building (residents, businesses, environmental groups)
Media relations and public communications
Negotiation strategies with developers
Working with attorneys and expert witnesses

Validation Projects:

Project 1: Comprehensive Impact Assessment

Full analysis of 1 real or fictional data center proposal
Include: Economic, environmental, infrastructure, social impacts
20-30 page report suitable for presentation to township board
Skills demonstrated: Comprehensive analysis, professional reporting

Project 2: Alternative Investment Proposal

Design alternative use of $100M in subsidies
Could be: District heating system, renewable energy, housing, schools
Show: Jobs created, tax revenue, community benefit
Compare to data center proposal
Skills demonstrated: Creative problem-solving, economic development alternatives

Project 3: Expert Testimony

Prepare testimony for public hearing (real or simulated)
Include: Technical analysis, economic impacts, community concerns
Deliver testimony to officials or record video
Skills demonstrated: Public speaking, expert communication

Career Access at Intermediate Tier:

Community Development Specialist ($55K-$75K)
Infrastructure Planning Analyst ($60K-$82K)
Environmental Impact Consultant ($65K-$90K)
Energy Policy Analyst ($62K-$85K)

Consulting Opportunities:

Townships hire consultants to evaluate proposals ($5K-$25K per project)
Environmental groups hire analysts for impact assessments
Community organizations need expert support

TIER 3: ADVANCED (12-24 months total)

“I design alternative infrastructure strategies and lead regional planning initiatives”

Objective: Shape regional energy policy, design innovative infrastructure solutions, serve as recognized expert on sustainable development alternatives.

Master’s Degrees ($10,000-$40,000):

Urban Planning (MUP)
Public Policy (MPP) with energy focus
Environmental Management (MEM)

Advanced Certifications ($2,000-$5,000):

Professional Engineer (PE) license with energy focus
LEED AP (Accredited Professional) – Advanced sustainable design
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) – Advanced energy systems

Key Concepts to Master:

Regional Energy Planning:

Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
Renewable energy deployment strategies
Energy equity and environmental justice
Climate action plan development
Regional grid planning and coordination

Innovative Infrastructure Models:

District energy systems (heating/cooling)
Community choice aggregation (CCA)
Municipalization of utilities
Microgrid development
Public power alternatives

Policy Development:

Legislative drafting and advocacy
Regulatory framework design
Incentive structure analysis
Performance-based regulation
Federal/state/local coordination

Career Access:

Director of Community Development ($85K-$120K)
Energy Policy Director ($90K-$130K)
Regional Planning Director ($95K-$140K)
Sustainability Consultant (Principal) ($100K-$150K+)

Impact:

Advising state legislators on energy policy
Designing alternative infrastructure models for regions
Leading coalitions across multiple communities
Published expert on sustainable development

Path 3: Compliance & Regulatory Frameworks

Why Compliance:

Appears in 3 of our Top 4 (Healthcare, Synthetic Data, Voice AI)
Every AI deployment requires regulatory compliance
Highly specialized, hard to automate
Growing as regulations multiply

TIER 1: ENTRY (0-6 months)

Key Certifications:

Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) – $550
HIPAA Certification (AAPC) – $200
CompTIA Security+ (for technical compliance) – $370

Career Access:

Compliance Coordinator ($45K-$62K)
Privacy Analyst ($50K-$68K)
Regulatory Affairs Assistant ($48K-$60K)

TIER 2: INTERMEDIATE (6-12 months total)

Key Certifications:

Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) – $550
Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) – $385
ISO 27001 Lead Auditor – $1,500

Career Access:

Compliance Specialist ($70K-$95K)
Privacy Engineer ($85K-$115K)
Healthcare Compliance Manager ($80K-$110K)

TIER 3: ADVANCED (12-24 months total)

Key Certifications:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – $749
Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) – $550
Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) – Multi-year achievement

Career Access:

Director of Compliance ($110K-$160K)
Chief Privacy Officer ($140K-$200K+)
Regulatory Strategist ($120K-$180K)

Infrastructure Spotlight: Michigan Data Center Battles

What’s Happening:

Michigan has become ground zero for the collision between AI infrastructure buildout and community control. At least 10 townships are fighting data center proposals, with residents protesting at the State Capitol and Attorney General Dana Nessel challenging approval processes.

The Saline Example:

Announced: October 30, 2025 – Oracle/OpenAI/Related Digital “$7B investment, 450 jobs”

What Actually Happened:

Township board voted NO on rezoning (September 2025)
Related Digital sued township for “exclusionary zoning”
Settlement forced township to approve
$420M in subsidies (sales/use tax exemption approved by legislature December 2024)
Cost-per-job: $933,333 ($420M subsidies / 450 promised jobs)
Blue Owl Capital pulls $10B funding (December 17, 2025) citing Oracle debt concerns
Project claims “on schedule” but no replacement equity partner named

Oracle’s Timeline Problems:

Reuters (December 2025) reported “construction delays and power availability becoming bigger factors” in Oracle’s data center plans. The company raised capex guidance from $35B → $50B in three months while posting negative $10B free cash flow, raising questions about whether announced timelines are achievable.

What Communities Learn:

Local control is illusion when developer can sue
State subsidies already approved before township votes
Federal fast-tracking (Trump July EO) + state cooperation = community input bypassed
Financing uncertain AND timelines slipping, but approvals still forced through
Developer promises $7B investment while Wall Street questions execution capability

The Van Buren Battle (Decision Jan 14, 2026):

Proposal: Panattoni Development, 1 gigawatt, 282 acres Status: Planning Commission meeting scheduled January 14, 2026 Community Response: Packed meetings, fierce opposition Township Supervisor’s Assessment: “I hate zoning laws! They were made 40-50 years ago… likely can’t stop it”

The Pattern: Communities fighting but local officials acknowledge limited power due to decades-old zoning that allowed data centers “by right” in industrial zones.

The Lyon Township Blindside:

What Happened:

Verrus (Google-backed) submitted plans August 7, 2025
Planning Commission approved September 8, 2025 (conditionally)
NO public hearings required (by-right in industrial zone)
Residents found out through neighbors and Facebook
1.8 million square feet, 300 feet from homes

Bernie Sanders cited Lyon Township as proof federal moratorium needed.

The Augusta Win (Rare Community Success):

Proposal: Thor Equities, 100MW, 800 acres, $1B Result: Planning Commission DENIED zoning (June 2025) Why: Inconsistent with land-use plans + County Water Resources Office demanded more environmental review Lesson: Local resistance CAN work when officials support community and environmental review rigorous

What Workers Should Know:

Infrastructure jobs are NOT the answer:

Construction jobs: 18-24 months, then gone
Permanent jobs: Minimal (Switch: 26 vs. 400 promised)
Cost-per-job: Astronomical ($933K Saline, $2M typical per Good Jobs First)
Automation enabled: The facility automates OTHER jobs
Financing uncertain: Blue Owl pullout shows debt-fueled buildout hitting limits

Better path: Build foundation skills that translate (domain expertise in infrastructure analysis helps communities, pays decent, can’t be eliminated).

One to Watch: AI Compliance & Ethics Specialist

Status: Unchanged from last week

Timeline: 2027-2028 for mainstream hiring

Why It Matters:

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is ONE PERSON fighting the Saline data center approval. Reviewing contracts with “blacked out sections,” assessing infrastructure impacts, representing ratepayer interests, setting policy precedent.

This should be a TEAM. That’s the emerging role.

What’s New This Week:

Federal Genesis Mission creates MORE need for compliance specialists:

24 companies deploying AI with federal backing
Federal-private partnerships require oversight
State-federal conflicts (December EO attacking state laws) create legal complexity

If You’re Positioning Now (Student or Career Changer):

Technical AI Literacy + Policy/Legal:

Take AI ethics courses (MIT, Stanford free online)
Follow Michigan AG cases
Track EU AI Act implementation
Join policy organizations (Partnership on AI, AI Now Institute)

Watch Michigan for proof points. The Saline battle (December 2025) shows exactly why communities need dedicated experts who can evaluate AI infrastructure proposals BEFORE approval pressure builds.

Free Resources

Access our complete library:

🔗 PivotIntel Resources Hub

Featured Action Plans:

Foundation Skills Resources:

Python Learning Hub – All resources linked (Last week)
Domain Expertise Toolkit – Healthcare, Infrastructure, Compliance paths (NEW – Coming Soon)

Michigan Infrastructure:

Michigan Data Center Battle Tracker – Interactive map, all 10+ projects

Weekly Newsletter: Sign up at theopenrecord.org

Methodology & Sources

Ranking Methodology

Our Top 4 rankings use weighted criteria:

Market Demand (30%) – Job postings, growth trajectory, industry investment
Entry Speed (25%) – Time to first income, barriers to entry, learning resources
Income Potential (25%) – Entry-level to experienced ceiling, geographic variation
Future Viability (15%) – Automation resistance, skill transferability, regulatory protection
Scam/Risk Factor (5%) – Predatory offers, silent firing vulnerability

Position must score 70+ to make Top 4.

Data Sources (This Week)

Employment Data:

Layoffs.fyi: 182,963 tech workers laid off in 2025 (626 events, 579/day)
Challenger Gray & Christmas: AI-related cuts data
TechCrunch: December 2025 tech layoffs comprehensive list
Crunchbase: Week ending Dec 17 cuts (251 workers)

Infrastructure Battles:

Bridge Michigan: Saline data center coverage, regional analysis (10+ communities)
Planet Detroit: Van Buren, Southfield, Lyon Township coverage
Crain’s Detroit: Lyon Township Verrus proposal
WXYZ/FOX 2 Detroit: Community meeting coverage
CNBC: Blue Owl/Oracle financing crisis (Dec 17, 2025)
Bloomberg: Oracle debt analysis ($105B, up $78B)
DCD: Blue Owl pullout details

Federal Policy:

Genesis Mission: Multiple tech press sources (Dec 18, 2025)
OpenAI/DOE MOU: Department of Energy announcement
Trump July EO: Federal Register, industry coverage
Trump December EO: Previous week’s analysis

Forward Deployed Engineer Data:

LinkedIn Talent Insights: 1,165% YoY growth
Glassdoor/Levels.fyi: Salary ranges
Company job postings: Palantir, OpenAI, Ramp, Deloitte

Healthcare Data:

Indeed: 52,000+ Patient Care Coordinator postings
BLS: 29% growth projection through 2033
Hospital AI adoption: Industry projections (90% by end 2025)

Domain Expertise Learning Paths:

Healthcare: Khan Academy, CMS.gov, HHS.gov, community college curricula
Infrastructure: MIT OpenCourseWare, EPA resources, Good Jobs First
Compliance: IAPP, AAPC, AHIMA certification bodies

Transparency Note

We track opportunities, not promote them. When infrastructure jobs show warning signs (minimal permanent roles, astronomical cost-per-job, financing uncertain), we report honestly.

If you see data that contradicts our analysis or have direct experience, contact: angela@theopenrecord.org

This Week: Domain Expertise deep dive (Healthcare, Infrastructure, Compliance)

Sunday: PivotIntel full Michigan infrastructure analysis with interactive dashboard

Next Friday (December 26): Foundation Skills #3: Systems Thinking + Troubleshooting

Under the Radar is published weekly. This edition publishes Friday, December 19, 2025, 8:00 AM ET.

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