Data Center Design Manager
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Center Design Manager to lead the end-to-end design process for mission-critical facilities. If you possess strong leadership capabilities, technical expertise in electrical and cooling systems, and a passion for innovative design, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
- Manage the entire design lifecycle from Schematic Design (SD) through Issued for Construction (IFC), ensuring alignment with project goals.
- Coordinate and oversee external design partner contracts, ensuring scope, schedule, and deliverables meet project requirements.
- Lead weekly design team meetings, provide constructive feedback, resolve issues, and facilitate collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
- Conduct page turn reviews, coordinate meetings, and ensure all comments are recorded and addressed.
- Review, track, and ensure the accuracy, constructability, and timely release of all design deliverables.
- Escalate scope, schedule, or budget-impacting design changes to stakeholders for decision-making.
- Support supply chain activities by reviewing vendor proposals and ensuring design compliance.
- Manage, review, and approve all design bulletins in collaboration with the construction team.
- Collaborate with Sales and Solutions Engineering teams to provide design input on customer RFPs.
- Assist during lessons learned workshops to identify improvements for future projects.
- Perform site visits for field investigations, constructability reviews, and coordination meetings.
- Provide daily updates on design progress, risks, and priorities via collaboration platforms.
- Ensure all design documents meet client and regulatory standards, including NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, TIA-942, and Uptime Institute.
- Promote safety principles within design practices and lead QA/QC efforts to validate system efficiency, scalability, and resilience.
Requirements
- 8–12+ years of experience in design management or engineering leadership, with at least 5 years in data center or mission-critical facilities.
- Proven ability to manage external design partners and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated success in delivering large-scale, MEP-intensive projects valued at $100M+ preferred.
- Strong expertise in electrical distribution (UPS, switchgear, generators), cooling systems (chillers, CRAH/CRAC, cooling towers), and fire protection.
- Proficiency with BIM tools (Revit, Navisworks), collaboration platforms (MS Teams, Procore), and scheduling tools (Procore, P6, Primavera).
- Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
- Preferred educational background includes a degree in engineering or a related field, with relevant certifications being a plus.
- Additional skills such as familiarity with commissioning requirements and design for integrated systems testing are advantageous.
- Willingness to perform site visits and engage with clients and stakeholders regularly.