Data center design engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Design Management Lead to support large-scale, mission‑critical data center design and construction projects. This role serves as the Owner’s Representative, acting as a trusted advisor and agent to the client throughout all phases of design and construction.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders and a broad ecosystem of third‑party consultants, designers, and contractors to ensure design quality, schedule, cost, and risk are effectively managed from concept through construction administration.

Location Requirement

Must be located within 2 hours driving distance of West Virginia, Virginia beach, Northern Virginia, Columbus, Ohio, Charleston, South Carolina.

Responsibilities

Design & Project Leadership

·      Serve as the client’s authorized representative across all design and construction-related activities for data center projects.

·      Lead and coordinate design efforts across multiple concurrent projects.

·      Manage escalation and resolution of complex design issues.

·      Act as the central point of coordination between stakeholders, design consultants, construction managers, and contractors.

Design Planning & Controls

·      Develop comprehensive design project plans prior to design kickoff.

·      Establish and maintain design schedules, budgets, and risk logs through design completion.

·      Coordinate value engineering and constructability reviews at key milestones.

Design Execution & Quality

·      Oversee development and execution of design contracts and amendments, including:

·      Site development and utility infrastructure

·      Data center design

·      Construction Administration / Services During Construction (CA/SDC)

·      Ensure QA/QC processes are executed and design gaps or issues are identified and addressed.

Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

·      Produce monthly design and CA/SDC reports.

·      Provide transparent reporting on schedule, cost, risk, and design status to stakeholders.

·      Cost, Contracts & Commercial Management

·      Coordinate development of cost estimates for scope gaps and design changes.

·      Support contract negotiations with third‑party vendors.

·      Support invoice review, payment tracking, and commercial reporting.

Required Qualifications

·      Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related.

·      5+ years of experience in design management, project management, or owner’s representation roles

·      Experience supporting large-scale data center, mission‑critical, or industrial infrastructure projects

·      Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination (civil, structural, MEP)

·      Experience managing schedules, budgets, and risk in highly complex projects

Preferred Qualifications

·      Experience working directly for or with hyperscale technology clients

·      Background in construction administration and design-phase cost control

·      Familiarity with value engineering, constructability reviews, and QA/QC processes

·      Contract administration and change management experience

·      Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving skills