Architectural SME - AI Data Centers

This job opportunity is available at any location in the United States. Ideally, selected candidates will be near a Jacobs U.S.-based office, but the company intends to hire the best candidates regardless of location.

About the role

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Architectural Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide technical leadership and strategic direction across its U.S. data center portfolio. This role blends deep architectural expertise with client-facing leadership, influencing design strategy, delivery excellence, and technical differentiation on some of the industry’s most demanding programs. The opportunity is available nationwide, with flexibility to align to a Jacobs office location.

As a leader in advanced manufacturing and hyperscale data center design, Jacobs partners with global technology and colocation clients to shape next-generation, AI-enabled data centers where resiliency, scalability, sustainability, and precision are essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior architectural authority across multiple programs, guiding design quality and consistency while advancing Jacobs’ architectural standards for mission-critical facilities.
• Shape upfront planning strategies with hyperscale clients, lead site and building design, and drive innovation in modularization, envelope systems, sustainability, and integrated building systems.
• Ensure code compliance, constructability, and coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.
• Represent Jacobs’ design expertise in client engagements, industry forums, and strategic pursuits, helping win and shape complex, high-value data center programs through technical insight and design leadership.
• Mentor architects across the data center practice, contribute to internal and external thought leadership, and support Jacobs’ presence within professional and industry organizations.
• Support design reviews, quality assurance, and construction administration across multiple concurrent projects while maintaining technical rigor in fast-paced, schedule-driven environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• 20+ years of experience in architectural design, with 15+ years in mission-critical/data center environments.
• Licensed Architect (RA) with strong knowledge of building codes, ADA, and sustainability frameworks.
• Direct AI, Hyperscale, or Colocation data center design experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience leading the architectural delivery of mission-critical facilities and coordinating highly complex MEP, telecommunications, security, and operational infrastructure requirements.
• Proven expertise in site planning, envelope design, modular construction, and BIM coordination.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and multitasking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center clients.
• Involvement in LEED, WELL, or other sustainability certifications.
• Familiarity with high-security and high-resiliency design principles.
• Vendor coordination and construction-phase support experience.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to data center sites and client locations.
• Travel up to 25% based on project and business needs.
• On-call availability for critical design support or client engagements.
• Hybrid working policy, allowing employees to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company stock purchase options at a discount.
• Deferred compensation plan or Executive Deferral Plan for eligible employees.
• Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) for full-time salaried/exempt employees.
• Seven paid holidays and caregiver leave.
• Additional rewards for certain roles, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonuses, and stock.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $191,300.00 to $263,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.