Architectural SME - AI Data Centers

About the role

Your impact
Jacobs is trusted to design and deliver some of the world’s most complex mission critical facilities. As a leader in advanced manufacturing and hyperscale data center design, we partner with global technology and colocation clients to shape next generation, AI-enabled data centers where resiliency, scalability, sustainability, and precision are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction across our U.S. data center portfolio.
• Guide 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.
• Partner with business development and delivery teams to help win and shape complex, high value data center programs through technical insight, design leadership, and clear articulation of value.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• 20+ years of architectural experience, including 15+ years in mission-critical/data center environments.
• Licensed Architect (RA) with strong knowledge of building codes, ADA, and sustainability frameworks.
• Expertise in site planning, building envelope systems, modular construction, and BIM coordination.
• Proven expertise in applying technical innovation to solve complex client challenges.

Preferred Experience

• 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.