Architectural SME - AI Data Centers

About the role

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Architectural Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide technical leadership and strategic direction across our 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.

Required Background

Direct AI, Hyperscale, or Colocation data center design experience is strongly preferred. Candidates should possess experience leading the architectural delivery of mission-critical facilities and coordinating highly complex MEP, telecommunications, security, and operational infrastructure requirements.

This position is intended for senior architects with direct experience delivering AI, Hyperscale, Colocation data centers, semiconductor facilities, or comparable mission-critical industrial projects. Architectural experience limited to commercial buildings, mixed-use developments, residential, hospitality, healthcare, education, government, retail, or other conventional building types will generally not be considered equivalent to the mission-critical facility experience required for this role. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated data center project experience supporting hyperscale cloud, colocation, or advanced technology clients.

Technical Leadership & Design Excellence

You will serve as a senior architectural authority across multiple programs, guiding design quality and consistency while advancing Jacobs' architectural standards for mission critical facilities. This includes shaping upfront planning strategies with hyperscale clients, leading site and building design, and driving innovation in modularization, envelope systems, sustainability, and integrated building systems. You will ensure code compliance, constructability, and coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.

Strategic & Client Impact

As a visible technical leader, you will represent Jacobs' design expertise in client engagements, industry forums, and strategic pursuits. Partnering closely with business development and delivery teams, you will help win and shape complex, high value data center programs through technical insight, design leadership, and clear articulation of value.

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

This role plays a critical part in developing Jacobs' architectural talent. You will mentor architects across the data center practice, contribute to internal and external thought leadership, and support Jacobs' presence within professional and industry organizations.

Program Support & Delivery

Balancing strategy with hands on involvement, you will support design reviews, quality assurance, and construction administration across multiple concurrent projects. The role requires the ability to manage parallel priorities while maintaining technical rigor in fast paced, schedule driven environments.

Qualifications

• 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
• Proven expertise in site planning, envelope design, modular construction, and BIM coordination
• Proven record of technical innovation solving client's challenges
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and multi-tasking skills

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

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• 401(k) plan with ability to purchase company stock 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
• Caregiver leave
• Merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock for eligible roles

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.