Principal Structural Engineer, Data Center Design Engineering

About the role

Amazon Web Service (AWS) operates 123 Availability Zones (AZs) within 39 geographic Regions around the world. Amazon’s AWS Data Centers (DCs) are a major component of worldwide cloud-computing infrastructure and are industry-leading examples of critical facilities. Architects and Engineers in AWS work to design resilient, cost-effective DC facilities. We are responsible for achieving world-class uptime for our customers and drive to develop a fleet of buildings emphasizing security, safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, while finding new ways to meet AWS’s growing demand.

As a Principal Structural Engineer, you are a leader in your field, collaborating with and leading the work of cross-functional teams including: technical program management, product management, architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, supply chain management, operations, safety, security, finance, and legal. You will participate in external forums/consortiums to understand current trends and developments within the industry. Additionally, you will lead global structural design strategy and development, communicate technical decisions to Senior Management, and drive continuous improvements in our designs.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight and governance of the global Basis of Design (BOD).
• Conceive, initiate, and lead special projects with widespread impact on AWS infrastructure design, environmental footprint, and implementation time.
• Be a leader and technical educator within internal and external Amazon teams supporting existing DCs and ongoing planning, design, and construction projects.
• Collaborate with internal partner teams to define building requirements and serve as a technical source for all building structural attributes.
• Decompose complex structural issues relating to existing buildings or projects in construction into straightforward and actionable solutions, driving resolution of mitigation measures.
• Develop strategic prototypical building solutions that meet or exceed quality requirements while driving value engineering and standardization of interior infrastructure support systems, building superstructure, and cladding systems.
• Serve as a technical advisor for AWS DC design projects, including review of foundation and structural systems, evaluating superstructure design options, and assessing structural calculation assumptions.
• Maintain and host collaborative technical meetings to generate innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions for global deployment.
• Collaborate with local regulatory agencies and certification agencies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and municipal requirements and building codes.

About the team

The Design Quality Assurance (DQA) team is part of AWS Design Engineering Americas (DE-AMER), focused on ensuring quality and consistency across data center designs at scale. The team standardizes design execution for new products and innovations, maintains technical communications, drives continuous improvement of design documents, and serves as the primary DE liaison with product/solutions teams. Staffed by principal and senior-level subject matter experts (SMEs) across core disciplines, the DQA team shepherds first-article designs, facilitates technology intercepts, and mentors the broader DE organization to prevent errors from propagating across the fleet.

Requirements

• Professional Engineer License.
• 12+ years of design experience.
• 10+ years of mission-critical facilities experience.
• Experience researching new designs, technologies, and construction methods for data center equipment and facilities.
• Experience performing complex business case analysis to justify technical decisions and presenting the justification to management in high-level reviews.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities.
• Detailed understanding of structural systems, seismic design, snow loading, building forensic analysis, and building envelope design.
• Proficiency in international building codes and regulations including IBC, IFC, and OSHA.
• Ability and willingness to think outside the box to find creative and innovative solutions to reduce costs without impacting quality, reliability, or maintainability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Structural Engineering.
• Experience in data center design, construction, operations, or facility maintenance.
• Detailed understanding of building construction, forensic analysis of building design and construction defects, and evaluating value engineering for building superstructure.
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical system components and designs.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is:

• USA, OH, Columbus: $162,500.00 - $219,900.00 USD annually
• USA, TX, Austin: $162,500.00 - $219,900.00 USD annually
• USA, VA, Herndon: $162,500.00 - $219,900.00 USD annually
• USA, WA, Seattle: $162,500.00 - $219,900.00 USD annually

Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and location.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance, and optional supplemental life plans).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Mental Health Support, and Medical Advice Line.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage.
• 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off and parental leave.

Learn more about our benefits at amazon.jobs/en/benefits.