Senior Architect

About the Role

Fleet Data Centers designs, builds, and operates mega-scale data center campuses, providing customers flexibility and predictability to meet their upside demand forecasts. As the Principal Architect of Data Center Engineering, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge, efficient, scalable, and sustainable data centers. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure best-in-class systems supporting massive cloud operations across multiple regions. You must be a technical expert in architecture with experience in civil and structural engineering disciplines, a deep understanding of data center operations, sustainability initiatives, and local codes.

Responsibilities

• Create site campus masterplans and building plans.
• Review due diligence and drive responsibility according to project requirements.
• Lead the design and development of architecture for large-scale data centers.
• Provide architectural design oversight throughout the project lifecycle.
• Create and track metrics related to cost and quality.
• Drive sustainability initiatives.
• Manage large-scale, multi-site projects across global regions, ensuring on-time delivery of architecture.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, structural engineering, network, controls, and operations teams to integrate architecture with other data center components.
• Work closely with vendors and contractors to ensure all architectural systems meet quality, safety, and operational standards, as well as company specifications.
• Act as the main point of contact for all architectural systems-related decisions and collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure all designs and systems comply with local, state, and federal regulations, building codes, and environmental requirements.
• Develop and refine design standards and guidelines to ensure consistency across all data centers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related field (master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in Architecture, with at least 8 years focused on data center design and operations.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale data center projects.
• Extensive experience with software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, etc.).
• Expertise in sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost-saving measures related to data centers.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable strategies for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong ability to influence and manage key stakeholders across engineering, product, and operations teams.
• Demonstrated success in analyzing program data, defining KPIs, and reporting on success metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Architectural license.
• Experience working in global data center projects, navigating region-specific regulations and environmental conditions.
• Familiarity with hyperscaler cloud providers’ (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and Meta) data center requirements.
• Relevant cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Fundamentals, etc.).
• Experience leading product launches in global markets, including knowledge of international land, energy, and/or data center regulations and compliance.
• A strong technical understanding of cloud services, networking, and software development lifecycles.

Skills

• Integrity and Ethical Standards: Build trust, ensure fairness, and foster long-term, transparent relationships.
• Effective Communication: Clearly convey expectations and requirements while understanding others' needs and concerns. Comfortable delivering written and verbal presentations to internal leadership teams.
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Ability to understand emotions, cultural nuances, and motivations, while managing one's own emotions during high-pressure situations.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think big picture while managing granular details.
• Adaptability: Proven track record of managing change and ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership: Ability to manage cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Experience with complex, multi-site projects: Manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and deliver exceptional results.
• Creative problem-solver: Ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance effectively.

Working Conditions

• Occasional travel to data center sites across multiple regions (up to 25% travel).
• Ability to work in both office environments and active construction sites, adhering to all safety protocols.

Pay

Expected salary range: $160,000 - $200,000 + discretionary bonus.

Location

Seattle, WA, with considerations for candidates in Denver, CO.

Benefits

• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401K program.
• Standard paid holidays.
• Unlimited PTO.