Principal Architect, NA

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage is committed to being a workplace of inclusion, equity, respect and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another’s experience.

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

North American Technical Solutions (NATS) Organization | Engineering, NA Team

The mission of the NATS Org is to provide technical expertise and thought leadership throughout the design, construction, and long-term operations lifecycle of industry-leading data centers for the hyperscale market. We are successful in our mission across multiple markets throughout North America.

The Engineering, NA (Eng) Team (part of the NATS Org) is comprised of a skilled group of Engineers, Architects, and discipline Leads (i.e., Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)) that provide thought leadership and advanced technical solutioning related to hyperscale data center design, at the programmatic level. Success in our mission demands close collaboration with Sales, Construction, Operations, leadership teams, and external professional partners, among others. The Eng Team empowers site specific design teams for success, integrates contractual obligations into projects, ensures optimal fulfillment of Vantage’s core requirements and business needs, and proactively drives thought leadership in response to North American market challenges and opportunities.

Position Description

Vantage is seeking a driven Principal Architect, NA. In this role you will provide architectural thought leadership as part of the Engineering, NA Team. The successful candidate will be accountable for driving innovation and development of the Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA) discipline at a programmatic and proactive level to ensure our data center development program remains innovative and efficient.

The Principal Architect will work closely with other subject area leads and SMEs, both globally and regionally, inside the company and outside, to develop and maintain high quality design standards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will be demonstrated for site-specific campus planning, data center design, construction, and long-term operation.

To be successful in this role, the Principal Architect must thrive in a fast-paced environment, work well both independently and collaboratively, be passionate about driving CSA design standards, be adept at prioritizing efforts, and able to balance multiple variables to arrive at optimal solutions that meet at the intersection of physics, codes, industry norms, constructability, and business goals!

The ideal candidate will bring the right blend of confidence, perseverance, management/leadership skills, and an open mind to the Engineering Team!

This role may be based in: Denver, CO or Ashburn, VA corporate offices preferred; Any established Vantage location in US second preference (in-office); Full Time Remote/Work From Home least preferred but may be considered for an exceptional candidate.

Essential Job Functions and Duties

• Provide thought leadership, strategic direction, and technical solutioning for the CSA field in North America; provide Subject Matter Expertise
• Understand the implications of competing variables in the design, construction, and business considerations of data center development; balance all to achieve optimized solutions
• Confident leading CSA discipline and coordinating with multi-functional partners including customers, external consultants, and executive leadership
• Support site-specific project design and development on an as-needed basis; support delivery of projects on-time and on-budget
• Professional experience across all architectural work stages: Pre-design, Conceptual Design, Schematic Design, Detailed Design, Construction, Commissioning, Handover, and Long-term Operations.
• Knowledge of relevant local planning policies, authority guidelines, and statutory requirements to support the process of obtaining planning permission
• Possess detailed understanding of specific standards, building codes, fire regulations, zoning laws, and regulations
• Enable effective and optimized implementation of standards, requirements, specifications, templates, critical metrics, and/or prototypes
• Provide leadership and mentorship for future junior staff within discipline; support development of learning and training content custom to Vantage Data Centers
• Maintain and develop good awareness of relevant developments in the industry; proactively share knowledge broadly within Vantage
• Explore new concepts, materials, and products to improve efficiency of design and development, to include sustainable considerations
• Continually collect Lessons Learned (LL); incorporate into Change Management program and updates to standards
• Travel requirements expected to be between 10% and 25%, but may vary over time as the business evolves
• Additional duties as assigned by Management

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in pertinent field (Architecture, Engineering, etc.), equivalent military experience/training, or exceptional and demonstrated career experience and expertise; AIA certification strongly preferred
• Minimum 10+ years overall work experience preferred
• 5+ years of proven professional experience in all design and construction phases in a leading position
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership level role preferred
• Experience with real estate development and/or representing the Owner preferred
• Knowledge of North American design development, construction documentation, and project delivery standards, codes, and processes required; knowledge specific to data centers and/or infrastructure projects preferred
• Knowledgeable of various aspects of campus-level master planning, building space planning/area allocation, sustainability considerations, and long-term site operations
• Strong understanding of cross-discipline coordination and collaboration necessary for the design, construction, and operation of buildings and campuses, including Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Fire & Life Safety, Physical Security, Sustainability, Cost Estimating, among others
• Outstanding communication skills (written, oral, presentation, and documentation). Must be fluent in English.
• Proficient at determining priorities and maintaining focus on top priority items through to completion
• Ability to build, cultivate, and leverage personal and professional relationships; effectively collaborate, negotiate, and coordinate cross-functionally
• Comfort in a fast-paced, dynamic, sophisticated start-up/entrepreneurial environment; comfortable working both autonomously as well as part of a team
• Ability to use time productively and work efficiently to achieve team/project goals
• Proficient in Microsoft suite of applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, among others. Proficiency with Power BI and tracking and reporting dashboards preferred.
• Ability to travel between the US and Canada (must have, or be able to attain, valid passport)

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based Colorado on market data and may vary in other locations)
• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.
• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

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We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.