Data Center Design Lead

Overview

Position Title: Data Center Design Lead

Location: Kansas City, Ashburn, Dallas, or St Louis

• Direct and oversee architects, engineers, consultants, and equipment suppliers through the full design lifecycle for both new builds (greenfield campuses, powered shell/core, hyperscale data centers) and renovation/upgrade projects.
• Support large, multi-building campus deployments, ensuring design consistency, scalability, and phased expansion planning across long-term development programs.
• Lead end-to-end RFP processes for Architectural/Engineering consultants and Commissioning Agents, including proposal evaluation and vendor selection recommendations.
• Manage consultant performance, including invoice review/approval and tracking of Design & Engineering Guideline (DEG) deviations across projects.
• Apply and uphold Digital Realty Design & Engineering standards to ensure alignment with industry best practices and business objectives, with a focus on value engineering, repeatability, and speed-to-market.
• Partner with Delivery teams to develop and review project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction activities, with a focus on fast-track and phased campus delivery models.
• Review OFCI equipment submittals and provide recommendations to Delivery and Procurement teams, ensuring alignment with program-level standards and long-lead procurement strategies.
• Lead design review sessions (e.g., page turns), evaluating drawings, Basis of Design, Sequence of Operations, commissioning plans, and testing scripts across multiple concurrent builds.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for large, hyperscale build-to-suit engagements, leading consultant teams and developing detailed work letters (scope, budget, schedule) in partnership with Sales and Business Development.
• Translate tenant-specific technical requirements into scalable, campus-aligned design solutions while balancing standardization and customization.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and monthly project reports, ensuring alignment with gating processes and seamless transition to Delivery teams.
• Build and manage vendor relationships; conduct site visits and participate in commissioning activities (Levels 4 &
  5); contribute to internal design innovation, standardization efforts, and continuous improvement across program delivery.

• 7+ years of experience managing technically complex projects, including direct design experience, preferably within large-scale, multi-phase developments or mission-critical environments.
• Experience supporting hyperscale or enterprise tenant-driven build-to-suit projects and/or campus-style deployments is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline;
  Professional License (AIA, PE/PEng) preferred.
• Ability to lead and manage internal teams, external partners, and project stakeholders across multiple concurrent projects or program phases.
• Strong ability to interpret design/construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and detailed budgets.
• Advanced understanding of electrical, mechanical, security/monitoring, and fire detection/suppression systems, particularly in high-availability data center environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design and construction industry practices, terminology, and contract structures.
• Familiarity with applicable building codes and regulatory requirements across various jurisdictions.
• Financial acumen with the ability to review, analyze, and provide recommendations on budgets and estimates at both project and program levels.
• Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD.
• Strong team collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills; self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight; prior experience with Digital Realty projects and DEG knowledge preferred.