Architectural SME - AI Data Centers

Senior Architectural Sme – Data Centers (Advanced Manufacturing)

Jacobs is trusted in designing and delivering some of the world's most complex mission critical facilities. As a leader in advanced manufacturing and hyperscale data center design, we partner with global technology and colocation clients to shape next generation, AI-enabled data centers where resiliency, scalability, sustainability, and precision are essential.

We are 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.

Here's what you'll need:

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…