Data Center Design Engineering Manager - Construction

Data Center Design Engineering Manager - Construction
Position Overview
The Data Center Design Engineering Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing design engineering services throughout the construction phase of large-scale data center projects. This role plays a critical part in maintaining design integrity, ensuring seamless coordination between design and construction teams, and driving timely resolution of complex design-related challenges during active builds.
This position requires deep expertise across the data center design lifecycle, strong construction administration experience, and the ability to lead multiple design partners while exercising sound judgment, ownership, and technical authority.
Key Responsibilities
Design Engineering Leadership & Construction Support

• Lead and manage design engineering services during the construction phase, ensuring design intent is maintained through execution.
• Perform technical reviews of RFIs, submittals, and design clarifications with a focus on response quality and SLA compliance.
• Review and validate design changes during construction, coordinating modifications with design leadership to ensure continued compliance and integrity.
• Lead technical discussions during OAC meetings, reviewing RFI and submittal logs and providing decisive guidance to resolve construction challenges.

On-Site Execution & Issue Resolution

• Conduct site visits and inspections to verify compliance with approved design documents.
• Attend urgent meetings within the AMER region to resolve critical design and construction issues.
• Coordinate and lead multidisciplinary site punch walks, ensuring findings are documented and distributed to all stakeholders.
• Drive timely resolution of design-related construction issues to maintain project schedules and quality standards.

Project Oversight & Team Coordination

• Direct and coordinate external design teams (AORs, EORs), establishing priorities, deadlines, and accountability to meet construction milestones.
• Oversee all aspects of project execution, including design development and construction administration activities.
• Set deadlines, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress across multiple work streams.
• Proactively identify, assess, and escalate design-related risks to leadership, providing recommended solutions to mitigate schedule or quality impacts.

Documentation, Reporting & Closeout

• Maintain and coordinate comprehensive design documentation using project management platforms such as Procore and Smartsheet.
• Ensure models, drawings, reports, and design documentation are properly uploaded, maintained, and accessible.
• Prepare and deliver project status reports and executive-level updates to leadership.
• Ensure project closeout documentation-including record drawings, lessons learned logs, field reports, and AHJ certificates-is properly archived.

Top 3 Required Skills

Project Design & Construction Lifecycle Management

• End-to-end oversight of design development through construction execution and closeout.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Proven ability to lead and direct cross-functional teams, design partners, and stakeholders.

Technical & Platform Proficiency

• Strong experience with construction and project management tools such as Procore and Smartsheet, including RFI, submittal, and documentation workflows.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience across the full data center design lifecycle, from concept through construction completion
• Demonstrated experience managing design teams during the construction phase
• Strong understanding of construction administration processes and documentation
• Proven track record delivering mission-critical or complex facilities
• Experience with construction management software (Procore, Smartsheet)
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to travel within the AMER region as needed