Director of Design Engineering

Atlanta, GA, United States

Our to client is looking for a direct hire Senior Director of Design & Engineering in Atlanta, GA with a demonstrated experience in managing a wide range of data center infrastructure projects, including advanced cooling systems and controls.

Role Summary:

The Sr. Director Design & Engineering critically assesses design decisions under direction from VP, Design & Engineering and Executive Leadership team and supports such staff in applying the required company standards and to make design choices that align with current business drivers & marker opportunities. They assist in the management of the relationship and output of key design partners and equipment suppliers for their assigned tasks and critically assess and escalate issues where the relationship with such partners is not meeting expectations.

This position will oversee and manage design and engineering projects in conjunction with the construction, commissioning, operations, and sustainability initiatives across all digital infrastructure growth to include:

− Direct and oversee the work of professional consultants such as Architects and Engineers, to ensure expediency, quality, and adherence to latest company standards.

− Offer expert opinions on a variety of engineering documents to include reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, cost estimates and design plans for projects.

− Stay abreast of developing power and cooling technologies, especially liquid cooling. Attending relevant industry conferences and technical working groups/session.

− Maintain documentation, such as Design Engineering Guidelines & specifications and other standards to make available to all stakeholders, internal and external.

− Supports senior staff to obtain and define site specific conditions, utility and infrastructure design, costs and availability of utilities, liaison with planning authorities and local logistics including site logistics during construction and phasing.

− Work with Construction team in the preparation and review of schedule/budgets and forecasts related to anticipated design and construction expenditures.

− Develop and maintain vendor relationships (Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Consultants, etc.) to provide cost-effective services for projects.

− Participate in internal design team meetings to innovate and recommend new technologies or design concepts.

− Review and approve/deny consultant invoices. Hire, mentor, and guide junior team members, promoting an environment of continuous learning and growth.

− Provide thought leadership as company evolves its product delivery to meet changing market and specific customer demands

− Develop and implement design and engineering best practices; incorporate operating

standards into security and operations practices.

− Identify process improvement and cost savings, evaluate, implement, and resolve as needed.

− Interface and align with corporate and operations personnel to ensure appropriate design of customer solutions and to guarantee quality-of-service delivery.

− Provide input into the annual budgeting and planning process

− Continually seek industry and market information to provide company with the information necessary for successful business development.

− Understands and practices performance management disciplines.

KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

The SDDE is expected to be both a data center subject matter expert and a business executive. Technical product knowledge in electrical and mechanical systems, building systems (BIM), DCIM, controls, contracts, and project management is expected.

More specifically:

− 10+ years’ experience with a data center owner/operator or in a MEP consulting firm

specializing in mission critical data center design is essential.

− Strong preference for ‘Hyperscale’ design and commissioning experience (50+MW)

− Plan, organize, and implement complicated design projects. Perceive and identify issues in advance of critical problems developing.

− Exceptional analytical and decision-making skills to evaluate complex problems, including analyzing, comparing, and selecting the best solution for each circumstance

− Prioritize work based on business and customer demands, articulate concepts and ideas to a nontechnical audience, and lead customer- requested business reviews

− Expert in design characteristics, installation, and operation of all data center infrastructure systems including electrical, mechanical, life safety, controls, and security.

− Self-motivated, self-directed, and accountable to take initiative and ownership, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

− Experience with complex cooling systems, including large chiller plants and associated

DDC/PLC controls.

− Strong understanding of Data Center Airflow Management

− Demonstrated people and project management leadership success delivering multiple

simultaneous projects in disparate locations on time and budget.

− Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex design and engineering

challenges.

− Strong communication and interpersonal skills, facilitating smooth collaboration with various stakeholders.

− Requires travel (~ 15%) as required to data center, partners, and customer locations

KEY QUALIFYING CRITERIA

Data Center Design & Engineering – Evaluate the breadth and complexity of data center design projects managed to successful completion:

− Breadth and complexity of different mission critical real estate infrastructure designs.

− Philosophy and roadmap on current and future state of the market, ie liquid cooling.

− Track record of delivering design and engineering on schedule and budget

− Demonstrated command of the design-build theatre of engineers, contractors, suppliers, labor, safety, security, audit, and public / municipal authorities.

Business Acumen - Growth oriented commercial disposition with innovative thought leadership in line with the organization’s holistic P&L, human capital leverage, resource allocation, and technology utilization considerations.

Technical Acumen & Credentials – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and other relevant software. PE (Professional Engineer) license is a significant plus. PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is also highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

- Direct and manage the engineering design process, collaborating with architects, engineers, and equipment suppliers to ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to the latest company standards.

- Provide expert analysis on various engineering documents, such as reports, specifications, and design plans, ensuring they meet project requirements and schedules.

- Keep abreast of advancements in power and cooling technologies, particularly liquid cooling, and participate in relevant industry events.

- Support the management of design partner and supplier relationships, ensuring outputs meet company standards and escalate issues as necessary.

- Work closely with the Construction, Commissioning, Operations, and Sustainability teams to ensure seamless integration of design and operational needs.

- Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to achieve cost-effective project solutions.

- Communicate project statuses to internal and external stakeholders and participate in internal design meetings to propose innovative solutions.

- Review and manage consultant invoices, mentor junior team members, and foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement.

- Contribute to the development of design and engineering best practices and integrate operational standards into security and operations practices.

- Identify process improvements and cost-saving opportunities, implementing solutions as needed.

Knowledge & Competencies:

- At least 10 years of experience in data center design with a focus on large-scale projects.

- Exceptional analytical and decision-making skills to handle complex challenges and prioritize tasks based on business needs.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and familiarity with BIM and DCIM.

- Strong leadership skills, with a history of leading teams and projects to meet and exceed expectations.

- Professional Engineer (PE) license and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification are preferred.

- Willingness to travel approximately 15% to various locations for project oversight and partner engagement.

Qualifications:

- Demonstrated experience in managing a wide range of data center infrastructure projects, including advanced cooling systems and controls.

- Proven track record of delivering projects on schedule and within budget, with a strong grasp of design-build processes involving multiple stakeholders.

- Business acumen with a growth-oriented mindset and innovative leadership, aligning with the company's strategic goals and cultural values.

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