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Director of Data Center Design & Engineering

Austin, Texas, United States

Element Critical provides hybrid infrastructure solutions in an expanding portfolio of data center facilities across the country. Our mission is to meet the diverse needs of today’s business and technology leaders by delivering superior service and product offerings, cultivating trusted relationships with our customers, and motivating and enabling our employees. 

This is an opportunity to get involved near the ground level and grow exponentially with a company that is poised to execute. Come join our team!

Department: Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Chief Data Center Officer

OVERVIEW 

Element Critical seeks a design and engineering leader with demonstrated experience leading teams toward a culture of best practice, while delivering a high performing development plan focused on future data center capacity in both existing and new locations. The Director of Design & Engineering will join Element Critical reporting to Chief Data Center Officer and oversee all aspects of data center capex design and engineering initiatives.    

The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in mission-critical systems, a strong background in design, and a passion for innovation and continuous improvement. This role bridges design strategy, technical execution, and cross-functional collaboration across development, construction, operations, and customer engagement. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: 

  • Deliver data center design packages which are optimized for scope and features, construction schedule, and total cost of ownership, in accord with Element Critical’s requirements for that project with high quality, low design cost, and on-schedule. 
  • Support master development programs including campus-wide design and capital budgets. 
  • Lead technical reviews and risk assessments for critical systems acting as Act as technical liaison across departments (Sales, Ops, Procurement, etc.). 
  • Manage existing and develop new design partner relationships. 
  • Support customer engagements and value engineering decisions. 
  • Develop and implement strategies as they relate to design and engineering to optimize cost savings and operational efficiency. 
  • Establish departmental and project priorities and allocate resources for the effective and efficient delivery of multiple projects in separate geographies simultaneously. 
  • Partner with external design partners (Architects/Structural, MEPFFA, Controls, Security, Telecom, etc.). 
  • Process and track all invoices, payment applications, and retention payments for design partner contracts. 
  • Build design team and monitor performance and resolve any issues or disputes. 
  • Refine product/designs per industry trajectory and stay abreast of market trends, economic factors, and regulatory changes that may impact design. 
  • Drive consistency with organizational goals and regional design strategy. 
  • Coordinate with procurement teams to review OFCI equipment submittals. 
  • Responsible for Div01 Project Specific narratives on a per project basis. (Div01 specs by Construction) and non-Div01 discipline specifications both for standards and per project specifics. 
  • Lead development, review, and enhancement of design packages, standards, and specifications. 
  • Manage multiple design and engineering aspects across multiple projects and regions. 
  • Oversee drawing packages for adherence to design standards. 
  • Own and maintain project-specific design briefs and narratives. 
  • Collaborate with internal and external design teams to ensure compliance with standards and local codes. 
  • Deliver best practices policies and programs around design. 
  • Incorporate Lessons Learned (LL) from each project into standards (DEG, specs, etc.) and therefore all future projects. 
  • Manage change control processes related to design deliverables. 
  • Manage all drawing and specification milestones (Conceptual, Schematic DD, IFP/IFC, & Bulletins) 
  • Manage QA/QC of work products and ensure compliance with specifications and codes. 
  • Support Procurement through Design and OFCI procurement processes 
  • RFI management during bid, preconstruction, and construction. 
  • Support project teams in resolving design issues discovered during construction and commissioning phases. 
  • Participate in site visits and ensure quality and compliance. 
  • Project close-out, including completion of all necessary documents including red-lines, as-builts, record documents, complied electrical one-lines and mechanical schematic drawings for Facility Operations. 
  • Create and communicate updates on development design program and status of individual design milestones suitable for executive-level reviews. 
  • Assist with updates on design status as needed suitable for executive-level reviews. 
  • Deliver regular progress reports, risk summaries, and CAPEX/OPEX implications to leadership. 

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess the following: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) or Construction Management. 
  • 8+ years of experience in design, engineering, or construction of mission-critical facilities. 
  • 5+ years in leadership or project management roles. 
  • Experience in data center environments (colocation or hyperscale). 
  • Chartered or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. 
  • Strong understanding of data center best practices, constructability, and permitting processes. 
  • Familiarity with Revit, BIM, Navisworks, and other design tools. 
  • Ability to communicate complex technical issues to senior leadership. 
  • Experience with OFCI/CFCI technical specifications, procurement strategies and commissioning protocols. 
  • Knowledge of performance-based design alternatives. 
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.  
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.  
  • Ability to write reports & make effective presentations to employees, clients, and management.  
  • Maintaining vendor relationships.  
  • Ability to motivate and negotiate effectively with key employees, top management, and clients.  
  • Knowledge in MS Project, MS Office Suite, Procore, AIA contracts, and design and engineering principles. 
  • Travel: Up to 25% or as needed. 

 

Element Critical is a well-funded, fast paced organization that is seeking to make several acquisitions over the next few years and develop into a very strong national player.  We offer the following benefits, in addition to a focus on growing our culture and engagement.

  • PPO and HDHP Healthcare Plans 
  • FSA and HSA with above market Employer HSA Match 
  • Dental and Vision Insurance 
  • Employer Paid Disability and Life Insurance 
  • Additional Group Insurances 
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave  
  • 10 Company Paid Holidays 
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401k with up to 4% Employer Match 
  • Personal Development and Learning Opportunities 
  • Employee Referral Program

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