Principal Design Manager, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Design Integration Group

The Design Integration Group (DIG) at Vantage is responsible for the stewardship and execution of the data center design through the project lifecyle, from early development through construction and handover to operations, and includes the Design Management, Design Engineering and Regional Product teams. Collaborating closely with the Regional Product, Design Engineering, New Site Development, Construction and Operations teams, Design Management functions as the interconnective hub that owns the project design and its reporting and communication, bridging strategy and execution to ensure design excellence, predictability, and scalability.

Position Overview

This role can be based in any of our US locations: Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; or Ashburn, VA in alignment with our flexible work policy (3 days on site required, 2 days flexible).

Vantage is seeking an accomplished Principal Design Manager to lead our Design Engineering efforts across hyperscale data center projects. In this role, you will champion product performance and technical excellence, managing multifunctional teams of skilled engineers focused on critical infrastructure systems.

You will take ownership of the full design lifecycle, overseeing design strategy, documentation, and execution across multiple regions. This includes guiding internal and external teams through design development, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals, operational requirements, and client expectations. You will serve as a key liaison between Design Engineering and cross-functional departments including Construction, Operations, Sustainability, Automation & Controls, Security, IT, and EH&S.

The Principal Design Manager will lead regional design standardization and change management efforts, driving continuous improvement and innovation. You will be responsible for identifying and mitigating design risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing design quality through benchmarking and lessons learned.

In collaboration with your team, you will solve complex engineering challenges, provide technical guidance, and uphold high standards of design excellence. Your role will also include supporting procurement efforts, managing design partners, and contributing to strategic planning and resource allocation.

Essential Job Functions

Design Strategy and Oversight:

• Develop and implement design strategies that optimize efficiency, scalability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Lead and mentor Design Managers, ensuring consistent, high-quality design packages across all projects.

• Oversee early design baseline setting and ensure alignment with lease agreements and customer requirements.

• Monitor design execution across assigned sites, tracking RFIs, deviations, and change requests.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication:

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to align design efforts with operational and sustainability goals.

• Lead technical meetings and provide expert support to internal teams and clients.

• Deliver regular updates on design progress, risks, blockers, and priorities.

Procurement and Vendor Management:

• Support selection and management of design partners and contractors.

• Oversee contract execution and value engineering efforts with the General Contractor and Engineer of Record.

Quality, Risk, and Change Management:

• Promote continuous improvement through feedback loops and lessons learned.

• Identify design risks and ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.

• Lead regional benchmarking initiatives and support the Change Management/REACH process across disciplines.

Team Development and Leadership:

• Conduct regular team meetings to provide feedback and address concerns.

• Foster a culture of learning and innovation across regions and projects.

Additional Duties:

• Handle additional duties as assigned by Management.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Planning, Architecture, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.

• Alternative, relevant education or experience such as military service or exceptional experience/training may be considered.

• 10+ years of experience in data center design management or equivalent leadership roles; 15+ years preferred.

• Proficiency in data center design and familiarity with North American construction markets.

• Strong knowledge of critical cooling and power infrastructure within data center projects.

• Familiarity with building codes and fire ordinances.

• Experience with sustainable building design, including renewable energy systems.

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or architecture certification is a plus.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Willingness to travel (15-30% expected).

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $165,000 - $175,000 + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

#LI-AO2 #LI-Hybrid

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We'll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon-we're excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!