Principal Architect, 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 Engineering Department

The Design & Engineering (D&E) team drives the technology, innovation and new development of data center infrastructure across Vantage's companywide portfolio. D&E evaluates new sites, drives cost and scheduling in line with corporate goals and serves as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning. The team collaborates with Sales, Operations and management along the way. D&E also works hand-in-hand with the Construction team to come up with a vertically integrated design and ensures new and existing standards and designs are executed effectively.

At the heart of our vision is the creation of critical infrastructure that facilitates human connection, creativity, sharing, and collective aspirations. Our mission revolves around providing our Customers with consistently exceptional facilities swiftly and enjoying the process while doing so. This dedication extends to our Customers, Construction teams, and Site Operations teams.

One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our technical staff are given the responsibility and authority to directly drive tangible results. Our team can align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals. This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and results.

The Design Engineering team guides the development and operation of best-in-class data centers for hyperscale customers by providing business-minding Design and Engineering expertise.

Position Overview

Vantage is seeking a driven Principal Architect, NA. In this role you will provide architectural thought leadership as part of the Design Engineering, NA Team. The successful candidate will be accountable for driving innovation and development of the Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA) discipline at a programmatic and proactive level to ensure our data center development program remains innovative and efficient.

The Principal Architect will work closely with other subject area leads and SMEs, both globally and regionally, inside the company and outside, to develop and maintain high quality design standards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will be demonstrated for site-specific campus planning, data center design, construction, and long-term operation.

To be successful in this role, the Principal Architect must thrive in a fast-paced environment, work well both independently and collaboratively, be passionate about driving CSA design standards, be adept at prioritizing efforts, and able to balance multiple variables to arrive at optimal solutions that meet at the intersection of physics, codes, industry norms, constructability, and business goals!

The ideal candidate will bring the right blend of confidence, perseverance, management/leadership skills, and an open mind to the Engineering Team!

Essential Job Functions

Project Leadership & Impact

• Drive strategic vision and technical excellence for CSA (Civil, Structural, Architectural) design across North America, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices.

• Lead complex, high-impact projects from inception through delivery, influencing outcomes that optimize cost, schedule, and quality.

• Serve as the ultimate technical authority for CSA discipline, setting standards and guiding critical decisions that shape data center development.

Influence & Collaboration

• Act as a trusted advisor to department leadership, customers, and external partners, influencing decisions through deep expertise and strategic insight.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and external consultants to achieve integrated, innovative solutions.

Autonomy & Decision-Making

• Operate with full autonomy in defining technical strategies, resolving complex design challenges, and approving critical design decisions.

• Balance competing priorities - technical, financial, and operational - to deliver optimized solutions that meet business objectives.

• Anticipate risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies to ensure project success.

Managerial Capacity

• Influence organizational design standards and processes, driving continuous improvement and scalability.

• demonstrated success working cross functionally, driving the development of design standards that impact multiple stakeholder functions

• Contribute to workforce development through training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and succession planning.

• Provide leadership and mentorship for future junior staff within discipline, support development of learning and training content custom to Vantage Data Centers

Nature of Work

• Engage in strategic planning for multi-site, large-scale data center programs, ensuring consistency and innovation across projects.

• Oversee all CSA work stages: Pre-design, Conceptual Design, Schematic Design, Detailed Design, Construction, Commissioning, Handover, and Operations.

• Champion sustainability and innovation by exploring new materials, technologies, and design methodologies.

Technical Expertise

• Knowledge of relevant local planning policies, authority guidelines, and statutory requirements to support the process of obtaining planning permission.

• Define and enforce standards, specifications, templates, and critical metrics to ensure quality and compliance.

• Leverage lessons learned and industry trends to continuously refine design practices and improve efficiency.

Additional Duties:

• Handle additional duties as assigned by Management.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in pertinent field (Architecture, Engineering, etc.), equivalent military experience/training, or exceptional and demonstrated career experience and expertise; AIA certification strongly preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 10+ years overall work experience preferred

• 5+ years of proven professional experience in all design and construction phases in a leading position

• 2+ years of experience in a leadership level role preferred

• Experience with Data Center, real estate development and/or representing the Owner preferred

Skills:

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Knowledge of North American design development, construction documentation, and project delivery standards, codes, and processes required; knowledge specific to data centers and/or infrastructure projects preferred

• Knowledgeable of various aspects of campus-level master planning, building space planning/area allocation, sustainability considerations, and long-term site operations

• Strong understanding of cross-discipline coordination and collaboration necessary for the design, construction, and operation of buildings and campuses, including Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Fire & Life Safety, Physical Security, Sustainability, Cost Estimating, among others

• Outstanding communication skills (written, oral, presentation, and documentation). Must be fluent in English.

• Ability to build, cultivate, and leverage personal and professional relationships; effectively collaborate, negotiate, and coordinate cross-functionally

• Proficient at determining priorities and maintaining focus on top priority items through to completion

• Proficient in Microsoft suite of applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, among others. Proficiency with Power BI and tracking and reporting dashboards preferred.

• Travel required is expected to be up to 15% but may increase over time as the business evolves.

• Ability to travel between the US and Canada (must have, or be able to attain, valid passport)

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: $165,000-180,000 Base + 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.

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!