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 Engineering Department 

The Design Engineering North America (NA) comprises of a skilled team of Design Managers, Program Managers, and guides in Engineering and Architecture. Our collective expertise is harnessed to create customized adaptations of the forefront Vantage Data Center prototype that perfectly cater to the unique requirements of our customers. Throughout this process, close collaboration takes place with Sales, Operations, and management teams. The Design Engineering team also maintains a close partnership with the Construction team, working together to craft a seamlessly integrated design that ensures the efficient execution of new and existing standards and designs. 

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. 

What truly sets Vantage apart is our commitment to empowering our technical staff. This team has the ability to align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics, ultimately delivering products that are in sync with our corporate objectives. 

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 

This position can be based in any of our US locations: Santa Clara, CA; Ashburn, VA; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA, in alignment with our flexible work policy (3 days onsite, 2 days flexible)

Vantage is seeking an accomplished Design Manager for North America to join our Design Engineering team. In this role, you will champion product performance and technical excellence, leading multifunctional teams of skilled engineers focused on critical data center infrastructure systems. 

This person will take ownership of the entire design life cycle for both existing and new developments in your region. Your responsibilities will encompass the coordination of design documentation review and approval, oversight of both traditional, design-bid-build and design-build contractor teams. Serving as the point of contact for department leaders involved in the project cycle, you will facilitate seamless collaboration between Sales and Solutions Engineering, EH&S, New Site Development, Construction, Design Engineering SMEs (Subject Matter Experts), Sustainability, Automation & Controls, Security, IT, and Operations. 

The Design Manager will lead the regional change management process and work in close relationship with the respective partners to ensure concise communication and quick decision making, tracking programmatic feedback and lessons learned. 

In alliance with your team, you'll solve intricate engineering challenges and guide their resolution. Upholding and enhancing existing standards for each project, you will conduct engineering analyses to balance capital and operational expenditures. Your role will encompass collaborating with internal customers throughout the design and construction phases, assuming responsibility for the technical relationship. You will provide comprehensive technical engineering guidance to ensure alignment with project requirements, engineering standards, codes, and specifications, demonstrating an in-depth grasp of engineering principles relevant to innovative data center design. 

Essential Job Functions 

Design Leadership and Execution: 

• Lead the development, review, maintenance, and enhancement of design packages, standards, and specifications to ensure consistent, reliable systems. 

• Own, drive, and conclude early design baseline setting. 

• Establish and distribute project standards, including tracking deviations from Vantage and Customer requirements. 

• Collaborate closely with the regional development team and Sales and Solution Engineering to ensure lease agreement compliance. 

Project Oversight: 

• Attend assigned sites regularly and frequently. 

• Lead internal and external design teams, ensuring their collaboration aligns with design and sustainability goals. 

• Actively track design-related RFIs, design deviations, and change requests on-site, driving timely responses from internal and external SMEs. 

Client Interaction and Reporting: 

• Cultivate strong client relationships by leading technical meetings and offering support to internal partners. 

• Provide regular, detailed updates on design progress, risks, blockers, changes, and priorities. 

Procurement and Vendor Management: 

• Support procurement and regional project leads in selecting local partners for design development, contract oversight, and Value Engineering (VE) implementation with the General Contractor (GC) and Engineer of Record (EOR). 

Quality Assurance, Risk Management and Process Improvement: 

• Develop and enhance design, procurement, and construction processes to streamline Operations delivery. 

• Anticipate, report, and mitigate design and engineering quality, risks, and opportunities. 

• Drive benchmarking initiatives for internal regional alignment and ensure the highest design and construction quality standards. 

Team Development: 

• Conduct regular meetings with design teams to provide feedback and address concerns. 

• Develop a culture of continuous improvement by conducting Lessons Learned meetings and implementing insights across projects and regions. 

Technical Interface: 

• Apply your technical expertise to collaborate with the final customer, ensuring compliance with project requirements, codes, and specifications. 

Change Management and Process Support: 

• Lead in supporting and coordinating the Change Management/REACH process on-site. 

• Ensure effective implementation for all engineering functions and subject areas including CSA, M&E, BMS, security, ICT, and Data Module fit-out. 

• Provide comprehensive reporting to development delivery leadership, highlighting the performance and impact of implemented changes. 

Additional Duties: 

• Handle additional duties as assigned by Management. 

Job Requirements 

Education: 

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

• Alternative, relevant eduction or experience such as military service or exceptional experience/training maybe considered. 

Experience: 

• 3+ years of experience in data center design management or equivalent leadership roles; 5+ years preferred. 

Skills: 

• Strong organizational and project management skills. 

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

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

• Familiarity with building codes and fire ordinances. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement. 

• High level of integrity and professionalism. 

• Travel required is expected to be up to 15-30% but may increase over time as the business evolves. 

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: $130,000 - $140,000 + 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-AP2 #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!