Data Center Architect/Engineer

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Architect/Engineer to lead the design, strategic planning, and optimization of our client data center infrastructure. This position is ideal for a forward-thinking professional who excels at balancing technical innovation with business needs to deliver scalable, reliable, and efficient data center solutions, including seamless integration with cloud environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Design
• Design and architect comprehensive data center solutions, including power, cooling, network, storage, and compute resources.
• Develop detailed technical specifications for new builds and expansions.
• Evaluate and select hardware/software solutions based on performance, business needs, and total cost of ownership.
• Design redundancy and disaster recovery architectures for business continuity.
• Create network topologies to support current and future bandwidth requirements.
• Strategic Planning
• Develop long-term roadmaps for data center capacity expansion aligned with business growth.
• Create and execute cloud integration strategies, including hybrid and multi-cloud architectures.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption as appropriate.
• Establish standardization protocols for infrastructure deployment.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for infrastructure investments.
• Lead technology refresh cycles and platform modernization.
• System Optimization
• Continuously analyze and optimize data center performance, utilization, and efficiency.
• Implement power optimization solutions to reduce PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness).
• Design and optimize cooling systems for maximum energy efficiency.
• Establish monitoring systems and thresholds to ensure optimal performance.
• Conduct capacity planning to avoid resource constraints and minimize overprovisioning.
• Compliance and Safety
• Ensure data center designs comply with industry standards (ANSI/TIA-942, BICSI, Uptime Institute).
• Maintain regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX).
• Develop and enforce physical security protocols.
• Create and maintain documentation for audits and compliance.
• Establish environmental safety protocols and disaster recovery procedures.
• Collaboration
• Partner with IT, facilities management, and business stakeholders to align solutions with organizational needs.
• Work closely with vendors and service providers to implement new technologies.
• Coordinate with project managers during implementation phases.
• Mentor junior team members and provide expert guidance.
• Present complex technical concepts to executive leadership in business terms.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to optimize vendor relationships and contracts.

QualificationsRequired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in data center infrastructure design and management
• Strong understanding of data center systems (power, cooling, cabling, rack infrastructure)
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid cloud architectures
• Knowledge of virtualization and container platforms
• Understanding of networking principles (SDN, load balancing, security)
• Experience with capacity planning and performance optimization
• Familiarity with compliance standards for data centers
• Project management experience with large-scale infrastructure initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications (CDCDP, CDCE, CDCS, CDCP)
• Cloud certifications (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect, etc.)
• Experience with DCIM tools
• Knowledge of automation and infrastructure-as-code principles
• Experience with energy-efficient data center design
• Understanding of financial aspects of data center operation

Why Join Us?

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of critical infrastructure while balancing innovation, efficiency, and reliability in a dynamic technology environment.

Citizenship Requirement: US Citizen

Onsite: Washington DC

Pay: $60.00 - $70.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Are you a U.S. citizen and able to work onsite in Washington, DC?

Work Location: In person