Principal Architect, Global

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.

D&E Department

The Development & 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 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. 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.

Position Description

This role can be based in our Denver, CO office in alignment with our flexible work policy (3 days on site required, 2 days flexible), or based remotely in the US.

Vantage is looking for a Principal Architect to lead the development of Architectural program and collaborate with regional partners to drive greater business efficiency and consistency within the discipline subject matter expertise. In this role, you will be responsible to develop strategy and roadmap for the architectural discipline, develop and maintain architectural standards as well as forward leaning research and development. Regular collaboration and coordination will be required with electrical, mechanical, automation, sustainability disciplines as well as the BIM and design delivery and management teams. You will be presented with complex architectural challenges and be asked to bring them to resolution with all the tools at your disposal. You will ensure existing standards are appropriately updated and tailored to ensure continuous improvement of program standards. You will evaluate designs and provide analysis to balance CAPEX and OPEX costs.

You will operate on a position of influence and collaboration, and not with direct authority of decision making over regional execution teams. This role requires balance in technical capability and soft skill application of relationship management. This role also requires a balance of standardization and optimization with a strong viewpoint directed to business-driven outcomes. Knowledge of all aspects of architecture is required, including space planning, structural pre-designs, communication between spaces, evacuation routes and value engineering as they relate to designing state-of-the-art datacenters. Further, strength in the fields of Building Information Management, physical security and structural design are required.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop a strategic roadmap for the Architectural discipline from a global perspective

• Establish KPIs for measurement of architectural and structural efficiencies at varying work stages of design

• Identify and develop sustainable design features that minimize environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency and contribute towards the company's net-zero goals

• Develop architectural and structural standards to enable regional and site execution teams

• Lead development of physical security standards and customer specific design frameworks

• Identify optimization opportunities in "standards" to provide greater cost efficiency, speed to market, and ease of adaptation

• Collaborate with cross functional teams inclusive of but not limited to Sales and Solutions Engineering, Sustainability, Site Operations to identify strategic business objectives

• Develop and maintain a modular kit of parts library of Vantage tools and templates to further enable consistency of delivery and efficiency

• Develop and facilitate proactive communications and serve as a thought leader for the architectural discipline

• Coordinate and lead the global architecture center of excellence

• Provide subject matter expertise in the development and review of global architectural standards, inclusive of but not limited to: Owners Performance Requirements, Design Guidelines, Interior and Exterior Guidelines, Campus Master Planning Standards, test-fit optimization

• Explore opportunities for prefabrication of data center buildings and associated auxiliary structures

• Work closely with Operations to find a balance between cost-effective solutions & operational sustainability

• Work closely with Marketing to find a balance between cost-effective solutions & high-end office and common areas of design

• Develop and/or set minimum requirements for complete material and people paths through the datacenters in normal and emergency situations

• Utilize engineering analysis programs and professional judgment to analyze structural loads and propose efficient and cost-effective structural grid designs

• Participate in the onboarding and education of new employees and external partners to ensure understanding of the features and intent of the globally provided architectural standards

• Travel required is expected to be up to 20% but may increase over time as the business evolves

• Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements

• Bachelor of Architecture, or equivalent, from an accredited university or college

• 7+ years of experience in architectural design and construction required, 10 years preferred

• Data Center and/or mission critical experience is required

• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Excel, Word, rendering & modeling software

• Working knowledge of building and fire codes ordinances

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-Remote #LI-AP2

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!