Element Critical · 2 months ago
Director of Data Center Design & Engineering
Austin, Texas, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expElement Critical is a company that provides hybrid infrastructure solutions through a portfolio of data center facilities. They are seeking a Director of Data Center Design & Engineering to lead design and engineering initiatives, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective data center designs while collaborating across various departments and managing multiple projects.
Information ServicesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Deliver data center design packages which are optimized for scope and features, construction schedule, and total cost of ownership, in accord with Element Critical’s requirements for that project with high quality, low design cost, and on-schedule
Support master development programs including campus-wide design and capital budgets
Lead technical reviews and risk assessments for critical systems acting as Act as technical liaison across departments (Sales, Ops, Procurement, etc.)
Manage existing and develop new design partner relationships
Support customer engagements and value engineering decisions
Develop and implement strategies as they relate to design and engineering to optimize cost savings and operational efficiency
Establish departmental and project priorities and allocate resources for the effective and efficient delivery of multiple projects in separate geographies simultaneously
Partner with external design partners (Architects/Structural, MEPFFA, Controls, Security, Telecom, etc.)
Process and track all invoices, payment applications, and retention payments for design partner contracts
Build design team and monitor performance and resolve any issues or disputes
Refine product/designs per industry trajectory and stay abreast of market trends, economic factors, and regulatory changes that may impact design
Drive consistency with organizational goals and regional design strategy
Coordinate with procurement teams to review OFCI equipment submittals
Responsible for Div01 Project Specific narratives on a per project basis. (Div01 specs by Construction) and non-Div01 discipline specifications both for standards and per project specifics
Lead development, review, and enhancement of design packages, standards, and specifications
Manage multiple design and engineering aspects across multiple projects and regions
Oversee drawing packages for adherence to design standards
Own and maintain project-specific design briefs and narratives
Collaborate with internal and external design teams to ensure compliance with standards and local codes
Deliver best practices policies and programs around design
Incorporate Lessons Learned (LL) from each project into standards (DEG, specs, etc.) and therefore all future projects
Manage change control processes related to design deliverables
Manage all drawing and specification milestones (Conceptual, Schematic DD, IFP/IFC, & Bulletins)
Manage QA/QC of work products and ensure compliance with specifications and codes
Support Procurement through Design and OFCI procurement processes
RFI management during bid, preconstruction, and construction
Support project teams in resolving design issues discovered during construction and commissioning phases
Participate in site visits and ensure quality and compliance
Project close-out, including completion of all necessary documents including red-lines, as-builts, record documents, complied electrical one-lines and mechanical schematic drawings for Facility Operations
Create and communicate updates on development design program and status of individual design milestones suitable for executive-level reviews
Assist with updates on design status as needed suitable for executive-level reviews
Deliver regular progress reports, risk summaries, and CAPEX/OPEX implications to leadership
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) or Construction Management
8+ years of experience in design, engineering, or construction of mission-critical facilities
5+ years in leadership or project management roles
Experience in data center environments (colocation or hyperscale)
Strong understanding of data center best practices, constructability, and permitting processes
Familiarity with Revit, BIM, Navisworks, and other design tools
Ability to communicate complex technical issues to senior leadership
Experience with OFCI/CFCI technical specifications, procurement strategies and commissioning protocols
Knowledge of performance-based design alternatives
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
Ability to write reports & make effective presentations to employees, clients, and management
Maintaining vendor relationships
Ability to motivate and negotiate effectively with key employees, top management, and clients
Knowledge in MS Project, MS Office Suite, Procore, AIA contracts, and design and engineering principles
Travel: Up to 25% or as needed
Preferred
Chartered or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
Benefits
PPO and HDHP Healthcare Plans
FSA and HSA with above market Employer HSA Match
Dental and Vision Insurance
Employer Paid Disability and Life Insurance
Additional Group Insurances
Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave
10 Company Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
401k with up to 4% Employer Match
Personal Development and Learning Opportunities
Employee Referral Program
Company
Element Critical
Data centers that are carrier-neutral, network-rich, concurrently maintainable & available in a variety of deployment sizes & densities.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$6M2025-12-18Private Equity
2016-07-12Series Unknown· $6M
Leadership Team
Ken Parent
Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
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