Director of Design Engineering – Data Centers
Location: Texas
Employment: Full-time, permanent
xNorth is supporting a company operating in the data center sector, through an exclusive search for a Director of Design Engineering.
Reporting to a senior executive, the Director will lead and develop the design function, overseeing multidisciplinary data center design and improving quality and consistency across projects. The role works closely with engineering and project delivery leaders.
Scope of the Role
- Lead, develop, and grow the internal design team.
- Oversee data center design from initial concepts through detailed design and construction documentation.
- Coordinate electrical, mechanical, architectural, and other design disciplines.
- Establish design standards, review processes, and quality controls.
- Manage external architecture, engineering, and specialist design consultants.
- Ensure designs meet customer requirements, applicable codes, budgets, and schedules.
- Develop repeatable design approaches while accommodating project-specific needs.
- Work with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to ensure designs can be delivered effectively.
- Support construction and commissioning teams in resolving design issues.
- Manage design resources, priorities, technical risks, and delivery performance.
Candidate Background
- 10+ years of experience in design engineering, with significant leadership responsibility.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary data center design.
- Strong understanding of electrical power, mechanical cooling, and their integration within data center facilities.
- Ability to build and develop teams and manage external design partners.
- Experience overseeing design from concept through construction documentation and delivery.
- Track record of improving design standards, coordination, and quality.
- Understanding of constructability, procurement, commissioning, and project delivery.
- Effective communication with senior leaders, technical teams, clients, and external partners.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline.
- Active US Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
