Data Center SME Architect
Posted 19 hours 38 minutes ago by WNTD
Job Title: Data Center SME Architect (AI Factory Builds)
Location: Europe with travel to Armenia
Employment Type: Contract
Department: Data Center & Infrastructure Engineering
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Data Center SME Architect to lead the design, development, and deployment of AI-grade data center infrastructure from greenfield sites through commissioning. You will be instrumental in delivering mission-critical projects with a focus on high-density, AI-optimized computing environments. This role is ideally suited to someone who thrives in technical depth and field-level decision-making, with a background spanning mechanical, electrical, and IT integration in hyperscale builds.
Key Responsibilities
End-to-End Data Center Design & Delivery
- Lead the architectural planning, engineering design, and construction oversight of AI-optimized data centers and compute factories.
- Define and deliver whitespace strategies, hot/cold aisle containment, AI server layouts, and high-performance cooling systems.
- Collaborate on the development of mechanical and electrical design criteria including CRAH/CRAC systems, chiller plants, power distribution (UPS, PDUs, switchgear), and fire suppression.
Power & Mechanical Infrastructure
- Architect scalable and fault-tolerant electrical topologies for power-hungry AI workloads (eg, 60kW+ per rack).
- Engage in tooling and electrical coordination: capacity planning, load balancing, fault tree analysis, and generator/ATS sequencing.
- Drive redundancy modelling (N, N+1, 2N) and energy efficiency optimization across the power chain.
AI Workload Integration & Commissioning
- Work with AI hardware teams to support thermal and density requirements across GPU-intensive environments.
- Spearhead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Integrated Systems Testing (IST), and commissioning of white space and M&E systems.
- Ensure AI-specific considerations (liquid cooling, immersion, rear-door heat exchangers) are factored into baseline MEP design.
Project & Vendor Management
- Serve as the technical authority across cross-functional construction, real estate, and operations teams.
- Select and manage design consultants, GC firms, and MEP contractors with an emphasis on schedule integrity and execution excellence.
- Interface with government bodies, utilities, and stakeholders for compliance, permitting, and inspections.
Tooling, Automation & Documentation
- Introduce tooling frameworks and CMMS strategies for operational readiness and preventive maintenance scheduling.
- Maintain architectural documentation including electrical one-lines, CFD modelling, BIM coordination, and runbooks.
Qualifications and Experience:
Must-Have
- 10+ years in data center infrastructure roles, with 5+ years in a lead design or architect role.
- Proven experience delivering hyperscale or AI-focused greenfield data center builds.
- Expertise in mechanical/electrical systems design (cooling, switchgear, UPS, BMS, EMS).
- Strong track record in whitespace planning, rack layouts, and AI/ML platform integration.
Preferred
- Experience with liquid cooling technologies, immersion cooling, and AI rack densities.
- Background in construction-phase execution, including boots-on-the-ground oversight and T&C.
- Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, Revit, CFD software, and electrical modelling tools.
- Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience. Chartered status is a plus.