Data Center SME Architect

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.