Director of Engineering - Data Centers
Spencer Ogden, Dallas, TX, United States
A leading global technology and infrastructure organization is seeking a
Director of Engineering – Data Centers
to oversee the end-to-end engineering strategy for large-scale, mission-critical facilities. This role drives technical excellence across data center design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring the highest standards of reliability, performance, and scalability. The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering executive with deep expertise in ground-up data center development, multidisciplinary team leadership, and advanced MEP and structural systems. Key Responsibilities Engineering & Technical Leadership Lead engineering strategy and execution across a growing data center portfolio. Manage multidisciplinary teams including electrical, mechanical, structural, and MEP engineers, BIM professionals, and technical program managers. Serve as a senior technical authority throughout planning, design, permitting, construction, and commissioning. Project Delivery Oversee integration of all engineering disciplines to ensure alignment and high-quality delivery. Partner closely with construction, operations, procurement, safety, and design teams throughout the project lifecycle. Lead technical design reviews, scope validation, risk analysis, and issue resolution. Infrastructure Systems Guide the design of critical facility components including power distribution, cooling systems, structural frameworks, fire/life safety systems, and resiliency infrastructure. Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards such as NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, IEEE, IBC, and Uptime classifications. Drive equipment selection and vendor coordination for UPS, generators, switchgear, chillers, control systems, and monitoring platforms. Planning, Standardization & Optimization Develop and maintain engineering standards, documentation, and repeatable design frameworks. Implement modular and scalable design principles to support rapid, multi-site deployment. Use data, analytics, and operating insights to optimize system performance and lifecycle efficiency. Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement Foster a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and cross-functional collaboration. Provide executive leadership with updates on engineering progress, risks, design decisions, and long-term infrastructure planning. Represent the engineering function in discussions with vendors, consultants, and regulatory authorities. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Structural Engineering, or related field. 10+ years of engineering experience , including
5+ years in senior leadership
roles for mission-critical or large-scale technical infrastructure. Proven experience delivering ground-up data centers or complex technical facilities. Strong expertise in MEP systems design, structural engineering, power distribution, and cooling technologies. Deep familiarity with industry standards/codes (NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, IEEE, IBC). Track record of managing interdisciplinary teams, contractors, and external consultants. Preferred Experience in hyperscale or colocation data center environments. Proficiency with modular design, prefabrication, or scalable infrastructure solutions. Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and technical decision-making skills. Commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient design principles. Willingness to travel for project reviews and site support.
Director of Engineering – Data Centers
to oversee the end-to-end engineering strategy for large-scale, mission-critical facilities. This role drives technical excellence across data center design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring the highest standards of reliability, performance, and scalability. The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering executive with deep expertise in ground-up data center development, multidisciplinary team leadership, and advanced MEP and structural systems. Key Responsibilities Engineering & Technical Leadership Lead engineering strategy and execution across a growing data center portfolio. Manage multidisciplinary teams including electrical, mechanical, structural, and MEP engineers, BIM professionals, and technical program managers. Serve as a senior technical authority throughout planning, design, permitting, construction, and commissioning. Project Delivery Oversee integration of all engineering disciplines to ensure alignment and high-quality delivery. Partner closely with construction, operations, procurement, safety, and design teams throughout the project lifecycle. Lead technical design reviews, scope validation, risk analysis, and issue resolution. Infrastructure Systems Guide the design of critical facility components including power distribution, cooling systems, structural frameworks, fire/life safety systems, and resiliency infrastructure. Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards such as NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, IEEE, IBC, and Uptime classifications. Drive equipment selection and vendor coordination for UPS, generators, switchgear, chillers, control systems, and monitoring platforms. Planning, Standardization & Optimization Develop and maintain engineering standards, documentation, and repeatable design frameworks. Implement modular and scalable design principles to support rapid, multi-site deployment. Use data, analytics, and operating insights to optimize system performance and lifecycle efficiency. Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement Foster a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and cross-functional collaboration. Provide executive leadership with updates on engineering progress, risks, design decisions, and long-term infrastructure planning. Represent the engineering function in discussions with vendors, consultants, and regulatory authorities. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Structural Engineering, or related field. 10+ years of engineering experience , including
5+ years in senior leadership
roles for mission-critical or large-scale technical infrastructure. Proven experience delivering ground-up data centers or complex technical facilities. Strong expertise in MEP systems design, structural engineering, power distribution, and cooling technologies. Deep familiarity with industry standards/codes (NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, IEEE, IBC). Track record of managing interdisciplinary teams, contractors, and external consultants. Preferred Experience in hyperscale or colocation data center environments. Proficiency with modular design, prefabrication, or scalable infrastructure solutions. Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and technical decision-making skills. Commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient design principles. Willingness to travel for project reviews and site support.