Job DescriptionPosition Title: Design Lead Location: Kansas City, Ashburn, Dallas, or St LouisYour roleAs the Design Manager, you will be responsible for implementing Digital Realty Design & Engineering Guidelines & Standards and will lead the design of multiple, concurrent projects. This includes supporting large-scale, multi-phase data center campus developments (hundreds of MW to gigawatt-scale) as well as complex, tenant-driven build-to-suit programs with highly customized technical, schedule, and delivery requirements.
You'll provide strategic and innovative thinking regarding the design and engineering of our data center development projects and manage challenging deliverables against aggressive project expectations (within budget and set schedule objectives).
What you'll do - Direct and oversee architects, engineers, consultants, and equipment suppliers through the full design lifecycle for both new builds (greenfield campuses, powered shell/core, hyperscale data centers) and renovation/upgrade projects.
- Support large, multi-building campus deployments, ensuring design consistency, scalability, and phased expansion planning across long-term development programs.
- Lead end-to-end RFP processes for Architectural/Engineering consultants and Commissioning Agents, including proposal evaluation and vendor selection recommendations.
- Manage consultant performance, including invoice review/approval and tracking of Design & Engineering Guideline (DEG) deviations across projects.
- Apply and uphold Digital Realty Design & Engineering standards to ensure alignment with industry best practices and business objectives, with a focus on value engineering, repeatability, and speed-to-market.
- Partner with Delivery teams to develop and review project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction activities, with a focus on fast-track and phased campus delivery models.
- Review OFCI equipment submittals and provide recommendations to Delivery and Procurement teams, ensuring alignment with program-level standards and long-lead procurement strategies.
- Lead design review sessions (e.g., page turns), evaluating drawings, Basis of Design, Sequence of Operations, commissioning plans, and testing scripts across multiple concurrent builds.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for large, hyperscale build-to-suit engagements, leading consultant teams and developing detailed work letters (scope, budget, schedule) in partnership with Sales and Business Development.
- Translate tenant-specific technical requirements into scalable, campus-aligned design solutions while balancing standardization and customization.
- Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and monthly project reports, ensuring alignment with gating processes and seamless transition to Delivery teams.
- Build and manage vendor relationships; conduct site visits and participate in commissioning activities (Levels 4 & 5); contribute to internal design innovation, standardization efforts, and continuous improvement across program delivery.
What you'll need- 7+ years of experience managing technically complex projects, including direct design experience, preferably within large-scale, multi-phase developments or mission-critical environments.
- Experience supporting hyperscale or enterprise tenant-driven build-to-suit projects and/or campus-style deployments is strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in a related discipline; Professional License (AIA, PE/PEng) preferred.
- Ability to lead and manage internal teams, external partners, and project stakeholders across multiple concurrent projects or program phases.
- Strong ability to interpret design/construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and detailed budgets.
- Advanced understanding of electrical, mechanical, security/monitoring, and fire detection/suppression systems, particularly in high-availability data center environments.
- Comprehensive knowledge of design and construction industry practices, terminology, and contract structures.
- Familiarity with applicable building codes and regulatory requirements across various jurisdictions.
- Financial acumen with the ability to review, analyze, and provide recommendations on budgets and estimates at both project and program levels.
- Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD.
- Strong team collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills; self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight; prior experience with Digital Realty projects and DEG knowledge preferred.
ResponsibilitiesThe role is responsible for setting and enforcing design standards across multiple projects, ensuring that all deliverables align with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements. This role provides expert input into project budgeting and resource allocation, while promoting safety, value engineering, and continuous improvement. The individual leads and empowers a diverse team of design professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence. Managing both internal and external stakeholder relationships is key, including customers, consultants, contractors, and internal functions. The Regional Head also oversees change control processes, addresses technical challenges, and ensures that all projects are delivered on time and within budget. As the principal technical authority, this leader ensures that innovative and pragmatic solutions are implemented to meet evolving business needs.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health Engineering, or Construction Management- Ideally Chartered in a relevant discipline- Minimum 7-10 years' data Center design experience, preferably in a multi-disciplinary or owner-operator context- Experience with large developments and multi-project delivery- Familiarity with change control, gating processes, and commercial/contractual obligations
