[Hiring] Principal Architect @Vantage Data Centers

Role Description

Vantage is seeking a driven Principal Architect, NA. In this role you will provide architectural thought leadership as part of the Design Engineering, NA Team. The successful candidate will be accountable for driving innovation and development of the Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA) discipline at a programmatic and proactive level to ensure our data center development program remains innovative and efficient.

The Principal Architect will work closely with other subject area leads and SMEs, both globally and regionally, inside the company and outside, to develop and maintain high quality design standards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will be demonstrated for site-specific campus planning, data center design, construction, and long-term operation.

To be successful in this role, the Principal Architect must thrive in a fast-paced environment, work well both independently and collaboratively, be passionate about driving CSA design standards, be adept at prioritizing efforts, and able to balance multiple variables to arrive at optimal solutions that meet at the intersection of physics, codes, industry norms, constructability, and business goals!

The ideal candidate will bring the right blend of confidence, perseverance, management/leadership skills, and an open mind to the Engineering Team!

Essential Job Functions

• Drive strategic vision and technical excellence for CSA (Civil, Structural, Architectural) design across North America, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices.
• Lead complex, high-impact projects from inception through delivery, influencing outcomes that optimize cost, schedule, and quality.
• Serve as the ultimate technical authority for CSA discipline, setting standards and guiding critical decisions that shape data center development.
• Act as a trusted advisor to department leadership, customers, and external partners, influencing decisions through deep expertise and strategic insight.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and external consultants to achieve integrated, innovative solutions.
• Operate with full autonomy in defining technical strategies, resolving complex design challenges, and approving critical design decisions.
• Balance competing priorities - technical, financial, and operational - to deliver optimized solutions that meet business objectives.
• Anticipate risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Influence organizational design standards and processes, driving continuous improvement and scalability.
• Contribute to workforce development through training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and succession planning.
• Provide leadership and mentorship for future junior staff within discipline, support development of learning and training content custom to Vantage Data Centers.
• Engage in strategic planning for multi-site, large-scale data center programs, ensuring consistency and innovation across projects.
• Oversee all CSA work stages: Pre-design, Conceptual Design, Schematic Design, Detailed Design, Construction, Commissioning, Handover, and Operations.
• Champion sustainability and innovation by exploring new materials, technologies, and design methodologies.
• Knowledge of relevant local planning policies, authority guidelines, and statutory requirements to support the process of obtaining planning permission.
• Define and enforce standards, specifications, templates, and critical metrics to ensure quality and compliance.
• Leverage lessons learned and industry trends to continuously refine design practices and improve efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in pertinent field (Architecture, Engineering, etc.), equivalent military experience/training, or exceptional and demonstrated career experience and expertise; AIA certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years overall work experience preferred.
• 5+ years of proven professional experience in all design and construction phases in a leading position.
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership level role preferred.
• Experience with Data Center, real estate development and/or representing the Owner preferred.

Requirements

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of North American design development, construction documentation, and project delivery standards, codes, and processes required; knowledge specific to data centers and/or infrastructure projects preferred.
• Knowledgeable of various aspects of campus-level master planning, building space planning/area allocation, sustainability considerations, and long-term site operations.
• Strong understanding of cross-discipline coordination and collaboration necessary for the design, construction, and operation of buildings and campuses, including Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Fire & Life Safety, Physical Security, Sustainability, Cost Estimating, among others.
• Outstanding communication skills (written, oral, presentation, and documentation). Must be fluent in English.
• Ability to build, cultivate, and leverage personal and professional relationships; effectively collaborate, negotiate, and coordinate cross-functionally.
• Proficient at determining priorities and maintaining focus on top priority items through to completion.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite of applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, among others. Proficiency with Power BI and tracking and reporting dashboards preferred.
• Travel required is expected to be up to 15% but may increase over time as the business evolves.
• Ability to travel between the US and Canada (must have, or be able to attain, valid passport).

Benefits

• Salary Range: $165,000-180,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations).
• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.
• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.
• We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses.
• Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.