[Hiring] Principal Engineer, Data Center Architect @DigitalOcean

Role Description

This role is a Principal Datacenter Architect on our Design team, owning the forward-looking Data Center architecture. Responsibilities include:

• Defining and owning DigitalOcean's reference architectures for next-generation Data Center environments.
• Navigating shifts in technology, networking topologies, and AI/ML hardware roadmaps to keep facility designs future-proofed.
• Serving as DigitalOcean's primary technical stakeholder for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems across both leased colocation and build-to-suit environments.
• Providing leadership and guidance as a primary stakeholder in the new site selection process.
• Architecting end-to-end cooling designs with vendors and partner teams to support a wide variety of CPU, GPU, and other emerging server hardware.
• Architecting end-to-end power topologies with vendor teams to support diverse hardware across medium to ultra-high-density rack deployments.
• Leading proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives for emerging infrastructure technologies and transitioning successful pilots into global deployment standards.
• Guiding leadership through the implications of non-traditional data center facilities and emerging technologies.
• Mentoring engineers at all levels and contributing to a culture of technical excellence, inclusivity, and impact.
• Representing DigitalOcean in the broader community by attending conferences and contributing to papers and presentations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data center architecture, infrastructure engineering, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems for both leased colocation and build-to-suit data center environments.
• Strong working knowledge of cooling technologies across the spectrum—from air cooling to direct liquid cooling and rack-scale liquid systems.
• Familiarity with AI/ML hardware roadmaps and the ability to translate evolving server, networking, and accelerator trends into future-proofed facility designs.
• Knowledge of emerging and non-traditional infrastructure approaches such as behind-the-meter (BTM) power and modular/prefabricated data center designs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead proof-of-concept initiatives and scale successful pilots into global deployment standards.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, partnering with technical and business teams along with external vendors and partners.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, including mentoring engineers and representing the company externally.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in data center architecture, infrastructure engineering, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems.
• Strong working knowledge of cooling technologies.
• Familiarity with AI/ML hardware roadmaps.
• Knowledge of emerging infrastructure approaches.
• Ability to lead proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Competitive array of benefits including Employee Assistance Program and flexible time off policy.
• Reimbursement for relevant conferences, training, and education.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning's 10,000+ courses for continued growth and development.
• Potential for bonuses based on company and individual performance.
• Equity compensation including equity grants upon hire and participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Company Description

DigitalOcean is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.