Job Description

🏗️ Design Project Manager — Data Center Design

Location: Anywhere in USA (with ~30% travel)
Industry: Data Centers / Construction / Engineering Design
Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)
Salary Range: ~$80k – $132k (can be higher depending on experience & location)

🎯 Role Overview

This is a leadership + technical coordination role responsible for managing the design phase of hyperscale data center projects.

You are not doing detailed engineering calculations yourself every day — instead, you:

• Lead architects and engineers
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams
• Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables
• Ensure designs meet client requirements
• Oversee the project from concept to construction drawings

Think of this role as the bridge between engineering teams and the client.

🧭 Key Responsibilities

1️⃣ Design Leadership

• Manage design from campus planning → construction documentation
• Coordinate architecture, electrical, mechanical, and civil teams
• Review engineering deliverables

2️⃣ Client Management

• Understand hyperscale client requirements
• Present progress updates
• Resolve scope changes and design issues

3️⃣ Project Management

• Develop project schedules and execution plans
• Track milestones and deadlines
• Manage change orders and procurement coordination

4️⃣ Construction Coordination

• Support construction administration
• Provide design clarifications during build phase

🛠️ Technical Tools

Expected familiarity with:

• BIM (Building Information Modeling)
• Autodesk platforms
  • Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
  • Revit / AutoCAD ecosystem
• Project management systems

🎓 Education Requirements

Typical backgrounds:

• Architecture
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management

Preferred licenses:

• PE (Professional Engineer)
• RA (Registered Architect)
• NCARB certification

⭐ Experience Requirements

They want candidates with:

• 10+ years design/project experience
• Data center experience OR
• Complex facilities like:
  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories
  • Manufacturing plants
  • High-rise buildings
  • Power plants

This means data center experience is preferred but not mandatory.

🚀 Career Level

This is considered:

👉 Senior / Leadership level
👉 Not entry level
👉 Not mid level

Common previous roles:

• Electrical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Architect
• Project Engineer
• Construction Project Manager
• Commissioning Manager

💼 Career Growth

Next steps after this role:

• Program Manager — Data Centers
• Director of Design
• Data Center Development Manager
• Global Portfolio Lead
• Vice President (Engineering / Construction)

🌎 Travel Expectations

Up to 30% domestic U.S. travel:

• Client meetings
• Site visits
• Design reviews
• Construction coordination

🔥 Why This Role Is High Demand

Because hyperscale companies like:

• Cloud providers
• AI companies
• Colocation providers

are building data centers rapidly across the U.S.

Design managers are a critical bottleneck in this industry.

💰 Realistic Total Compensation (Market)

Depending on company and experience:

• Base: $100k – $160k+
• Bonus: 10–20%
• Senior roles: $180k+

✅ Good Fit If You

This role suits you if you:

✔ Have engineering or architecture background
✔ Like leadership more than pure technical work
✔ Enjoy managing teams and clients
✔ Want to work on mega infrastructure projects

❗ Important Reality (For International Candidates)

For U.S. jobs:

• Companies prefer candidates with U.S. experience + license
• Visa sponsorship at senior level is possible but competitive
• PE license significantly increases chances

👍 If You Want Guidance

I can help you understand:

• How to enter Data Center Design career from India
• Mechanical vs Electrical path
• Skills roadmap for Arcadis-type companies
• Salary potential after 5–10 years
• Which role is best among all the jobs you shared