Principal Data Center Engineer

Job Description

Company: Oracle
Level: IC5
Salary Range: $120,100 – $251,600 per year + bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefits
Location: United States (role-specific)

Overview

In response to growing global data center expansion initiatives, Oracle is seeking a Principal Data Center Engineer with a strong mechanical engineering background to lead the design and delivery of mission-critical facilities.

This senior, multi-disciplinary leadership role will serve as the primary interface between Oracle and its data center partners across mechanical, controls, plumbing, and fire protection systems. The successful candidate will drive engineering strategy and decision-making across the full lifecycle of data center projects, including:

• Site selection
• New construction
• Phased expansions
• Retrofits and upgrades
• Acquisition conversions

This position requires deep expertise in mission-critical infrastructure, exceptional leadership capability, and the ability to manage complex cross-functional engineering programs.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & Project Delivery

• Lead and manage large-scale data center design and engineering initiatives
• Provide technical leadership ensuring projects meet or exceed company standards
• Direct internal and external project teams delivering data center solutions
• Oversee design decisions across mechanical and related engineering disciplines

Technical Expertise & Systems Oversight

• Apply expert-level knowledge of engineering systems, diagnostics, and repairs
• Ensure mechanical systems are properly designed, specified, and installed
• Collaborate with colocation providers and engineering partners
• Evaluate system performance and recommend improvements

Safety, Standards & Compliance

• Apply and enforce advanced safety practices including lockout/tagout and MSDS compliance
• Validate adherence to engineering standards, policies, and procedures
• Participate in commissioning activities, design reviews, and operational assessments

Contract & Program Management

• Provide technical input for contract development, change orders, and cost forecasting
• Support effective contract administration and vendor coordination
• Contribute to development of best-in-class policies and engineering procedures

Mentorship & Knowledge Development

• Mentor junior engineers and growing team members
• Develop training programs and technical documentation
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) across multiple engineering systems
• Lead seminars, workshops, and industry knowledge sharing initiatives

Problem Solving & Innovation

• Solve complex cross-functional engineering challenges independently
• Recommend system-level enhancements to improve reliability and performance
• Evaluate component suitability and deployment strategies

Required Qualifications

• Professional qualifications in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Extensive experience designing and delivering mission-critical facilities (data centers preferred)
• Deep knowledge of mechanical systems, controls, plumbing, and fire protection systems
• Proven leadership experience managing large engineering programs
• Strong contract management and vendor coordination experience
• Excellent communication, technical writing, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with hyperscale or colocation data centers
• Commissioning and construction lifecycle experience
• Industry certifications related to mission-critical infrastructure
• Experience participating in industry forums or technical working groups

Benefits

Oracle offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible vacation and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Life and disability insurance
• Financial planning and legal benefits