Principal Electrical Engineer, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Design Engineering NA Team

The Design & Engineering (D&E) team drives the technology, innovation and new development of data center infrastructure across Vantage’s companywide portfolio.  D&E evaluates new sites, drives cost and schedule in line with corporate goals and serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning.  The team collaborates with Sales, Operations and management along the way.  D&E also works hand in hand with the Construction team to come up with a vertically integrated design and ensures new and existing standards and designs are executed effectively. 

At the heart of our vision is the creation of critical infrastructure that facilitates human connection, creativity, sharing, and collective aspirations. Our mission revolves around providing our customers with consistently exceptional facilities swiftly and enjoying the process while doing so. This dedication extends to our Customers, Construction teams, and Site Operations teams.

One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our technical staff are given the responsibility and authority to directly drive tangible results. Our team can align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals. This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and results.

The Design Engineering team guides the development and operation of best-in-class data centers for hyperscale customers by providing business-minding Design and Engineering expertise

Position Overview

This role may be based at any Vantage Data Centers location within the United States, following our flexible work policy (3 days in-office and 2 days flexible).

Vantage is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer to be part of the design engineering team, steering innovative design and engineering solution for our data center projects. In this role, as a subject matter expert, you will be focusing on program improvement initiatives as well as supporting the deployment of new data center from land acquisition to Operation hand-off. These functions collaborate closely with construction, automation, innovation, and engineering to fully deliver large-scale data centers. As an engineering leader, you will also work closely with other company stakeholders, such as sales, equipment procurement, new site development, and leadership.

You will be presented with complex engineering challenges and will work with teams to bring them to resolution. You will ensure engineering standards are developed, executed, and enhanced for projects. You will evaluate design to meet customer requirements while providing a balance of CAPEX and OPEX costs, engineering innovation, and site application requirements. There will also be some focus on special projects that support data center renovations, troubleshooting, and remediation activities. These projects tend to be more focused in scope and typically require detailed attention since they can involve a live facility.

Comprehensive knowledge of MV equipment, LV equipment, UPSes, Generators, transfer switches (ATS/STS/ATC, etc), data center electrical distribution topologies, data center electrical redundancy, data center mechanical systems, data center emerging technologies and value engineering as they relate to designing state-of-the-art datacenters is required.

Essential Job Functions

Design Leadership & Impact:

• Provide specialized expertise in electrical engineering, directly influencing strategic direction and outcomes for new data center projects. 

• Drive innovation and excellence, ensuring solutions align with organizational goals and deliver measurable impact

• Drive the development and implementation of processes, equipment, and standards for data center projects.

• Lead Electrical Design review efforts for deployment of new Data Centers, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and customer requirements.

Project Execution:

• Manage large and complex projects with limited oversight.

• Participate in all phases of project execution, including conceptual design, basis of design, scope of work, development of construction documents, and commissioning.

• Provide project leadership for electrical design consultants and contractors, ensuring that tasks and milestones are completed on time and within budget.

• Attend project design team meetings and on-site job walks, as needed, to ensure that the constructed product meets engineering standards and specifications.

Technical Expertise:

• Act independently as a subject matter expert, making strategic decisions and setting standards for electrical engineering practices. 

• Serve as a recognized expert in the field, shaping organizational strategy and technical standards. 

• Conduct value engineering analyses and provide system recommendations based on return on investment (ROI) and internal rate of return (IRR) analysis.

• Responsible for the review of technical drawings, such as schematic drawings, design and construction documents, main submittals, sequence of operations, commissioning scripts

• Support Site Operations by troubleshooting and tuning existing systems to optimize performance.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• ADD – Collaborate with all levels of the organization, including cross-functional partner leadership, project managers, and engineering teams. 

• ADD - Influence business decisions and project outcomes through active participation in cross-functional initiatives and department-wide efforts

• ADD - Advise and guide cross-functional teams and leadership on complex engineering challenges and strategic initiatives

• Coordinate heavily with internal engineering teams across all disciplines to ensure products delivered to Operations are streamlined and optimized to meet the needs of the business across all functions.

• Work closely with Operations to balance cost-effective solutions with long-term operational sustainability.

• Provide technical support to Sales during site tours, RFP responses, and customer Build To Suit (BTS) Data Center solutions.

Research and Development:

• Participate in product development process flow from idea to implementing the company’s Intellectual Property (IP) initiatives.

• Engage in continuous professional development through training, participation in professional societies, associations, and continuing education.

• Assist the Electrical Tech Lead and Management in mentoring, developing and coaching junior engineers.

Leadership:

• Operate with limited supervision, communicating regularly with senior leadership on matters of strategic importance. 

• Provide project leadership for consultants and contractors, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and customer requirements. 

Engineering Analysis:

• Review engineering studies, including:

  • Short-circuit and over-current protection device coordination studies.

  • Arc Flash mitigation studies.

  • Rack layout optimization, including fail over analysis.

  • Distribution analysis, including voltage drop and underground duct bank heat effect (Neher-McGrath) calculations

  • Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) calculations

  • THD studies

  • Redundancy and Availability Analysis

  • Topology comparison including redundancy and cost analysis

• Provide comprehensive subject matter expertise for Electrical Equipment (including but not limited to):

  • MV switches and transformers

  • LV distribution switchboards

  • UPSes

  • Generators

  • PDUs

  • RPPs

  • Busway

  • STSes

  • ATSes and Transfer Breaker Pairs

Job Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, from an accredited university or college

• Professional Engineering license in any state within the United States.

• 10 years of experience in design and construction is required, and 15+ years is preferred.

• Working knowledge of critical electrical and cooling infrastructure within a data center is required.

• Data Center design and/or construction experience is required.

• Familiarity with building codes, regulations, and standards, such as NEC, NERC, IEEE, NFPA and local building codes.

• Experience with NA construction markets is required.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct feasibility studies and technical analyses.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, project teams, and stakeholders.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office. Understanding of AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, Navisworks and SCCS modeling software environments

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

• High level of integrity and professionalism.

• Travel required is expected to be up to 25% but may increase over time as the business evolves.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $185,000 -195,000 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.

#LI-Hybrid

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. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

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.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!