Data Center Design Architect

Umbilical Advanced; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 190,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Umbilical Advanced, based in Austin, seeks an experienced architectural leader to guide the design of next-generation data center campuses. You will shape architectural strategy for high-density AI facilities, from concept through construction, and work across mechanical, electrical, structural and controls teams to deliver safe, scalable infrastructure.

The role requires strong knowledge of building codes, fire life safety, and navigating multiple permitting jurisdictions, plus experience

Qualifications

• Experience leading architectural design for data centers or mission-critical facilities.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, fire and life safety standards.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams through design and construction.
• Proven ability to manage external design consultants and stakeholders.
• Experience navigating multiple permitting jurisdictions and varying code requirements.
• Strong communication skills to influence technical and executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and development of new-build and retrofit data center projects from concept through construction.
• Ensure facilities are safe, code-compliant, operationally efficient, and optimized for high-density AI workloads.
• Develop architectural solutions that integrate building codes, fire and life safety requirements, and advanced 3D design methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, structural, and controls engineering teams to deliver coordinated designs.
• Manage external architecture and engineering consultants throughout the design process.
• Act as the technical lead for jurisdictional code compliance and localization across multiple project locations.
• Drive continuous improvements in space utilization, operational efficiency, constructability, and material flow.
• Present technical recommendations to senior leadership and oversee implementation through project delivery.

Skills

Data center architecture

Leadership

Building codes

Code compliance

Education

Registered Architect (RA) license

Tools

Revit

BIM workflows

Job description

An innovative AI infrastructure developer is seeking an experienced architectural leader to support the delivery of next-generation, high-density data center campuses. The business is rapidly expanding its global compute infrastructure and is focused on designing, building, and operating large-scale AI facilities with an emphasis on speed, scalability, and technical excellence.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the architectural design strategy across a growing portfolio of mission-critical facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and development of new-build and retrofit data center projects from concept through construction.
• Ensure facilities are safe, code-compliant, operationally efficient, and optimized for high-density AI workloads.
• Develop architectural solutions that integrate building codes, fire and life safety requirements, and advanced 3D design methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, structural, and controls engineering teams to deliver coordinated designs.
• Manage external architecture and engineering consultants throughout the design process.
• Act as the technical lead for jurisdictional code compliance and localization across multiple project locations.
• Drive continuous improvements in space utilization, operational efficiency, constructability, and material flow.
• Present technical recommendations to senior leadership and oversee implementation through project delivery.

Required Experience

• Demonstrated experience leading architectural design for data centers, mission-critical facilities, or other highly regulated, complex infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, fire and life safety standards, and architectural design best practices.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout all phases of design and construction.
• Proven ability to manage external design consultants and stakeholders.
• Experience navigating multiple permitting jurisdictions and varying code requirements.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical and executive stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Architect (RA) license.
• Experience designing hyperscale or AI-focused data centers.
• Proficiency with Revit and BIM workflows.
• Strong understanding of IBC, NFPA, and other relevant building codes.
• Experience with high-density compute environments and liquid-cooled facilities.