Data Center Design Lead

Unifyconsulting; National (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Unifyconsulting is seeking a Design Management Lead to oversee data center design and construction projects. This role will serve as the Owner’s Representative coordinating efforts among various stakeholders and ensuring design quality and schedule adherence.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, strong project management skills, and over 5 years of experience in similar roles. This position requires the ability to manage complex projects while collaborating effectively with various teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design management, project management, or owner’s representation roles.
• Experience with large-scale data center or industrial infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the client’s authorized representative across all design and construction-related activities.
• Lead and coordinate design efforts across multiple concurrent projects.
• Produce monthly design and construction administration reports.

Skills

Design management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Design Management Lead to support large-scale, mission‑critical data center design and construction projects. This role serves as the Owner’s Representative, acting as a trusted advisor and agent to the client throughout all phases of design and construction.

Location Requirement Must be located within 2 hours driving distance of West Virginia, Virginia beach, Northern Virginia, Columbus, Ohio, Charleston, South Carolina.

Please note: We are unable to sponsor or transfer visas for this position. You must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without requiring sponsorship or visa transfer now or in the future.

Please no resumes from third-party agencies or recruiters.

Design & Project Leadership

• Serve as the client’s authorized representative across all design and construction-related activities for data center projects.
• Lead and coordinate design efforts across multiple concurrent projects.
• Manage escalation and resolution of complex design issues.
• Act as the central point of coordination between stakeholders, design consultants, construction managers, and contractors.

Design Planning & Controls

• Develop comprehensive design project plans prior to design kickoff.
• Establish and maintain design schedules, budgets, and risk logs through design completion.
• Coordinate value engineering and constructability reviews at key milestones.

Design Execution & Quality

• Oversee development and execution of design contracts and amendments, including:
  • Site development and utility infrastructure
  • Data center design
  • Construction Administration / Services During Construction (CA/SDC)
  • Ensure QA/QC processes are executed and design gaps or issues are identified and addressed.

Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

• Produce monthly design and CA/SDC reports.
• Provide transparent reporting on schedule, cost, risk, and design status to stakeholders.

Cost, Contracts & Commercial Management

• Coordinate development of cost estimates for scope gaps and design changes.
• Support contract negotiations with third‑party vendors.
• Support invoice review, payment tracking, and commercial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related.
• 5+ years of experience in design management, project management, or owner’s representation roles.
• Experience supporting large-scale data center, mission‑critical, or industrial infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination (civil, structural, MEP).
• Experience managing schedules, budgets, and risk in highly complex projects.
• Experience working directly for or with hyperscale technology clients.
• Background in construction administration and design-phase cost control.
• Familiarity with value engineering, constructability reviews, and QA/QC processes.
• Contract administration and change management experience.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving skills.