Data Center Engineering Design Manager

Gilder Search Group; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking a Data Center Engineering Design Manager in Kansas City, MO. This pivotal role involves directing the design of Critical Power Systems and HVAC for data centers. The ideal candidate will have strong electrical and mechanical engineering expertise and experience in leading multidisciplinary teams.

The position also entails managing projects, ensuring designs meet operational standards, and facilitating client meetings. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and significant experience in hyperscale data center design are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in related field.
• Licensed PE or EIT preferred.
• Experience managing an engineering design team.

Responsibilities

• Manage design for data center engineering projects.
• Create designs and specifications based on meetings.
• Lead a team of engineers and technical staff.

Skills

Project Management

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

HVAC Knowledge

Leadership

Communication

BIM Software

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Revit MEP

AutoCAD MEP

Microsoft Project

Job description

Data Center Engineering Design Manager – Kansas City, MO

Leading provider of mission‑critical data center solutions seeks an experienced Design Manager to direct the design of Critical Power Systems and HVAC / Cooling / Mechanical Equipment for new data centers and expansions. This role requires strong electrical and mechanical engineering expertise, experience with large data centers, and proven leadership of multidisciplinary design teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects, create designs and plans, gather specifications, and execute assignments in a multidisciplinary electrical and mechanical engineering design role for small to medium sized data center facility design projects.
• Create conceptual designs gathered from meetings.
• Manage multiple projects; produce engineering proposals (RFPs); facilitate client meetings and presentations.
• Establish project objectives, policies, procedures and performance standards within company policies; document in clear work statements.
• Review drawings and specifications, participate in equipment selection, provide peer review.
• Represent Operations in startup, testing, commissioning, and turnover; support commissioning manager as needed.
• Ensure design and construction are operable and maintainable.
• Develop guidelines and standards for operational processes; contribute to design standards.
• Track progress against goals, objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Administer Operations and Maintenance audit program.
• Lead After‑Action Reviews and incorporate lessons learned into policies.
• Provide subject matter expertise on critical systems maintenance and operations; assist with troubleshooting.
• Provide onsite support during major maintenance activities.
• Write and review proper procedures for activities.
• Manage team of engineers and technical staff.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Licensed PE or EIT a plus.
• Prior experience at an engineering consulting firm.
• Experience with hyperscale or colo data center design.
• Experience managing an engineering design team.
• Proficiency with Revit MEP, AutoCAD MEP, BIM a plus.
• Experience with UPS, Generators, Switchgears, and Batteries.
• Experience on complex data center/mission critical facility design projects.
• Knowledge of HVAC, CFD, boilers, chillers, pumps, CRAC/CRAH units, air handling units.
• Experience with operational handover of mission‑critical facilities.
• Experience developing design, commissioning and operational standards and guidelines.
• Experience performing root‑cause analysis on complex failures.
• Experience developing operating and emergency procedures.
• Experience observing construction field activities.
• Self‑starter, self‑motivated, prioritizes work and works independently.
• Strong communicator; proficient in email, phone, meetings, reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.