Senior Data Center Infra Engineering Lead

DigitalOcean; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

DigitalOcean seeks a senior engineer to lead a multidisciplinary data center infrastructure team across electrical, mechanical, and controls domains. You will develop standards for AI/GPU facilities, including liquid cooling, power distribution, and vendor relationships.

You will act as the technical authority on infrastructure issues and ensure engineering sign-off on changes. You will perform due diligence on new sites, guide root-cause investigations with OEMs, and drive scalable engineering

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years in mission-critical engineering, including data center infrastructure.
• 5+ years leading engineering teams, including hiring, developing, and retaining senior technical talent.
• 5+ years experience managing outsourced engineering teams.
• Hands-on with liquid cooling (CDUs, secondary loop design, leak detection), UPS, generators, switchgear, controls/automation.
• Experience conducting root-cause analysis with OEMs and translating findings into engineering actions.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70E, local electrical codes, and compliance collaboration with Legal/EHS.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary engineering team for data center infra (electrical, mechanical, controls, construction).
• Develop and own engineering standards and specifications for AI/GPU data centers, including liquid cooling and power systems.
• Serve as the technical authority for infrastructure issues and vendor engagements.
• Perform due diligence on new facilities for power, cooling, and expansion feasibility.
• Own infrastructure documentation, change governance, and engineering sign-off.

Skills

Leadership

Data center infra

Root-cause analysis

Vendor management

Code compliance

Project governance

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical or related Engineering

Job description

DigitalOcean seeks a senior engineer to lead a multidisciplinary data center infrastructure team across electrical, mechanical, and controls domains. You will develop standards for AI/GPU facilities, including liquid cooling, power distribution, and vendor relationships.

You will act as the technical authority on infrastructure issues and ensure engineering sign-off on changes. You will perform due diligence on new sites, guide root-cause investigations with OEMs, and drive scalable engineering