Sr. Design Manager

Digital Realty; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k match

Paid time off

Job summary

Digital Realty is seeking a Sr. Design Manager in Dallas to lead design and engineering for data center development. You will manage multiple projects, guide consultants, and ensure design aligns with DEG standards, budgets, and schedules.

The role requires strong leadership, deep understanding of electrical/mechanical systems, and experience with design and commissioning processes. This position offers a competitive compensation package and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
• Professional license (AIA, PE/PEng) preferred.
• Ability to lead internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong ability to interpret design/construction drawings, specs, contracts, budgets.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee design lifecycle for greenfield and renovation projects.
• Lead end-to-end RFP processes for architectural/engineering consultants.
• Manage consultant performance and DEG deviations across projects.
• Uphold DEG standards and value engineering.
• Develop schedules, budgets, and forecasts with Delivery teams.
• Review submittals and advise on design decisions.
• Lead design review sessions and commissioning plans.
• Interface with customers on build-to-suit projects and write scopes with Sales.
• Prepare executive-level project reports and align with gating processes.
• Build vendor relationships and participate in commissioning activities.

Skills

leadership

stakeholder management

design management

budgeting & scheduling

communication

team collaboration

MS Office

AutoCAD

interpret drawings & specs

Education

Bachelor's degree

Professional license (AIA, PE) preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

• Job Category Design, Engineering & Construction
• Job Schedule Full time

Job Description

Your role

As the Sr. Design Manager, you will be responsible for implementing Digital Realty Design & Engineering Guidelines & Standards and will lead the design of multiple, concurrent projects. You’ll provide strategic and innovative thinking regarding the design and engineering of our data center development projects and manage challenging deliverables against aggressive project expectations (within budget and set schedule objectives).

What you’ll do

• Direct and oversee architects, engineers, consultants, and equipment suppliers through the full design lifecycle for both new builds (greenfield, powered shell/core, data centers) and renovation/upgrade projects.
• Lead end-to-end RFP processes for Architectural/Engineering consultants and Commissioning Agents, including proposal evaluation and vendor selection recommendations.
• Manage consultant performance, including invoice review/approval and tracking of Design & Engineering Guideline (DEG) deviations across projects.
• Apply and uphold Digital Realty Design & Engineering standards to ensure alignment with industry best practices and business objectives, with a focus on value engineering.
• Partner with Delivery teams to develop and review project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction activities.
• Review OFCI equipment submittals and provide recommendations to Delivery and Procurement teams.
• Lead design review sessions (e.g., page turns), evaluating drawings, Basis of Design, Sequence of Operations, commissioning plans, and testing scripts.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for build-to-suit projects, leading consultant teams and developing work letters (scope, budget, schedule) in partnership with Sales and Business Development.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and monthly project reports, ensuring alignment with gating processes and seamless transition to Delivery teams.
• Build and manage vendor relationships; conduct site visits and participate in commissioning activities (Levels 4 & 5); contribute to internal design innovation and continuous improvement efforts.

What you’ll need

• 7+ years of experience managing technically complex projects, including direct design and/or commissioning experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; Professional License (AIA, PE/PEng) preferred.
• Ability to lead and manage internal teams, external partners, and project stakeholders.
• Strong ability to interpret design/construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and detailed budgets.
• Advanced understanding of electrical, mechanical, security/monitoring, and fire detection/suppression systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design and construction industry practices, terminology, and contract structures.
• Familiarity with applicable building codes and regulatory requirements.
• Financial acumen with the ability to review, analyze, and provide recommendations on budgets and estimates.
• Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD.
• Strong team collaboration, communication, and relationship‑building skills; self‑motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight; prior experience with Digital Realty projects and DEG knowledge preferred.

What we can offer you

Our rapidly evolving business sector offers the opportunity to be part of a courageous and passionate team who work together to understand and meet the changing needs of our global customers.

Join us and you’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where you can bring your whole self to work. As part of our team, you’ll get to work with people from different business areas, challenge the way we do things and put your ideas into action. We’ll also give you plenty of development opportunities so you can build a rewarding and successful career with us.

Health and Safety

Safety isn’t just a priority here at Digital; it’s critical to everything we do. Safeguarding lives, protecting assets, and securing data aren’t just ideals — they’re essential pillars of our commitment to excellence for our people, our partners and our customers. We have a culture of care where every member of Team Digital embraces a relentless pursuit of working safely across Digital Realty. Together we are Safely Powering Progress.

Our Compensation Philosophy

Digital Realty offers its employees a highly competitive compensation package, excellent benefits, and an environment that recognizes and rewards your contributions. Central to our compensation philosophy is rewarding our employees for achieving the values and objectives aligned to the company’s overall goals and values.

Our published pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full‑time position determined by role, level, and geographical location. Individual pay is based on additional factors including but not limited to job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training. Moreover, an employee’s total compensation package varies by role and may include salary, cash bonus or commissions, and equity awards not quantified below.

Compensation range $160,000 – $200,000. This compensation range represents the Company’s good faith belief as to what it will pay as a base salary for this position at the time of this posting.

Benefits: For this role, Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, 401k match, disability benefits, wellness and education benefits, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, holidays, and more.

Notes

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Digital Realty is an equal opportunity employer, EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled. All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or other status protected by law or Company policy.

Digital Realty is a publicly traded company (NYSE: DLR) with investment grade ratings from all three major ratings agencies.