Data Center Architect
19 hours ago
Oakland
Job Description Lead the future of AI, HPC, and mission-critical infrastructure while working on some of the industry’s most advanced engineering and data center projects. Are you passionate about designing next-generation mission-critical environments? Do you thrive in fast-paced, highly collaborative design-build settings where technical excellence, constructability, speed-to-market, and operational reliability all matter? If so, we encourage you to apply. In the role of Data Center Architect, you will lead and support architectural planning, design development, coordination, permitting, and construction administration for mission-critical facilities including hyperscale, enterprise, colocation, edge, and AI/HPC data centers. You will work closely with multidisciplinary design-build teams to deliver resilient, scalable, maintainable, code-compliant, and highly constructible infrastructure solutions. This role is ideal for a licensed architect who understands that data center architecture is not only about building design. It is about uptime, redundancy, equipment coordination, security, logistics, lifecycle operations, speed of deployment, and the ability to integrate architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, low-voltage, fire protection, controls, and commissioning requirements into one coordinated solution. ESSENTIAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE: · Lead architectural design efforts from programming and concept planning through construction documents, permitting, construction administration, and closeout · Develop site planning concepts, space programs, test fits, block plans, stacking diagrams, equipment layouts, support space planning, and architectural design narratives · Coordinate architectural scope with MEP, structural, civil, security, low-voltage, fire protection, controls, commissioning, and construction teams · Support design-build delivery by translating owner requirements, technical criteria, budget goals, schedule drivers, and constructability needs into coordinated design solutions · Prepare and review construction documents, specifications, code narratives, finish schedules, life-safety plans, door/hardware coordination, envelope details, and permitting packages · Participate in BIM coordination, clash review, interdisciplinary design reviews, and construction coordination meetings · Conduct site assessments, field walks, existing condition documentation, feasibility studies, and due diligence reviews for new build, retrofit, and expansion projects · Support AHJ coordination, zoning/permitting strategy, code compliance reviews, accessibility compliance, egress planning, occupancy analysis, and life-safety coordination · Coordinate data hall layouts, equipment yards, white space, grey space, loading/service areas, operations spaces, battery/UPS areas, generator yards, security zones, and future expansion planning · Support client presentations, technical workshops, proposal development, interviews, basis-of-design narratives, and executive-level design reviews · Contribute to innovation initiatives including AI/HPC readiness, liquid cooling coordination, high-density compute environments, modular deployment strategies, and sustainable infrastructure approaches · Help establish repeatable design standards, templates, details, checklists, quality-control procedures, and design-build workflows for mission-critical projects KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE NEEDED: · Strong understanding of mission-critical facility planning, data center design principles, and technical building coordination · Knowledge of redundancy, resiliency, maintainability, physical security, constructability, commissioning, and operational continuity · Ability to coordinate architectural design with complex MEP infrastructure including electrical rooms, UPS systems, generators, switchgear, cooling systems, CRAH/CRAC equipment, piping routes, duct routing, cable pathways, and controls infrastructure · Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, BIM coordination tools, and cloud-based project collaboration platforms · Experience preparing drawings and specifications suitable for permitting, bidding, procurement, and construction execution · Strong communication skills with the ability to lead coordination meetings, explain design intent, resolve conflicts, and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders · Ability to manage multiple priorities, fast-track deadlines, changing client requirements, and interdisciplinary inputs in a design-build environment · Understanding of BIM workflows, clash coordination, drawing standards, architectural detailing, building envelope systems, code analysis, and project documentation · Strong judgment around scope gaps, design risks, field constraints, constructability issues, and documentation quality · Commercial awareness and ability to support cost-effective design decisions without compromising reliability, safety, compliance, or long-term operations WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE COMPETITIVE: · Direct exposure to advanced data center, AI/HPC, and mission-critical infrastructure project · Opportunity to work in a design-build environment where architecture, engineering, construction, and operations are closely integrated · High visibility with leadership and clients on technically complex infrastructure program · Ability to influence design standards, templates, QA/QC practices, and scalable delivery processes · Hybrid work structure based in Oakland, NJ with flexibility tied to project need · Opportunity to work on facilities where reliability, uptime, speed-to-market, and technical precision are critical WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE: · Delivering high-quality, coordinated architectural solutions aligned with client objectives, project budgets, schedules, and mission-critical operational requirements · Maintaining strong coordination across architecture, engineering, construction, commissioning, procurement, and client teams · Producing clean, accurate, code-compliant documentation that supports permitting, procurement, construction, and long-term operations · Identifying design gaps, coordination conflicts, constructability concerns, and code issues early enough to avoid rework and schedule delays · Supporting project schedules, budgets, technical requirements, and client expectations with responsiveness and accountability · Contributing to innovation, technical excellence, repeatable standards, and stronger delivery processes · Demonstrating leadership, ownership, urgency, professionalism, and calm problem-solving in fast-moving project environments REQUIRED: · Active AIA membership required · Licensed Architect with the ability to sign and seal drawings required · Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related discipline required · 7+ years of architectural design experience, with mission-critical, industrial, technical, commercial, or complex infrastructure experience strongly preferred · Strong Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, BIM coordination, and construction document experience · Ability to lead or support architectural scope from concept through construction administration · Strong knowledge of applicable codes, life-safety requirements, accessibility standards, permitting processes, and construction documentation practices · Ability to work effectively with MEP, structural, civil, construction, commissioning, client, vendor, and AHJ stakeholders · Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to support presentations, design narratives, technical reviews, and client-facing coordination PREFERRED: · Licensed Architect (RA) in New Jersey and/or multiple states preferred · Mission-critical, data center, AI/HPC, colocation, hyperscale, telecom, healthcare, laboratory, industrial, or secure facility experience preferred · Experience with design-build, fast-track, EPC, integrated project delivery, or owner’s representative environments preferred · Experience coordinating architectural design around high-density power, cooling, security, equipment access, redundancy, maintainability, and phased expansion requirements · Familiarity with Uptime Institute concepts, Tier-rated design approaches, ASHRAE data center guidance, NFPA, IBC, ADA, energy code, and local permitting requirements · LEED, WELL, NCARB, CDT, or other relevant professional credentials a plus · Experience developing repeatable architectural standards, prototype details, quality-control · Checklists, and scalable documentation process a strong plus WHY JOIN PTS DATA CENTER SOLUTIONS: · Work on innovative AI, HPC, and mission-critical infrastructure projects. · Be part of a fast-growing organization with a strong 25+ year industry track record. · Collaborate with highly respected engineering and operations professionals. · Opportunity for technical leadership, career advancement, and long-term growth. · Competitive compensation, performance incentives, hybrid flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. SCHEDULE & FLEXIBILITY: This is a hybrid role based in Oakland, NJ. This position requires a high degree of flexibility. Candidates must be willing to adjust work hours as needed, including supporting project deadlines, commissioning activities, travel, client meetings, and changing project priorities. Travel is required depending on project assignments and client needs. Company DescriptionINTUVA by PTS Data Center Solutions, Inc. is a leader in designing, building, and supporting mission-critical infrastructure and technologies. Since 1998, PTS has evolved into a multi-division organization delivering services across data centers, energy, IT, cybersecurity, and advanced data services. Our teams support some of the world’s most demanding environments where uptime, reliability, innovation, and operational performance are critical. We specialize in engineering-driven solutions for mission-critical facilities, data centers, advanced energy systems, and next-generation infrastructure. At PTS and across its divisions, we are guided by core values of accountability, integrity, leadership, and continuous improvement, and we are committed to building long-term relationships with our employees, clients, and partners. We are building a team of professionals who are passionate about engineering excellence, problem-solving, innovation, and delivering meaningful results.INTUVA by PTS Data Center Solutions, Inc. is a leader in designing, building, and supporting mission-critical infrastructure and technologies. Since 1998, PTS has evolved into a multi-division organization delivering services across data centers, energy, IT, cybersecurity, and advanced data services.\r\nOur teams support some of the world’s most demanding environments where uptime, reliability, innovation, and operational performance are critical. We specialize in engineering-driven solutions for mission-critical facilities, data centers, advanced energy systems, and next-generation infrastructure.\r\nAt PTS and across its divisions, we are guided by core values of accountability, integrity, leadership, and continuous improvement, and we are committed to building long-term relationships with our employees, clients, and partners.\r\nWe are building a team of professionals who are passionate about engineering excellence, problem-solving, innovation, and delivering meaningful results.