Design Manager (Data Center)
WFA Digital Insight
TensorWave’s Design Manager (Data Center) sits at the intersection of architecture, engineering and AI‑driven infrastructure, a rare blend that demands both technical depth and coordination skill. The role commands the full design lifecycle for hyperscale facilities, from siting decisions through construction documents and commissioning, meaning the manager must juggle multiple disciplines—civil, structural, MEP, fire protection and telecom—while keeping tight schedules. What sets this position apart is the emphasis on value‑engineering and risk mitigation for mission‑critical AI workloads, plus a direct line to development, procurement and operations teams. Candidates should be comfortable reviewing RFIs, submittals and technical specs, and be ready to translate those into actionable design guidance for senior leadership.
Job Description
About TensorWave Our mission is simple: deliver seamless, secure, reliable, and resilient AI compute at scale. We've built a versatile cloud platform that eliminates infrastructure barriers, empowering builders to focus on innovation instead of fighting their stack. Because breakthrough AI should move at the speed of ideas, not infrastructure. About the Role The Design Manager (Data Center) is responsible for leading the planning, design, and coordination of mission-critical data center projects from site selection through construction and commissioning. This role serves as the primary liaison between development, engineering, construction, and external design consultants, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with our client TensorWave's technical standards for AI and hyperscale infrastructure. What You’ll Do - Lead all phases of design management for hyperscale and AI data center developments.
- Manage architectural and engineering consultants throughout schematic design, design development, construction documents, and permitting.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and telecommunications.
- Conduct constructability reviews and value engineering exercises to improve project performance while reducing cost and schedule risk.
- Partner with Development, Construction, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure seamless project execution.
- Review and approve drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and design changes.
- Drive design schedules and monitor consultant deliverables to meet aggressive project milestones.
- Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, industry standards, and mission-critical design requirements.
- Support procurement of long-lead equipment by validating technical specifications.
- Assist in development and maintaining standardized programs, processes, technical standards, workflows, templates, and governance supporting data center design, engineering, construction, commissioning, program management, and operations.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to implement best practices that improve quality, consistency, and project execution.
- Participate in commissioning planning and operational turnover activities.
- Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies throughout the design lifecycle.
- Present project updates and design recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
- 10+ years of experience managing complex commercial, industrial, or mission-critical design projects.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams for data centers, semiconductor, healthcare, or other critical infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of MEP systems and mission-critical infrastructure.
- Ability to interpret construction drawings and technical specifications.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience supporting AI, hyperscale, or cloud data center developments.
- Familiarity with commissioning processes and integrated project delivery.
- Knowledge of value engineering, lifecycle costing, and sustainable design practices. What We Offer - Stock Options - 100% paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for Employees - Company Health Savings Account Contributions - 100% paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance for Employees - Life and Voluntary Supplemental Insurance Options - Other Insurance Options, such as Pet & Legal Insurance - Various Supplementary Health Benefits, such as discounted Virtual Healthcare Appointments and Serious Illness Support - Flexible Spending Account - 401(k) - Employee Assistance Program - Flexible PTO - Paid Holidays - Parental Leave - Other In-Office Perks Equal Employment Opportunity TensorWave is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to Stand Out
- Highlight specific data‑center design projects you’ve led, noting the scale and any AI or hyperscale components.
- Prepare a concise portfolio that showcases schematic to construction‑document deliverables, emphasizing multidisciplinary coordination.
- Demonstrate proficiency with Excel by sharing examples of cost models, schedule trackers, or risk‑mitigation matrices you’ve built.
- Expect interview questions that probe how you balance value‑engineering goals with mission‑critical performance requirements.
- Research TensorWave’s AI compute platform; being able to reference how design decisions impact compute reliability will set you apart.
- When discussing compensation, focus on the equity component and the comprehensive benefits package rather than a specific salary figure.
- Watch for vague language about “flexible PTO” without clear policy; ask for clarification on accrual and usage during the interview.
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