Principal Architect- Data Center Engineering

SB Energy•Redwood City, CA

About The Position

SB Energy is seeking a Principal Architect to serve as a senior individual contributor and architectural technical lead for large-scale, mission-critical data center campuses. The role leads planning, design development, technical review, and standardization, establishing and improving architectural standards, specifications, design criteria, and delivery practices for scalable, cost-effective, resilient facilities. The Principal Architect works with internal project teams, architects and engineers, contractors, and operations partners to translate business and end-user requirements into coordinated designs, resolve complex design challenges, and drive consistency from site planning through construction and turnover. The position covers architectural programming and campus planning, consultant direction and design reviews, code and life-safety strategies, building-envelope and architectural systems, insurer and natural-hazard criteria, equipment and operational integration, site feasibility, procurement and value engineering, and technical support through permitting, construction, and turnover. It also improves BIM coordination and quality processes, shares lessons learned, and supports sustainability through durable materials, efficient space planning, envelope performance, and responsible material selection. The position may be based in Redwood City, California; Denver, Colorado; San Diego, California; or remotely. The stated base-pay range is $180,000–$220,000. Total rewards may also include performance-based bonuses, equity grants, and health and wellness benefits.

Requirements

Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
Active architectural license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
15+ years of architectural design and delivery experience, including significant experience with hyperscale data centers or comparable mission-critical facilities.
Demonstrated experience as a senior technical contributor leading architectural scope and directing consultants on complex, multidisciplinary projects across multiple sites.
Expertise in architectural programming, campus planning, building envelopes, roofing, construction assemblies, and integration of building systems.
Strong knowledge of applicable building and fire codes, accessibility requirements, life safety analysis, and permitting processes.
Ability to interpret and critically review construction documents, specifications, code analyses, product data, and coordinated BIM models.
Experience translating owner and end-user requirements into repeatable standards and managing design changes through documented review and approval processes.
Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and BIM coordination platforms; ability to communicate design intent through clear drawings, markups, and technical narratives.
Experience coordinating with consultants, contractors, procurement, security, operations, and permitting authorities through design and construction.
Strong technical judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence decisions and balance performance, cost, and schedule.

Nice To Haves

Owner-side data center and industrial design experience.
Familiarity with FM property protection criteria.
Experience with modular or prefabricated construction.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain architectural standards, prototype designs, specifications, and design criteria aligned with SB Energy standards and Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).
Lead architectural programming, campus planning, and building test fits for data halls, administration, operations centers, and support facilities.
Provide technical direction to external design consultants, define deliverables, lead design reviews, and track resolution of comments and coordination issues across projects.
Review drawings, specifications, and building systems for compliance with approved requirements, constructability, maintainability, cost, and schedule; document deviations and route them for approval.
Guide building code, life safety, accessibility, occupancy, and fire separation strategies with architects of record, fire protection engineers, and authorities having jurisdiction.
Serve as a technical resource for building envelopes, roofing, wall assemblies, waterproofing, interior systems, and architectural interfaces with structural and MEP systems.
Coordinate with risk and insurance teams to incorporate applicable insurer criteria, property protection measures, and natural hazard requirements into architectural design.
Integrate equipment layouts, service clearances, replacement paths, security zoning, circulation, loading, and future expansion with engineering, construction, and operations teams.
Support Development with site feasibility, zoning and entitlement reviews, building placement, access, and architectural constraints in coordination with civil and environmental teams.
Evaluate materials, vendor proposals, prefabricated systems, and design alternatives for impacts on quality, resilience, lifecycle cost, procurement, and delivery schedule.
Lead architectural value engineering and change assessments while maintaining required performance, OPR compliance, and operational functionality.
Support consultant selection, scopes of work, deliverable schedules, and performance evaluation; identify design risks and escalate decisions requiring leadership input.
Provide technical support during permitting, procurement, construction, and turnover, including review of submittals, substitutions, RFIs, field conditions, and deficiencies.
Improve BIM coordination, review tools, templates, and quality processes; incorporate lessons learned and share technical guidance across project teams.
Support sustainability through durable materials, efficient space planning, envelope performance, and responsible material selection; perform additional duties supporting project objectives.

Benefits

Performance-based bonuses and equity grants may be part of total rewards.
Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
401(k) with company match.
Generous paid time off and 11 paid holidays.
12 weeks of parental leave.
Life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, dependent care, transit, and parking, with company contributions.
Mental, physical, and social wellness support, with company contributions.
Flexible work arrangements and hybrid office setup benefits.
Monthly reimbursement for phone, internet, and data.
Optional legal and pet insurance plans.
Device purchase support.
Community volunteering, fundraising, mentorship, and workforce-training opportunities.