Principal Civil Structural Architectural (CSA) Engineer

Lambda•California, PA

57d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Principal CSA Engineer at Lambda, you will shape the civil, structural, and architectural foundation of our next-generation AI data centers. You will define global design standards, lead CSA strategy, and ensure every facility—whether leased or purpose-built—meets Lambda’s requirements for scalability, resiliency, sustainability, and speed to market. Your designs will directly influence performance, reliability, and cost efficiency, enabling our customers to access the compute capacity they need without compromise. This role goes beyond traditional data center design and construction—it’s about reimagining how infrastructure can accelerate the AI revolution. You will drive innovation in CSA systems, set a new bar for efficiency and sustainability, and help Lambda deliver infrastructure that consistently delights customers while transforming the economics of deep learning at scale.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering (or related).
20+ years’ experience delivering mission-critical facilities in high-density environments, with 7+ years in hyperscale data centers.
Deep expertise in CSA design and constructability solutions for AI/ML racks, liquid-cooling systems, and power distribution.
Proven ability to deliver CSA systems that balance cost, reliability, and speed in fast-paced environments.
Strong fluency with building codes, regulations, and civil/structural design tools (IBC, IFC, ASCE, ACI, AISC).
Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive customer-focused outcomes across global programs.
Comfortable operating in fast-moving environments, with a history of aligning technical execution to meaningful business results.
Ability to bring clarity, drive, and rigor—balancing technical depth with pragmatic execution.
Willing to travel up to 50% for data center audit, setup, commissioning, and optimization.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil, Structural, or related discipline.
Experience leading high-performing cross-functional teams (civil, structural, architects, contractors, product/program managers).
Expertise in prefabrication, modular construction, or other next-generation build approaches.
Familiarity with emerging technologies in cooling, power, and sustainability.
LEED accreditation or PMP certification.
Eligibility for Top Secret Security Clearance.
Proven mentorship and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Define and drive CSA vision, standards, and strategies to ensure Lambda’s AI data centers are resilient, sustainable, and customer focused.
Invent, validate, and scale CSA design solutions that meet critical business demands through prototyping, delivery, and continuous improvement.
Lead CSA design/BOD, construction, and lifecycle oversight across facilities, ensuring compliance with building codes, regulatory frameworks, and environmental standards.
Partner across disciplines to integrate CSA seamlessly with mechanical, electrical, liquid cooling, networking, and operations teams.
Optimize new and existing facilities to rapidly deploy capacity, leveraging modular and advanced construction technologies.
Lead vendor and contractor management for CSA scopes, including negotiations, design reviews, construction oversight, and quality/safety assurance.