Staff Data Center Architect

Supermicro•San Jose, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Supermicro is seeking a highly capable and technically proficient Staff Data Center Architect to lead the architectural design and planning framework for next-generation modular data centers (DCBBS) and high-density AI, cloud, and hyperscale facilities. This role will be a key technical driver in developing Supermicro’s architectural design standards, Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), Basis of Design (BOD), layout templates, and reference designs to guide repeatable, market-ready DCBBS deployments across the U.S. and global markets. The successful candidate will own data hall layouts, equipment space planning, rack deployment strategies, infrastructure coordination, and future expansion planning while serving as the owner/developer architectural authority. This individual will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, and product teams to deliver safe, efficient, scalable, and constructible designs, and will manage external architects, consultants, and AHJs to ensure code-compliant, cost-optimized outcomes that align internal engineering, vendors, and customers.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or related discipline (B.Arch or M.Arch preferred) from an accredited program.
Minimum 10 years of experience in architectural design and delivery of mission-critical or hyperscale data centers / large-scale industrial facilities.
Licensed Architect (or actively pursuing licensure with expected completion within 12 months) with strong experience managing external architects and consultants as owner’s representative or developer.
Expert proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM/design coordination tools (e.g., Bluebeam, ACC/Procore).
Deep knowledge of building codes (IBC, IFC, NFPA), life safety, egress, fire-rated assemblies, building envelope, space planning, and data center-specific requirements.
Proven experience coordinating across MEP, structural, civil, and product engineering disciplines.
Strong project management and communication skills with the ability to lead technical discussions and interface with customers, AHJs, and contractors.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (approximately 20%).

Nice To Haves

NCARB certification and licensure in multiple states.
Experience with hyperscale/AI data centers, modular/prefabricated construction, and prefabricated modular data center deployments.
Familiarity with FM Global requirements, sustainable design strategies, and data center-specific guidelines (ASHRAE TC9.9, Uptime Institute, OCP, EIA).
Proficiency with design automation (e.g., Dynamo, Python for Revit), digital twins, or advanced modeling workflows.
Master's degree in Architecture or related field.
Hands-on experience in construction field support, commissioning, and post-occupancy evaluations for data centers.
Demonstrated success operating in fast-paced, cross-functional teams bridging architecture, engineering, and business needs.

Responsibilities

Lead the architectural design scope for DCBBS modular data centers and traditional projects (greenfield, brownfield, fit-out, and colocation), including master planning, campus layout, data hall space planning, rack deployment strategies, equipment adjacencies, service clearances, cable/piping routing, security zoning, and future expansion phasing.
Develop and maintain architectural design standards, OPRs, BOD templates, prototype drawing packages, master specifications, and reference designs to ensure consistency and scalability across global projects.
Lead building envelope design, cladding systems, roofing assemblies, penetrations, and detailing in compliance with FM Global, sustainability goals, and operational requirements.
Manage external architects and engineers of record from schematic design through IFC; review deliverables, enforce Supermicro standards, track design quality and schedule, and coordinate across civil, structural, MEP, fire protection, and product disciplines.
Ensure designs comply with applicable codes (IBC, IFC, NFPA 75/76/855, ADA, and local requirements) and lead permitting strategy, AHJ coordination, and entitlement processes.
Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, 3D design, product engineering, and DCBBS teams to integrate rack-level power shelves, cooling systems, busways, and modular architectures into facility layouts.
Support due diligence, site selection, construction administration, submittal/RFI reviews, field observations, commissioning, and closeout documentation.
Conduct design reviews, resolve architectural layout conflicts, capture lessons learned, and contribute to continuous improvement of architectural frameworks and DCBBS deployment processes.
Act as subject matter expert (SME) on data center architecture, building codes, space planning, life safety, and integration with high-density compute infrastructure.
Mentor junior architects and collaborate with multidisciplinary design and construction teams.
Provide technical training for internal teams and contribute to design summits and commissioning reviews.
Engage with industry partners to track emerging technologies in modular construction, sustainable design, and data center architecture.