Job Details
Senior Architect
2026-04-18 Clear. San Francisco,CASenior Architect — Data Center Development
Location: Austin TX / San Francisco CA / New York NY / Seattle WA
Salary: $200,000 – $250,000 per year, plus equity
The role
An owner/developer position, not a traditional architectural practice role. You will own the architectural workstream across a multi-site, multi-state hyperscale campus portfolio — from early concept through permitting and construction completion — for one of the fastest-moving data center developers in the US.
We include some of the most recognisable names in AI. The pipeline is measured in gigawatts, the timelines are aggressive, and the quality bar is high. If you have been managing external architects and navigating complex permitting across jurisdictions, this is a significant step up in scope and compensation.
What you'll be doing
Own building design and architectural standards across a multi-building campus portfolio — basis of design, prototype drawing packages, master specifications, and reference designs
Lead masterplan and campus layout: building positioning, setbacks, service access, security zoning, and phasing logic
Own building envelope design — cladding systems, roofing assemblies, curtainwall, louvers, and penetration detailing — to FM Global requirements
Develop space planning, door and hardware schedules, access control zoning, and security tier separations aligned to operational SLA requirements
Manage external architects and engineers of record from schematic through IFC — review deliverables, enforce standards, track quality and schedule across concurrent projects
Author and negotiate AOR scope of work, design contracts, and owner design standards
Lead permitting strategy across jurisdictions: building permits, zoning, variances, and AHJ coordination
Ensure compliance with IBC, IFC, NFPA 75, NFPA 76, NFPA 855, state codes, and ADA
Review submittals, RFIs, mock-ups, and material samples during construction; conduct site visits at key quality milestones
Manage architectural change order scope and participate in commissioning reviews
Coordinate closeout, punchlist, and as-built documentation
What we need from you
B.Arch or M.Arch from an accredited programme
7+ years of architectural experience, with at least 3 in data center or mission-critical facility design
Licensed Architect — or actively pursuing licensure within 12 months
Experience managing external architects and consultants as an owner's representative or developer
Solid working knowledge of IBC, IFC, occupancy classifications, egress, and fire-rated assembly design
Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Procore
Around 25% travel across US project sites
Good to have
Hyperscale data center or large-scale industrial development background
FM Global envelope and roofing requirements and submittal process
Industrial cladding and roofing systems — attachment details, thermal movement, joint continuity, air/vapour barrier integration
Experience authoring owner-side design standards, prototype specs, or basis of design documents
ACC for design issue tracking; Oracle P6 or equivalent
LEED AP or sustainable envelope and energy compliance experience
Compensation and benefits
$200,000 – $250,000 per year DOE, plus equity
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan
Generous PTO
Worth knowing
Most architectural roles in the data center space sit inside engineering consultancies or A/E firms. This one is on the owner/developer side — you set the standards rather than respond to them, you manage the AORs rather than act as one, and you have direct influence over how some of the largest data center campuses in the country get built. The scope is unusually broad for a single role and the compensation reflects that.
I place across the full range of data center design, development, and construction roles. If this one isn't quite right but you work in this space, message me directly.