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Data Center Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freeform

Edge Compute and Data Center Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EDGE COMPUTE AND DATA CENTER ARCHITECT Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By ...

Freeform

Edge Compute and Data Center Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EDGE COMPUTE AND DATA CENTER ARCHITECT Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By ...

ClinDCast LLC

Azure Architect

Chicago, IL · Remote

$65 - $84.75/hr

Job Title: Azure Architect (Azure & AWS) Location: Remote Job Summary: We are seeking an ... The ideal candidate will design, implement, and optimize hybrid and cloud-based data center ...

TecTammina

Architect (Full Time)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Company Description First IT Solutions Mandatory Technical Skills Cisco certified Data Center Architect Desirable Technical Skills Architecture Consulting Desirable Functional Skills "Infrastructure ...

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Data Center Architect information

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$41K

$152.9K

$250.5K

How much do data center architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center architect in the United States is $152,853.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $209,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Data Center Architect vs Network Engineer?

AspectData Center ArchitectNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBS in Computer Science or related, certifications like Cisco CCNP, CCIE, or data center-specific certificationsBS in Computer Science or related, Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or similar networking certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and planning data center infrastructure, collaborating with IT teamsImplementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting network systems within data centers or enterprise environments
Industry UsageUsed in data center planning, architecture design, and infrastructure developmentUsed in network setup, configuration, and support within data centers and organizations

The Data Center Architect focuses on designing and planning data center infrastructure, ensuring scalability and efficiency. In contrast, the Network Engineer implements and maintains network systems within data centers. Both roles require similar certifications and work closely within data center environments, but their core responsibilities differ: one designs, the other maintains network operations.

What does a data center architect do?

As a data center architect, your job is to help design the physical environments necessary to sustain the virtual environments now used by many companies to host and manage their data. To fulfill the responsibilities and duties of this role, you may evaluate existing problems, determine solutions, and finally create a design that allows for the easiest possible expansion and replication of data center systems. In this context, data center refers to a centralized facility that hosts one or more mainframes or primary computer servers and should not be confused with jobs that only manage digital information. Data centers can be any size, but most data center architects focus on more extensive facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data center architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Center Architect, you need expertise in network design, infrastructure planning, and data center operations, typically supported by a degree in computer science or engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with virtualization platforms, cloud services (such as AWS or Azure), and certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP or Uptime Institute’s Accredited Tier Designer are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and effective communication skills help coordinate complex deployments and align with business needs. These capabilities ensure reliable, scalable, and efficient data center solutions that support organizational objectives and minimize operational risks.

Are data center architects in high demand?

Data center architects are in high demand due to the increasing need for scalable and efficient data infrastructure, especially with the growth of cloud computing and digital transformation. They require expertise in network design, hardware, and security, and often hold certifications like Cisco or VMware to stay competitive in the job market.

How much do data center architects make?

Data center architects typically earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in network infrastructure and cloud integration can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $160,000 per year.

What is a data center architect?

A Data Center Architect is an IT professional responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the implementation of data centers. They ensure that data centers are efficient, scalable, and secure, considering factors like power usage, cooling, network infrastructure, and disaster recovery. Data Center Architects work closely with other IT teams to align the infrastructure with business needs and technological advancements. Their role is crucial for organizations that rely on large-scale computing and data storage.

What are some typical challenges data center architects face when designing scalable infrastructure?

Data Center Architects often encounter challenges related to balancing scalability with cost-efficiency, ensuring high availability, and meeting evolving security requirements. Designing infrastructure that can adapt to rapid changes in technology and client needs, while maintaining optimal energy usage and minimizing downtime, is a common hurdle. Additionally, effective collaboration with network engineers, facilities teams, and business stakeholders is crucial to align technical solutions with organizational objectives.
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Data Center Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,853 per year, or $73.5 per hour.

Principal Engineer, Data Center Architect

DigitalOcean

Seattle, WA • On-site

$184K - $231K/yr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Dive in and do the best work of your career at DigitalOcean. Journey alongside a strong community of top talent who are relentless in their drive to build the simplest scalable cloud. If you have a growth mindset, naturally like to think big and bold, and are energized by the fast-paced environment of a true industry disruptor, you'll find your place here. We value winning together-while learning, having fun, and making a profound difference for the dreamers and builders in the world.
Drivethe future of our physical infrastructure footprint, from Air Cooling through to 800VDC Liquid Rack Scale systems.
This role is a Principal Datacenter Architect on our Design team, this role owns the forward looking Data Center architecture. Keeping a focus on where the industry is going, from Air to Liquid to 800VDC rack scale systems. Working with peers on the Design team who own the architectures for the Server, Network and Storage services.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Defining and owning DigitalOcean's reference architectures for next-generation Data Center environments, navigating shifts in technology, networking topologies, and AI/ML hardware roadmaps to keep facility designs future-proofed.
  • Serving as DigitalOcean's primary technical stakeholder for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems across both leased colocation and build-to-suit environments, partnering with SMEs in the DC Ops organization.
  • Provide leadership and guidance as a primary stakeholder in the new site selection process.
  • Architecting end-to-end cooling designs with vendors and partner teams to support a wide variety of CPU, GPU, and other emerging server hardware.
  • Architecting end-to-end power topologies with vendor teams to support diverse hardware across medium to ultra-high-density rack deployments, moving from 415VAC to 800VDC.
  • Leading proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives for emerging infrastructure technologies and transitioning successful pilots into global deployment standards.
  • Guiding leadership through the implications of non-traditional data center facilities and emerging technologies such as behind-the-meter (BTM) power, to modular DC designs. Working with internal teams to weigh the business, commercial, and operational risks and tradeoffs.
  • Mentor engineers at all levels and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, inclusivity, and impact.
  • Represent DigitalOcean in the broader community attending conferences, contributing to papers and presentations.
What We'll Expect From You:
  • 10+ years of experience in data center architecture, infrastructure engineering, or a related field, with a track record of owning designs at scale.
  • Deep expertise in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems for both leased colocation and build-to-suit data center environments.
  • Strong working knowledge of cooling technologies across the spectrum-from air cooling to direct liquid cooling and rack-scale liquid systems-for high-density CPU and GPU deployments.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML hardware roadmaps and the ability to translate evolving server, networking, and accelerator trends into future-proofed facility designs.
  • Knowledge of emerging and non-traditional infrastructure approaches such as behind-the-meter (BTM) power and modular/prefabricated data center designs.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead proof-of-concept initiatives and scale successful pilots into global deployment standards.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, partnering with technical and business teams along with external vendors and partners.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, including mentoring engineers and representing the company externally at conferences and through technical papers.
Compensation Range:
  • $184,000 - $231,000

*This is a hybrid role
JR: 2026-7832
#LI-Hybrid
Why You'll Like Working for DigitalOcean
  • We innovate with purpose. You'll be a part of a cutting-edge technology company with an upward trajectory, who are proud to simplify cloud and AI so builders can spend more time creating software that changes the world. As a member of the team, you will be a Shark who thinks big, bold, and scrappy, like an owner with a bias for action and a powerful sense of responsibility for customers, products, employees, and decisions.
  • We prioritize career development. At DO, you'll do the best work of your career. You will work with some of the smartest and most interesting people in the industry. We are a high-performance organization that will always challenge you to think big. Our organizational development team will provide you with resources to ensure you keep growing. We provide employees with reimbursement for relevant conferences, training, and education. All employees have access to LinkedIn Learning's 10,000+ courses to support their continued growth and development.
  • We care about your well-being. Regardless of your location, we will provide you with a competitive array of benefits to support you from our Employee Assistance Program to Local Employee Meetups to flexible time off policy, to name a few. While the philosophy around our benefits is the same worldwide, specific benefits may vary based on local regulations and preferences.
  • We reward our employees. The salary range for this position is based on market data, relevant years of experience, and skills. You may qualify for a bonus in addition to base salary; bonus amounts are determined based on company and individual performance. We also provide equity compensation to eligible employees, including equity grants upon hire and the option to participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Program.
  • DigitalOcean is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

Application Limit: You may apply to a maximum of 3 positions within any 180-day period. This policy promotes better role-candidate matching and encourages thoughtful applications where your qualifications align most strongly.

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