ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Data Center Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vultr

Data Center Infrastructure Architect

$125K - $140K/yr

Architect and design the physical infrastructure to support data center scale deployments of networks, servers, and GPU including rack layouts, components, cable management, power, and cooling ...

EOS

Principal Architect - Data Center (US)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Architect to define and lead next-generation data center architecture spanning physical and logical design, software-defined infrastructure, virtualization, and ...

EOS

Principal Architect - Data Center (US)

Pennington, NJ · Hybrid

$170K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Architect to define and lead next‑generation data center architecture spanning physical and logical design, software-defined infrastructure, virtualization, and ...

Apply Early

EOS

Principal Architect - Data Center (US)

New York, NY · Hybrid

$170K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Architect to define and lead next‑generation data center architecture spanning physical and logical design, software-defined infrastructure, virtualization, and ...

Apply Early

EOS

Principal Architect - Data Center (US)

Plano, TX · Hybrid

$170K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Architect to define and lead next‑generation data center architecture spanning physical and logical design, software-defined infrastructure, virtualization, and ...

Apply Early

EOS

Principal Architect - Data Center (US)

Jersey City, NJ · Hybrid

$170K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Architect to define and lead next‑generation data center architecture spanning physical and logical design, software-defined infrastructure, virtualization, and ...

Apply Early

Texas Instruments

Data Center System Architect

Dallas, TX · On-site

$58 - $74.75/hr

The Data Center System Architect will require a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and market knowledge to drive growth and innovation in the data center market. Key ...

Amazon

Sr. Architect, Data Center Engineering

Herndon, VA · On-site

$69.25 - $92.50/hr

They have hands on Architectural design and field experience and have an understanding of the critical controls needs for a data center As we grow, we are structuring our team to own more of our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsData Center Architect Jobs

Data Center Architect information

See salary details

$41K

$152.9K

$250.5K

How much do data center architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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.

Who are the big 5 in data centers?

The Big 5 in data centers typically refer to the leading providers: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, and Oracle Cloud. These companies dominate the cloud infrastructure market and often require data center architects to have expertise in cloud architecture, networking, and security. Understanding their infrastructure standards is essential for designing scalable and reliable data center solutions.

What does a data center architect do?

A data center architect designs and plans the infrastructure of data centers, including server, storage, networking, and power systems. They ensure the facility meets performance, security, and scalability requirements, often using industry standards and tools like CAD software. This role requires technical expertise, project management skills, and knowledge of data center best practices.

Are data architects in high demand?

Data architects are in high demand due to the increasing need for organizations to manage large volumes of data and develop scalable data infrastructure. They typically require expertise in database design, cloud platforms, and data modeling, making their skills highly sought after across various industries.

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.

What is the highest paid type of architect?

Among architecture roles, specialized fields such as software architects, enterprise architects, and solutions architects tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. Data center architects, while highly skilled, generally earn less than these top-tier technical architects, with salaries typically ranging from $100,000 to $140,000 depending on experience and location.
More about Data Center Architect jobs
What cities are hiring for Data Center Architect jobs? Cities with the most Data Center Architect job openings:
What states have the most Data Center Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Data Center Architect jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Data Center Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Architect jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Center Architect jobs? For Data Center Architect jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Data Center Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Architect job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $152,853 per year, or $73.5 per hour.
Azure Cloud Data Center Architect and Engineer

Azure Cloud Data Center Architect and Engineer

Request Technology, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$67 - $85.25/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

***We are unable to sponsor for this permanent full-time role***

***Position is bonus eligible***

Prestigious Global Firm is currently seeking a Azure Cloud Data Center Architect and Engineer. Candidate will be responsible for setting standards, leading critical design decisions, and commanding incident response when it matters most. Candidate wiill partner closely with Information Security, Applications, Network Engineering, and firm leadership to ensure our infrastructure remains secure, resilient, and ready to support the firm’s most demanding client work.

Responsibilities:

Cloud Platform Leadership & Governance

  • Own the architecture, governance, and operational excellence of the firm’s Microsoft Azure environment, including landing zones, policy-based controls, IaC standards, and cost management.
  • Lead developer experience and platform enablement, designing secure, compliant, and scalable deployment patterns, reusable Terraform modules, and self-service frameworks used across engineering teams.
  • Chair and lead cloud and infrastructure design reviews, providing final technical direction and ensuring alignment with security, architecture, and financial governance standards.
  • Serve as the internal custodian of privileged access (including Global Administrator access), ensuring strong separation of duties, independent validation of managed service providers, and proper escalation paths.
  • Act as the incident commander for cloud infrastructure events, making real-time, business-aligned decisions and coordinating directly with Legal, HR, the CISO organization, and executive leadership.
  • Drive the firm’s cloud FinOps strategy, delivering cost transparency, optimization, and accountability across engineering, finance, and business stakeholders.
  • Establish technical standards for the team, including engineering rubrics, career pathways, onboarding, and interview practices, while mentoring engineers across all levels.

Data Center Engineering & Operations

  • Lead the design and implementation of server rooms and structured cabling across global locations.
  • Oversee preventative maintenance programs, vendor contracts, capacity planning, and Level 4 escalation for complex data center incidents.
  • Ensure all facilities meet regulatory, audit, cyber insurance, and resiliency requirements, partnering closely with security and risk stakeholders.

Enterprise Impact & Visibility

  • Represent Cloud & Datacenter Operations in firm-wide forums, including design review boards, vendor evaluations, client security audits, and executive incident command.
  • Lead infrastructure foundations for enterprise AI and automation initiatives, working in close partnership with Applications and Information Security.
  • Drive complex, multi-team initiatives spanning identity, networking, security operations, and application engineering—with full accountability for outcomes.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree preferred in computer science, information technology, electrical engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of enterprise IT infrastructure experience, with deep expertise in cloud platforms and data center engineering, including time spent as a senior individual contributor.
  • Expert-level, hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines in large-scale production environments.
  • Proven ownership of platform engineering, developer enablement, or cloud deployment frameworks.
  • Demonstrated leadership in architecture and design governance, including leading design reviews and influencing enterprise standards.
  • Strong background in cloud security governance, privileged access management, and incident response, with experience partnering closely with a dedicated CISO organization.
  • Solid understanding of data center mechanical and electrical systems (UPS, cooling, fire suppression, power).
  • Comfort operating as an internal authority, making high-stakes decisions under pressure and engaging directly with senior leadership.
  • Ability and willingness to participate in 24x7 on-call support for critical incidents.

Preferred Experience:

  • Experience in a law firm or global professional services environment with confidentiality- and compliance-sensitive client work.
  • Familiarity with MSP governance, FinOps frameworks, and enterprise cloud commitments.
  • Experience supporting hybrid identity environments and security operations.
  • Background in audit defense, cyber insurance, and frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, or CIS Controls.
  • Experience building infrastructure foundations for AI or large-scale automation workloads.

Apply