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Data Center Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Staff Data Center Design Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, a related technical field, or ... Experience in large campus-scale data center design concepts. * Experience with current and ...

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Data Center Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$145.5K

$194.4K

How much do data center design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center design engineer in California is $145,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $193,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Data Center Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Center Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering principles, data center infrastructure standards, and relevant academic qualifications, often a bachelor's degree in engineering. Proficiency with design and simulation tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and CFD software, along with certifications such as Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer or BICSI are important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are vital in coordinating with cross-disciplinary teams and clients. These capabilities ensure the efficient, reliable, and scalable design of mission-critical data center environments.

What does a Data Center Design Engineer do?

A Data Center Design Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing data center infrastructure, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and reliability. They work with power distribution, cooling systems, network architecture, and security to support IT operations. Their role includes collaborating with stakeholders to meet business and technical requirements while adhering to industry standards. Efficient design reduces operational costs and improves data center performance.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Data Center Design Engineer?

A Data Center Design Engineer typically spends their days developing infrastructure layouts, creating technical drawings, and reviewing project requirements to ensure alignment with industry standards and client needs. They work closely with project managers, architects, and other engineers to integrate electrical, mechanical, and IT systems. Daily tasks often include site assessments, coordinating with contractors, resolving design challenges, and updating documentation based on feedback. This role requires both independent technical analysis and frequent collaboration to ensure designs meet performance, efficiency, and safety criteria.

What are popular job titles related to Data Center Design Engineer jobs in California? For Data Center Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Center Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Design Engineer jobs in California are:
Data Center Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Design Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 85% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,530 per year, or $70 per hour.
Data Center Design Engineer (University Grad)

Data Center Design Engineer (University Grad)

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$36.82 - $55.24/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 190 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Incorporated
Job Area:
Information Technology Group, Information Technology Group > IT Engineering
General Summary:
Qualcomm is seeking an early-career engineer with a strong interest in data centers to support the design, planning, and deployment of physical data center infrastructure within our global Data Center Services Group (DCS). In this role, you'll assist senior architects and engineers in developing technical requirements, evaluating infrastructure options, and contributing to the design of next-generation data center environments.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has a genuine interest in data centers and a desire to grow into a technical specialist or architect.
Must be able to work full time on-site in San Diego (5 days per week)
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
OR
1+ year of IT-related work experience with a Bachelor's degree in a non-technical field (e.g., Business, Humanities, Marketing), or related field.
OR
3+ years of IT-related work experience with a High school diploma or equivalent.
Job Responsibilities
As an Entry-Level Data Center Design Engineer, you will:
  • Support the design and planning of physical data center deployments across co-located and on-prem facilities.
  • Assist project managers, IT infrastructure teams, vendors, and facilities partners by contributing to technical drawings, documentation, and design reviews.
  • Help evaluate rack layouts, power distribution approaches, and cooling strategies under the guidance of senior team members.
  • Participate in global data center capacity planning discussions driven by business and engineering needs.
  • Work with Qualcomm Facilities (MEP) staff and external design consultants throughout design, construction, and commissioning phases.
  • Conduct site assessments, collect field data, and support installation reviews. (Some travel may be required.)

Preferred Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), or a related engineering discipline.

Preferred Experience & Skills
Ideal candidates may have interest and/or experience in some of the areas below (academic projects, internships, co-ops, or labs are all acceptable):
  • Data center operations, facility design, or related technical environments.
  • Cooling fundamentals (airflow, heat transfer, liquid cooling concepts).
  • Design or diagramming tools such as AutoCAD or Microsoft Visio.
  • Rack elevation planning, floor layout design, or power distribution.
  • Basic understanding of server, networking, or storage hardware components.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in ambiguous or fast-moving environments.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills, including supporting process documentation.

Applicants: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$36.82 - $55.24
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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