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Data Center Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Review design drawings, specifications, and submittals for data center infrastructure compliance * Develop and manage CAPEX and OPEX plans for critical data center infrastructure Team Leadership ...

Review design drawings, specifications, and submittals for data center infrastructure compliance * Develop and manage CAPEX and OPEX plans for critical data center infrastructure Team Leadership ...

... center design and construction, external consulting partners, network engineering, legal, tax ... Support the development of Meta's near and long-term data center location and leased portfolio ...

Data Center Deployment Lead I

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

We design and execute highly coordinated deployments, integrating hundreds of thousands of fiber ... data center deployment, infrastructure installation, or a similar structured cabling environment.

Data Center Technician

Lisle, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Think Long-Term: We design for what's next. We create scalable systems, simplify complexity, and ... Help maintain hardware in the data center, including tasks such as configuration, maintenance ...

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Data Center Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$52

$106

How much do data center design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for data center design in Chicago, IL is $52.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.10 and $65.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a data center designer do?

A data center designer plans and develops the layout, infrastructure, and systems for data centers to ensure efficient, reliable, and secure operation. They work on aspects such as power distribution, cooling, space utilization, and network connectivity, often using design tools like CAD software and adhering to industry standards. Their role involves collaboration with engineers and project managers throughout the construction and implementation process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in data center design?

To thrive in Data Center Design, you need a strong background in electrical and mechanical engineering, experience with IT infrastructure, and a relevant degree or certification such as BICSI or Uptime Institute accreditation. Familiarity with design software (like AutoCAD or Revit), standards such as ASHRAE and TIA-942, and project management tools is often required. Outstanding problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help manage complex projects and coordinate across multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and scalable data center solutions that meet client and regulatory requirements.

What typical challenges do professionals face in data center design roles?

Professionals in Data Center Design routinely face the challenge of balancing clients' evolving capacity needs with energy efficiency, redundancy, and cost constraints. The role often demands coordination among architects, engineers, facility managers, and IT specialists to ensure the infrastructure meets performance and compliance standards. Adapting to rapid technological advancements, sustainability requirements, and tight project timelines are also common. Successfully managing these challenges requires a combination of technical expertise and strong project management skills.

What is a data center design?

A Data Center Design job involves planning, designing, and optimizing the infrastructure of data centers to ensure efficiency, scalability, and reliability. Professionals in this role focus on power distribution, cooling solutions, networking, and space utilization while adhering to industry standards and regulations. They collaborate with engineers, architects, and IT teams to create solutions that support business needs and future growth. This role requires expertise in electrical and mechanical systems, as well as knowledge of emerging technologies in data center management.

Are data center design jobs high paying?

Data center design jobs typically offer competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of electrical systems, cooling, and network infrastructure. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and location, but they are generally above average for engineering and technical roles.

What degree do you need to be a data center designer?

A data center designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in fields such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, or information technology. Relevant skills include knowledge of data center infrastructure, networking, and design software, and certifications like Cisco or Uptime Institute can enhance job prospects.

How to become a data center design engineer?

To become a data center design engineer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of power systems, cooling, and building infrastructure, along with experience using design software like AutoCAD or Revit. Certifications such as LEED or Cisco CCNA can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Center Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Data Center Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Data Center Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,919 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Data Center Project Engineer

Prime Data Centers

Elk Grove Village, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

About Prime Data Centers
Prime Data Centers develops, acquires, and operates data centers for some of the world's largest enterprises. A private firm owned by a group controlling $6 billion in assets, with a 15-year tenure in technology and real estate development, Prime provides customers with ownership options and dynamic leasing models, defining a true corporate partnership.
About the role
The Project Engineer assists the product delivery team in performing focused tasks to support the construction lifecycle. The Project Engineer must have an understanding of basic electrical and mechanical systems. They may be asked to focus on one or more of the following processes; generating a bill of material, preparing and reviewing submittals, soliciting quotes, performing basic quantity takeoffs, assembling PowerPoint presentations from multiple source documents, and printing, storing and retrieving design and engineering documents in the Document Management System.
Onsite - Elk Grove Village, IL
Reports To: Regional Director of Construction
What you'll do
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to design, implement, and commission data center infrastructure projects.
  • Translate technical requirements into project plans, schematics, and documentation.
  • Ensure all work complies with design specifications, industry standards, and safety regulations.
  • Support the deployment of power (UPS, generators, PDUs), cooling (CRAC/CRAH, HVAC), and structured cabling systems.
  • Participate in capacity planning, risk analysis, and impact assessments for changes to the data center environment.
  • Monitor installation progress, troubleshoot issues, and ensure quality control throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Track project milestones, timelines, and budgets in coordination with project managers.
  • Prepare and present technical reports, updates, and recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Assist in vendor selection, procurement, and contractor supervision as needed.
  • Maintain detailed records of system designs, configurations, and installations.
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience in a related technical field
  • 3+ years of experience in data center engineering, construction, or operations
  • Strong understanding of mission-critical infrastructure (power, cooling, cabling, network)
  • Familiarity with data center design standards and best practices
  • Proficiency in project tools such as AutoCAD, MS Project, or similar
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills

Benefits
  • Competitive salary range - $90,000-$105,000 along with a quarterly performance bonus and an annual bonus program
  • 401k up to a 4% employer match that is fully vested upon enrollment
  • 100% employee premiums paid by employer for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability
  • Paid Time Off + Sick time

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Prime is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, protected veteran or military status, disability status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
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