Engineer Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

About Vantage Data Centers
Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.
Design Engineering Department
The Design & Engineering (D&E) team drives the technology, innovation and new development of data center infrastructure across Vantage's companywide portfolio. D&E evaluates new sites, drives cost and scheduling in line with corporate goals and serves as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning. The team collaborates with Sales, Operations and management along the way. D&E also works hand-in-hand with the Construction team to come up with a vertically integrated design and ensures new and existing standards and designs are executed effectively.
At the heart of our vision is the creation of critical infrastructure that facilitates human connection, creativity, sharing, and collective aspirations. Our mission revolves around providing our Customers with consistently exceptional facilities swiftly and enjoying the process while doing so. This dedication extends to our Customers, Construction teams, and Site Operations teams.
One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our technical staff are given the responsibility and authority to directly drive tangible results. Our team can align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals. This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and results.
The Design Engineering team guides the development and operation of best-in-class data centers for hyperscale customers by providing business-minding Design and Engineering expertise.
Position Overview
This role can be based in any of our US locations: Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; or Ashburn, VA in alignment with our flexible work policy (3 days onsite, 2 days flexible).
Vantage is looking for a driven Director, Mechanical Engineering to provide overall leadership for our development of data center space for current and future projects. This position will oversee the mechanical aspect of new product development, new industry design trends, innovations, changes in code requirements and all aspects of Design Engineering. As a leader, you will be responsible for managing a team with multiple projects related and product development tasks with competing priorities ensuring all projects are in alignment with strategic corporate objectives. Collaboration and integration in the sales lifecycle process including client interface is integral to the role. Constant communication with facilities operation, sales and marketing department and other subject matter experts will ensure that the design of new facilities will maintain and enhance Vantage's product and service offering.
Essential Job Functions
Strategic Leadership

• Define and drive the vision for design and engineering initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices.
• Lead strategic planning for engineering projects, balancing innovation with operational excellence.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and design methodologies to enhance enterprise value and maintain competitive advantage.
• Represent the organization in industry forums and maintain strong engagement with the data center engineering community to stay ahead of trends.

Influence & Collaboration

• Build strong relationships across internal teams (Construction, Mission Critical Operation, Market Development, Sales) and external stakeholders (Consultants, Vendors, Contractors).
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insights that influence business strategy and product development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation through initiatives like the "Employee Think Tank," ensuring ideas are heard and acted upon.
• Communicate effectively with department leadership through reports and presentations that drive informed decision-making.

Autonomy & Decision-Making

• Exercise independent judgment in managing engineering activities from concept through commissioning across the portfolio.
• Drive design and engineering decisions to conclusion, balancing technical requirements, budget constraints, and business priorities.
• Oversee consultant/vendor qualification and make recommendations for technology adoption and deployment.
• Ensure lessons learned are integrated into processes to promote continuous improvement.

Managerial Capacity

• Provide thought leadership and accountability for team performance, budget, and schedule adherence.
• Oversee QA/QC processes, while mentoring and developing engineering staff, fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Manage team workload effectively to maintain balance, drive efficiency while ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work products.
• Recruit, lead, and manage high-performing mechanical SME team - driving collaboration, accountability, and delivering excellence.

Nature of Work

• Lead all aspects of Mechanical Design and Engineering, including site assessment, conceptual design, basis of design, scope of work, and development of construction documents.
• Oversee inputs and deliverables to guarantee that new data center spaces meet all applicable requirements (BOD, specifications, codes, leases, etc.), while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and added value.
• Develop and refine design standards to align with company vision and industry benchmarks.
• Coordinate with site operations to define project requirements and design criteria and provide support for any issues that arise once critical infrastructure is in operation
• Work with sales and marketing to provide technical support wherever needed
• Stay abreast of new technologies and opportunities to innovate within and beyond the data center industry.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and manage content for team learning and onboarding, promoting transparency and two-way communication across the organization.
• Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Registration as a US-based Professional Engineer (P.E.) strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in a management role required.
• 15+ years of experience in mechanical design and construction required, 20+ years preferred
• Data Center experience is required.
• Extensive experience in leading technical design teams including:
  
  • Cross-discipline knowledge and understanding, including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural, and other critical data center trades
  • Strong understanding of the design, construction, commissioning, and operations processes for North American development projects
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong analytical skills with demonstrated problem solving ability

• Experience in CSA (civil, structural, architectural) and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) design, engineering and construction is a requirement
• Familiar with engineering analysis tools such as PipeFlow, 6Sigma CFD software, etc.
• Travel required is expected to be 15 to 25% but may increase over time as the business evolves
• Excellent communication skills to effectively work with present information to executive management, operations, sales engineering and finance

Skills:

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office. Understanding of AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, Navisworks and CFD modeling software environments
• Well versed with all building codes and ordinances, including ASHRAE.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactive, Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with AI tools to support process automation and data analysis
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Additional Details

• Salary Range: $230,000 - $250,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)
• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.
• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.
• #LI-Hybrid #LI-AP2

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.
Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.
Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.
Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.
We'll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon-we're excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!