Freelance Data Center Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Data Center Design team is the technical engineering team responsible for the architectural and infrastructure design standards across CoreWeave's global portfolio, ensuring facilities are highly scalable, efficient, and optimized to support next-generation, high-density compute workloads. The team drives the entire design lifecycle from early-stage site feasibility through final technology fit-out, establishing the foundation for seamless construction and long-term operational success. Through continuous technical innovation and standardization, they enable CoreWeave to rapidly and reliably scale its physical footprint to meet global infrastructure demands.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Center Design Manager to lead and manage the design process on behalf of CoreWeave, overseeing the work of our selected data center providers and ensuring that designs meet and incorporate CoreWeave project requirements. This role will primarily focus on managing the execution of Architectural, MEP, and LV/IT infrastructure designs within our leased data center facilities. The Sr. Data Center Design Manager will ensure that all designs align with our project requirements and are executed to meet performance, efficiency, and scalability standards. The role will also provide ongoing support into the construction phase to ensure the design is implemented accurately. Acting as the primary point of contact for design-related matters, on a per-project basis, this individual will collaborate with internal teams and external consultants to ensure designs are executed consistently and to the highest quality standards.
25% travel required to various data center sites.

In this role, you will:

• Project Leadership & Oversight: Manage the design and coordination of multiple data center projects concurrently, from concept through detailed design, including Greenfield construction projects, tenant fitouts, build-to-suit projects in existing facilities, renovation projects, equipment upgrades, and end-of-life replacements. Oversee the work of Professional Consultants (Architects, Engineers) and Equipment Suppliers during the design process.
• Single Point of Contact for Design on Assigned Projects: Act as the primary point of contact for all design-related items for assigned projects, coordinating closely with Data Center Providers and their Contractors, Architects/Engineers (A/E firms), along with our internal stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and alignment throughout the design process.
• Internal Coordination with SMEs: Coordinate with internal Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across various disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, LV/IT, and BMS, to ensure project requirements, technical specifications, and solutions are properly aligned, integrating specialized expertise into the design process as needed.
• Standards & Compliance: Apply CoreWeave Design & Engineering Guidelines and industry best practices to ensure alignment with company objectives and emphasize value-engineering for optimal cost and performance.
• Managing Basis of Design Deviations: Track and document any deviations from the Basis of Design throughout the project lifecycle, coordinating with internal teams and external consultants.
• Budget & Schedule Coordination: Work with the Construction Management team to prepare, review, and monitor project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction expenditures.
• OFCI Equipment Management: Review and evaluate OFCI (Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed) equipment submittals, providing recommendations to the Construction Management team and Procurement teams.
• Design Reviews: Participate in page-turn meetings with consultants, providing feedback on designs, Sequence of Operations, Basis of Design documents, commissioning plans, and testing scripts.
• Vendor Management: Assist with RFPs for A/E consultants and commissioning agents, evaluation of proposals, selection of vendors, and oversight on alignment with project budgets and schedules, while reviewing/approving consultant invoices.
• Executive & Project Reporting: Prepare and deliver detailed project reports to both executive leadership and project teams, track project budgets, schedules, scope objectives, and progress, ensuring alignment with CoreWeave's gating process and smooth handoff to the Construction Management team for ongoing management.
• Stakeholder Communication: Provide regular project updates to internal and external stakeholders, both informally and formally.
• Design Coordination & Site Visits: Conduct site visits during construction to review design implementation, assess construction progress, and ensure adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and project requirements.
• Collaboration Across Teams: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Capacity, Network Engineering, Construction, Operations, Supply Chain and Technical Project Management to ensure alignment with business objectives and project deliverables. Serve as a liaison between internal teams and external consultants or vendors, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Innovation & Design Enhancement: Contribute to internal design team meetings, proposing and exploring new technologies or design concepts to enhance project outcomes. Stay up to date with industry trends and integrate innovative solutions into project designs.
  

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (MEP discipline preferred). Professional Engineering (PE) license is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in data center engineering or design with a proven track record of successfully completing data center design projects.
• Strong knowledge of data center infrastructure systems, including cooling systems (air-cooled chiller plants, water-cooled chiller plants, liquid cooling), power distribution, UPS systems, generators, familiarity with Building Management/Automation Systems (BMS), and an understanding of LV/IT design.
• Experience with large-scale, high-density data centers and cloud infrastructure, including familiarity with power, cooling, and other critical infrastructure systems.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with strong project management and organizational skills, ensuring successful project delivery on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on developing efficient, cost-effective solutions to complex design challenges.
• Professional certifications (e.g., Uptime Institute, BICSI, LEED, or similar) are a plus

Wondering if you're a good fit? We believe in investing in our people, and value candidates who can bring their own diversified experiences to our teams – even if you aren't a 100% skill or experience match. Here are a few qualities we've found compatible with our team. If some of this describes you, we'd love to talk.

• You are a proactive problem-solver who thrives in ambiguity and can translate complex technical requirements into actionable design solutions.
• You are curious about emerging cooling and power technologies and how they can be scaled to support high-density AI infrastructure.
• You are an expert in managing cross-functional relationships, effectively bridging the gap between internal technical teams (SMEs) and external partners (A/E firms, contractors) to ensure project alignment and quality.

At CoreWeave, we work hard, have fun, and move fast! We're in an exciting stage of hyper-growth that you will not want to miss out on. We're not afraid of a little chaos, and we're constantly learning. Our team cares deeply about how we build our product and how we work together, which is represented through our core values:

• Be Curious at Your Core
• Act Like an Owner
• Empower Employees
• Deliver Best-in-Class Client Experiences
• Achieve More Together

We support and encourage an entrepreneurial outlook and independent thinking. We foster an environment that encourages collaboration and enables the development of innovative solutions to complex problems. As we get set for takeoff, the organization's growth opportunities are constantly expanding. You will be surrounded by some of the best talent in the industry, who will want to learn from you, too. Come join us!

The base salary range for this role is $157,000 to $210,000. The starting salary will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the market location. We strive for both market alignment and internal equity when determining compensation. In addition to base salary, our total rewards package includes a discretionary bonus, equity awards, and a comprehensive benefits program (all based on eligibility).