Data Center Design Engineer

Nesco Data Center & Infrastructure is seeking a Data Center Design Engineer in the Greater New England area.

Approved states: New Hampshire, Maine, New York and Pennsylvania

Job Title: Data Center Design Engineer

Position Summary

The Data Center Design Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end design, planning, and build-out of data center facilities, with a primary focus on physical layout, electrical distribution, and mechanical infrastructure systems. This role leads the design of the building environment itself—ensuring optimal space utilization, scalability, and efficiency—while coordinating closely with engineering, construction, and operations teams.

In addition to design ownership, this role may transition into a project leadership capacity, taking responsibility for executing the build once the design is finalized. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of three-phase electrical systems (including delta configurations), cooling systems, HVAC, pumps, and architectural design, along with the ability to translate business and capacity requirements into fully realized, financially sound data center solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and layout of data center white space, including cabinet positioning, row spacing, pod configuration, and hot/cold aisle containment strategies
• Design and plan full data center build-outs, including determining how many pods can be supported per floor based on space, power, and cooling constraints
• Develop and oversee designs for electrical infrastructure, including three-phase power systems (delta configurations), UPS systems, generators, transformers, and switchgear
• Define and map power flow from utility source through transformers and generators to the data hall, ensuring proper load distribution and redundancy
• Plan and coordinate mechanical systems such as chillers, pumps, HVAC systems, cooling towers, and airflow management strategies
• Collaborate with architectural teams to align facility design with structural and spatial requirements
• Perform capacity planning for power, cooling, and space to support current and future growth
• Work with utility providers and internal stakeholders to ensure adequate power delivery, wattage requirements, and long-term scalability
• Prepare and present design plans to operations and executive stakeholders, including clear justification of design decisions, cost analysis, and expected return on investment
• Develop budgets, cost models, and financial projections tied to design and build-out decisions
• Review and approve design drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Provide design leadership throughout construction, commissioning, and handoff phases
  
  

Project & Execution Responsibilities (Post-Design):

• Transition into a project management role for assigned sites following design approval
• Oversee execution of the data center build, ensuring alignment with approved designs, timelines, and budgets
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal teams to drive project delivery
• Monitor project progress, manage risks, and resolve issues to maintain schedule and cost targets
• Ensure successful commissioning and handoff to operations teams
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7 years of experience in data center design, critical facilities, or mission-critical infrastructure
• Strong expertise in:
• Three-phase electrical systems, including delta configurations
• Power distribution systems (UPS, generators, transformers, switchgear)
• Mechanical systems (HVAC, chillers, pumps, cooling systems)
• Data center layout design, including pods, rack density, and airflow management
• Proven experience designing and building out data center facilities from concept through completion
• Experience or demonstrated capability in project management, including budget oversight and schedule management
• Ability to perform load calculations, power flow analysis, and infrastructure sizing
• Familiarity with industry standards such as Uptime Institute Tier standards, ASHRAE guidelines, and relevant building codes
• Proficiency with design tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical and financial concepts to non-technical stakeholders
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and managing large-scale or hyperscale data centers
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certification
• Experience working directly with utility providers for high-capacity power delivery
• Knowledge of energy-efficient and sustainable design practices
  
  

Key Competencies

• End-to-end data center design and build-out expertise
• Ability to bridge design, financial planning, and project execution
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical infrastructure systems
• Strategic thinking with a focus on cost efficiency and ROI
• Leadership in both technical design and project delivery
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder communication
  
  

Work Environment

• Combination of office-based design work and on-site involvement during construction, execution, and commissioning phases
• Travel to project sites as needed
  
  

Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.

Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.