Design Manager - Data Centers

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Data Centers

Company: SB Energy

Location: Redwood City, CA; San Diego, CA; Denver, CO; Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations & Infrastructure Management

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design lifecycle for hyper-scale data center projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements and quality standards.

• Drive site due diligence, campus planning, and detailed design phases for complex infrastructure projects.

• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, including architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, and BMS/EPMS.

• Develop and execute multi-site project and program management plans to ensure consistent delivery across a national portfolio.

• Act as a key liaison with clients and external stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and ensuring clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for SB Energy's expansion in data center infrastructure. The emphasis on "hyper-scale" and "multi-site project and program management plans" indicates a need for robust operational frameworks and scalable design processes. The blend of technical design oversight and stakeholder management points to a role that requires strong communication and strategic planning skills, often found in senior operations or program management functions within infrastructure development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design process for hyper-scale data center projects, from initial site due diligence and campus planning through conceptual, schematic, detailed design, and construction document phases.

• Manage construction administration to ensure designs are executed according to specifications and quality standards.

• Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary design teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and integration of all design disciplines (architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, BMS/EPMS).

• Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive multi-site project and program management plans to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality across all projects.

• Proactively manage and communicate project changes to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and timely resolution of issues.

• Identify potential design or construction challenges early in the process and develop innovative, practical solutions.

• Facilitate and lead meetings with clients and external stakeholders, presenting project updates, design proposals, and resolving outstanding issues.

• Develop detailed technical and financial proposals for new data center design projects, including add/move/change initiatives.

• Cultivate and maintain trusting relationships with client stakeholders and buyers, serving as a primary point of contact.

• Ensure all designs comply with relevant codes, standards, and company best practices for data center operations and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management and cross-functional team leadership, characteristic of senior roles within operations or project management. The expectation to "develop and enforce multi-site project and program management plans" suggests a need for standardized operational procedures and scalable design frameworks. The inclusion of "technical and financial proposals" indicates a strategic component to the role, requiring business acumen beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in data center design management and engineering, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in data center design principles and engineering across multiple disciplines (MEP, structural, architectural, civil).

• Strong project management skills, with experience managing complex, multi-site infrastructure projects.

• Proficient in site due diligence, campus planning, and the full design lifecycle from conceptual to construction documents.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical information to diverse audiences.

• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in developing trusting client relationships.

• Proven problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

• Experience in developing technical and financial proposals for large-scale projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).

• Active or recent leadership role within data center and mission-critical trade organizations.

• Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS) and Energy Performance Management Systems (EPMS).

• Experience with security, fire protection, and ICT systems design for data centers.

• Knowledge of AI-based digital platforms for energy infrastructure management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Lean Six Sigma Certification" and "active or recent leadership in trade organizations" suggests a focus on process improvement and industry best practices. The emphasis on both technical engineering backgrounds and strong communication/leadership skills indicates a role that bridges technical execution with strategic client engagement and team management, a hallmark of mature operations or program management functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex data center projects managed from concept through construction administration, highlighting scale (hyper-scale preferred) and technical complexity.

• Provide evidence of experience in site due diligence and campus planning for large-scale infrastructure developments.

• Demonstrate the ability to manage multi-disciplinary design teams and coordinate various engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Include examples of technical and financial proposals developed for data center projects, illustrating scope, budget considerations, and value proposition.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of project management plans or program management frameworks used for multi-site data center development.

• Illustrate how you have identified and solved complex design or operational challenges, detailing the process from problem identification to solution implementation and impact.

• Document instances of proactive change management and stakeholder communication strategies employed on past projects.

• Provide insight into your approach to developing technical specifications and construction documents for mission-critical facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio" with "process documentation" is standard for senior technical and operational roles. For this Design Manager position, the portfolio should clearly demonstrate a candidate's ability to manage complex technical processes, coordinate diverse teams, and drive projects to successful completion, aligning with the operational rigor expected in infrastructure development. The mention of "multi-site project and program management plans" suggests a need for documentation showcasing scalable operational strategies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,000 - $190,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness:

  • 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents.
  • Mental, Physical, and Social Wellness Support programs with company contributions.

• Retirement Savings:

  • 401(k) plan with a company match.

• Time Off & Leave:

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • 11 Paid Holidays.
  • 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave.

• Insurance & Protection:

  • Company-paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
  • Company-paid Long-Term Disability coverage.

• Financial & Lifestyle Support:

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit, and Parking, with company contributions.
  • Monthly reimbursement for Phone, Internet, and Data usage.
  • Device Purchase Support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is described as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence, allowing for flexibility in managing work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a guideline, with the final offer determined by factors such as candidate experience, location, and market benchmarks. The comprehensive benefits package, including 100% company-paid medical for dependents and significant wellness support, reflects a commitment to employee well-being, which is a key differentiator for attracting and retaining talent in demanding technical and operational roles. The explicit mention of "Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits" underscores the company's adaptation to modern work trends.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Infrastructure Development, Data Centers, Renewable Energy.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description implies a rapidly growing, integrated platform with "over 3 gigawatts (GW) in operation and a multi-GW pipeline." This suggests a medium to large-sized organization with significant operational scale and ambition.

Founded: Launched in 2019, SB Energy is a relatively young but rapidly expanding company, backed by major financial institutions like SoftBank and Ares. This indicates a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Team Structure:

• The role involves leading "data center design teams" comprising various disciplines (architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, BMS/EPMS).

• This implies a matrixed structure where the Design Manager collaborates with internal specialists and external consultants/contractors.

Methodology:

• SB Energy utilizes an "AI-based digital platform" and emphasizes "cutting-edge innovation" and "best-in-class execution."

• The company focuses on delivering "local, reliable, and matched to load" energy infrastructure.

• A strong culture of innovation is encouraged to incorporate new technologies into projects.

• The mention of "Lean Six Sigma Certification" suggests a commitment to process optimization and efficiency.

Company Website: www.sbenergy.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on innovation, AI integration, and rapid growth, coupled with its backing by major financial entities, suggests a forward-thinking, results-driven culture. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values efficiency, scalability, and the adoption of new technologies to drive performance and competitive advantage in the energy and data center sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level, overseeing significant aspects of hyper-scale data center development. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in design and engineering, coupled with strong program management and leadership capabilities. The scope extends across multiple projects and disciplines, indicating a significant level of responsibility and strategic influence.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Engineering, Development, or a similar senior operations leadership role.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the foundational integrity, efficiency, and operational readiness of SB Energy's hyper-scale data centers.

• Successful project delivery directly impacts the company's ability to scale its operations, meet client demand, and achieve its mission of providing reliable, affordable energy and data center capacity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operational Leadership: Potential to move into broader program management roles, overseeing multiple development phases or entire project portfolios.

• Strategic Development: Opportunities to influence the company's overall design standards, technology adoption strategy, and long-term infrastructure planning.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced cooling technologies, power systems for AI workloads, or sustainable design practices within data centers.

• Mentorship: Lead and mentor junior engineers and designers, contributing to the development of the next generation of data center professionals within SB Energy.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Transition into roles focused on operations, construction management, or business development within the energy infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a rapidly expanding company. The emphasis on leading complex, multi-site projects and influencing strategic design decisions positions the individual for advancement into executive-level operations or development leadership roles. The requirement for Lean Six Sigma and active industry involvement also points to opportunities for further professional development and recognition.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a model where employees split their time between working remotely and from a physical SB Energy office. The company has multiple office locations in Redwood City, San Diego, and Denver, and operations in Texas, offering flexibility in choosing a primary work location within these regions.

Office Location(s):

• Redwood City, CA

• San Diego, CA

• Denver, CO

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model implies a need for robust remote collaboration tools and processes, alongside effective in-office interaction.

• Employees will likely have access to modern office facilities designed to support collaboration and focused work.

• The role demands significant interaction with internal teams (engineering, development, operations) and external partners (clients, consultants, contractors), facilitated by both virtual and in-person meetings.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week).

• The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in managing work hours and location, balancing project demands with personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment and multiple office locations indicate a modern, flexible approach to work. For operations professionals, this means a need for strong self-management, digital collaboration skills, and the ability to transition effectively between remote and in-office settings to maintain project momentum and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical expertise, project management experience, and leadership style. Be prepared to discuss specific data center projects you've managed.

• Technical/Design Review: A session with senior engineers or architects to delve deeper into your technical knowledge, design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches for complex data center challenges. This may involve a review of your portfolio.

• Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interview: Meetings with potential peers or stakeholders from development, construction, or operations teams to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader project lifecycle.

• Final Interview/Executive Review: A conversation with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Engineering/Development) to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and overall fit within SB Energy's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, performance improvements).

• Highlight Hyper-scale & Multi-site Experience: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with large-scale data centers and managing multiple projects concurrently.

• Showcase Technical Breadth: Include examples that cover various design disciplines (MEP, structural, architectural, etc.) and your ability to integrate them.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Communication: Use case studies to show how you led design teams, managed stakeholders, and resolved conflicts.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss specific design decisions, technical specifications, and your rationale behind them.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the phase of the design lifecycle you managed.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to managing design teams under pressure, resolving stakeholder conflicts, or addressing unexpected design issues.

• Practice articulating your Lean Six Sigma approach to process improvement in a design context.

• Consider how you would develop a technical and financial proposal for a hypothetical hyper-scale data center project.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with AI-based platforms or innovative technologies in data center design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate both technical depth and operational leadership. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates experience with hyper-scale data centers and multi-site project management is crucial. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process-driven approach, problem-solving skills, and ability to lead diverse teams effectively, mirroring the operational rigor expected in this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar BIM (Building Information Modeling) software is essential for design development and collaboration.

• Project Management Platforms: Experience with platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Oracle Aconex, or similar systems for managing project documentation, schedules, and workflows.

• Collaboration Suites: Familiarity with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and team collaboration.

• Data Analysis & Reporting Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with tools for analyzing project performance data, budgets, and schedules (e.g., Excel for advanced analysis, potentially BI tools for dashboards) would be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience in interpreting and reporting on project metrics related to design progress, budget adherence, schedule performance, and quality assurance.

CRM & Automation:

• While this role is not directly CRM-focused, understanding how design projects integrate with broader business development and client relationship management processes is advantageous.

• Familiarity with workflow automation within project management or design processes can enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description focuses on design and project management, a candidate's familiarity with the technology stack used in infrastructure development and operations is critical. Proficiency in BIM/CAD and project management software is a baseline, but understanding how these tools integrate and support broader operational goals is key. The mention of "AI-based digital platform" suggests an openness to and potential use of advanced technological solutions in managing infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Cutting-Edge Technology: A drive to incorporate new technologies, including AI-based platforms, to enhance design and operational efficiency.

• Best-in-Class Execution: A commitment to high standards of quality, reliability, and performance in all aspects of project delivery.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging initiative, problem-solving, and a proactive approach to challenges within a dynamic company.

• Collaboration & Collegiality: A strong emphasis on teamwork, mutual respect, and working effectively across diverse teams and disciplines.

• Growth & Scale: A focus on expanding the company's infrastructure footprint and supporting America's growing energy demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with internal departments (development, construction, operations, finance) and external partners (clients, consultants, vendors).

• Open Communication: Proactive and transparent communication is vital for managing stakeholders, resolving issues, and ensuring project alignment.

• Mentorship and Development: A culture that supports learning, knowledge sharing, and the development of talent within the engineering and design teams.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform design choices and operational strategies, consistent with the company's focus on AI and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: SB Energy's culture appears to be a blend of innovation, operational excellence, and collaborative growth. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values proactive problem-solving, embraces new technologies, and fosters strong teamwork to achieve ambitious goals in the rapidly evolving energy and data center sectors.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multi-Site Projects: Coordinating design and development across multiple large-scale data center projects simultaneously, each with unique site conditions and client requirements.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in data center technology, power systems, cooling solutions, and AI integration to ensure designs are future-proof and efficient.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Business Objectives: Ensuring that design decisions meet stringent technical specifications while also aligning with project budgets, timelines, and the company's overall business strategy.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating diverse stakeholder expectations, from clients and regulatory bodies to internal teams, and ensuring alignment and buy-in throughout the design process.

• Attracting and Retaining Top Talent: In a competitive market, building and maintaining high-performing design teams requires strong leadership and a supportive work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Opportunities to specialize in cutting-edge areas like high-density compute power delivery, advanced cooling methods (e.g., liquid cooling), or sustainable energy integration.

• Program Management Expertise: Developing skills in managing large-scale infrastructure programs, potentially leading to roles with broader strategic oversight.

• Industry Leadership: Engaging with trade organizations and conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and contribute to shaping future standards.

• Technology Adoption: Gaining hands-on experience with SB Energy's AI-based digital platform and other innovative technologies used in project development and operations.

• Mentorship and Management Training: Formal and informal opportunities to hone leadership skills and mentor junior professionals within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges in managing complex, fast-paced projects within a rapidly evolving industry. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities, particularly in advanced technical specialization, strategic program management, and technology integration, which are highly valued in operations and infrastructure development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing the design of hyper-scale data centers. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on scale, complexity, and problem-solving).

• "Walk me through your process for leading a multi-disciplinary design team and ensuring effective collaboration between architects, engineers, and other specialists." (Highlight project management, communication, and team leadership).

• "How do you approach site due diligence and campus planning for large infrastructure projects? What critical factors do you consider?" (Demonstrate strategic planning and risk assessment).

• "Describe a time you had to develop a technical and financial proposal for a significant project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase business acumen and proposal development skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SB Energy and our mission to accelerate the energy transition?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent projects).

• "How do you see your role contributing to our goal of providing reliable, affordable energy and data center capacity at scale?" (Align your experience with the company's strategic objectives).

• "Describe your experience working in a dynamic, growth-oriented company. How do you adapt to change and drive innovation?" (Showcase adaptability and an entrepreneurial mindset).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly state the scale (e.g., MW capacity, square footage), your specific role, key challenges, solutions implemented, and measurable results (e.g., % cost savings, schedule improvements, energy efficiency gains).

• Highlight Process: Detail your design management process, from initial client engagement and due diligence through design phases, construction administration, and stakeholder communication.

• Showcase Leadership: Use case studies to illustrate your ability to lead diverse teams, manage external consultants, and effectively communicate with clients and senior management.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific design elements, technologies used, and the rationale behind critical decisions, especially those related to power, cooling, and infrastructure resilience.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most relevant projects and tailor your presentation to highlight experience directly applicable to hyper-scale data center design and multi-site management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust understanding of data center design and project management, with a particular emphasis on hyper-scale projects and multi-site operations. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process-driven approach, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking, aligning their experience with SB Energy's growth objectives and innovative culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Visit the SB Energy careers page at www.sbenergy.com and locate the Design Manager - Data Centers position (or apply via the provided Greenhouse link).

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key data center projects that best showcase your experience with hyper-scale facilities, multi-disciplinary team leadership, and end-to-end design management. Ensure your portfolio highlights quantifiable achievements and strategic problem-solving.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to clearly articulate your 10+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing accomplishments in data center design management, project leadership, and any Lean Six Sigma certifications or trade organization involvement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on clear, concise storytelling that emphasizes your operational approach, leadership impact, and ability to drive projects to successful completion within scope, schedule, and budget.

• Research SB Energy: Understand the company's mission, values, recent projects, and market position. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their growth objectives and innovative culture, particularly their focus on AI and sustainable energy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.