Sustainable Data Center Design Manager

CoreWeave
Full-time$134k-179k/year (USD)Sunnyvale, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sustainable Data Center Design Manager

Company: CoreWeave

Location: Livingston, NJ / New York, NY / Sunnyvale, CA / San Francisco, CA / Bellevue, WA / Richmond, VA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Sustainability Operations

Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead and drive sustainability initiatives within data center design and engineering projects, aligning with corporate sustainability objectives.

  • Integrate cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies, onsite renewable energy solutions, and water conservation strategies into data center infrastructure.

  • Conduct comprehensive lifecycle carbon analysis and financial evaluations (ROI) for sustainable design options to ensure cost-effectiveness and environmental impact reduction.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal engineering teams, sustainability consultants, architects, and construction partners to embed green building standards and best practices.

  • Oversee the implementation and commissioning of sustainable design elements, ensuring compliance with both technical specifications and ambitious environmental targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Data Center Engineering team but has a strong cross-functional mandate with Corporate Sustainability. The focus is on translating high-level sustainability goals into practical, implementable engineering designs for data centers, with a clear emphasis on financial justification and demonstrable ROI for sustainability investments. The integration of AI and automation in design optimization is a key differentiator.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Act as the primary technical lead for sustainable design strategies, ensuring practical application of corporate sustainability goals into data center engineering and construction.

  • Partner with MEP engineers, architects, and sustainability consultants to integrate sustainable solutions, ensuring alignment with engineering specifications and environmental objectives.

  • Lead the evaluation and implementation of energy efficiency measures, including AI-driven predictive modeling and automated energy management systems.

  • Assess and implement onsite renewable energy sources such as solar PV, wind energy, and battery storage, performing detailed technical, financial, and environmental impact analyses.

  • Design data centers with a focus on grid interactivity, demand response capabilities, peak shaving, and microgrid functionalities to enhance energy resilience and grid support.

  • Conduct lifecycle carbon assessments (LCAs) for proposed design options to identify and implement strategies for greenhouse gas emission reduction.

  • Develop and implement water-efficient cooling systems, exploring innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting and closed-loop water systems.

  • Recommend and ensure the use of sustainable, low-carbon building materials and compliance with green building standards (e.g., LEED, WELL, ENERGY STAR).

  • Implement and advocate for the use of low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants and other environmentally conscious HVAC solutions.

  • Utilize AI tools and automation technologies to optimize building designs for energy efficiency, water conservation, and operational flexibility.

  • Oversee the construction and commissioning phases of sustainable design elements, verifying compliance with design specifications and sustainability targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic planning, technical design, financial analysis, and project oversight. The emphasis on "AI-driven predictive modeling," "automated energy management systems," and "AI tools and automation technologies" indicates a forward-thinking approach to data center sustainability that goes beyond traditional methods, requiring candidates to be adept with modern technological advancements in the field.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Engineering, or a related STEM field.

Experience:

  • 5+ years of experience in data center design, renewable energy integration, or energy infrastructure development.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated expertise and strong knowledge of sustainable energy technologies, including solar PV, wind, battery storage, microgrid integration, energy efficiency systems, water conservation, and grid interactivity.

  • Experience in applying financial analysis to energy projects, including cost justification, Return on Investment (ROI) analysis, and understanding of relevant incentive programs.

  • Ability to effectively communicate and present complex technical and financial analyses to diverse audiences, including executives, engineering teams, and regulatory agencies.

  • Proficiency in data center engineering principles and sustainable design methodologies.

Preferred Skills:

  • Sustainability Certifications such as LEED Accredited Professional (AP) or equivalent.

  • Experience with lifecycle carbon assessment (LCA) tools and methodologies.

  • Familiarity with AI tools and automation technologies for design optimization.

  • Knowledge of green building standards beyond LEED, such as WELL, ENERGY STAR.

  • Experience with HVAC, MEP systems, and alternative refrigerants in a data center context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Who You Are" section emphasizes a passion for collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, alongside core technical expertise. This suggests that candidates should not only possess the technical skills but also demonstrate a proactive, problem-solving mindset and a collaborative approach to teamwork, which are crucial for embedding sustainability across diverse teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrable case studies of sustainable data center design projects, showcasing the integration of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water conservation strategies.

  • Examples of financial analyses and ROI calculations for implementing sustainable technologies in infrastructure projects, highlighting cost savings and payback periods.

  • Documentation illustrating the lifecycle carbon assessment process and outcomes for design alternatives.

  • Evidence of managing and overseeing the construction and commissioning of sustainable design elements, including performance verification.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow diagrams or descriptions detailing the process for evaluating and selecting sustainable design solutions.

  • Documentation of methodologies used for energy efficiency optimization, water conservation system design, and renewable energy integration.

  • Records of compliance with green building certifications (e.g., LEED checklists, submittal processes).

  • Examples of communication protocols and reporting structures for sustainability initiatives within project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present tangible evidence of their work in sustainable data center design. The portfolio should not just list skills but demonstrate their application through concrete project examples, financial justification, and successful implementation, particularly highlighting the integration of modern technologies like AI and automation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $134,000 - $179,000 per year

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid by CoreWeave)

  • Company-paid Life Insurance

  • Voluntary supplemental life insurance

  • Short and long-term disability insurance

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

  • Mental Wellness Benefits through Spring Health

  • Family-Forming support provided by Carrot

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • Flexible, full-service childcare support with Kinside

  • 401(k) with a generous employer match

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Catered lunch each day in office and data center locations

  • Casual work environment

Working Hours:

  • Standard 40-hour work week.

  • Flexibility may be available, but the role requires on-site presence for collaboration and oversight, aligning with a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the explicit information in the job description. The extensive benefits package is detailed, emphasizing CoreWeave's commitment to employee well-being and financial security. The mention of a discretionary bonus and equity awards indicates additional compensation potential beyond the base salary, typical for management roles in growth-stage technology companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Essential Cloud for AI)

Company Size: Publicly Traded Company (Nasdaq: CRWV) - indicating a significant, established, and growing organization.

Founded: 2017 - a relatively young company experiencing rapid growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

  • The role is within the Data Center Engineering team, requiring close collaboration with this group.

  • Significant cross-functional partnership is expected with the Corporate Sustainability team.

  • Collaboration extends to architects, MEP engineers, sustainability consultants, and construction teams.

Methodology:

  • Data-driven decision-making is implied through the emphasis on technical evaluation, financial analysis, and performance verification.

  • A focus on innovation and problem-solving is core to the company culture.

  • Process optimization is a key aspect of integrating sustainability into design and operations.

  • The company culture encourages "innovative disruption" and aims for "best-in-class client experiences."

Company Website: www.coreweave.com

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreWeave positions itself as a technology leader in the AI cloud infrastructure space. Its rapid growth and recent public offering suggest a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The company culture emphasizes curiosity, ownership, employee empowerment, and collaborative innovation, which are critical for a role that bridges technical engineering with corporate sustainability mandates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Managerial, leading specific design initiatives. This role is a technical leadership position focusing on a specialized area of data center engineering.

Reporting Structure: The role sits within the Data Center Engineering team, likely reporting to a Director or Senior Manager of Data Center Engineering, with close functional alignment and reporting to Corporate Sustainability on specific initiatives.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the operational efficiency, environmental footprint, and long-term cost-effectiveness of CoreWeave's data center infrastructure, which is crucial for their "Essential Cloud for AI" strategy. Sustainable design choices directly influence energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource utilization, impacting both operational expenses and corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced sustainable technologies, AI-driven design optimization, and large-scale renewable energy integration within data centers.

  • Leadership Expansion: Potentially grow into a senior management role overseeing broader sustainability engineering efforts or leading larger project teams.

  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in influencing and leading initiatives across multiple departments, enhancing strategic impact within the organization.

  • Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping industry standards and best practices in sustainable data center design through company initiatives and potential external engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for deep specialization in a critical and rapidly evolving area of data center engineering. The growth path is likely tied to the company's aggressive expansion and commitment to sustainability, offering chances for leadership and influence in a high-impact field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment with options for remote work for candidates located more than 30 miles from an office, provided role requirements for specialized skill sets are met. Teams gather quarterly for collaboration.

Office Location(s): Livingston, NJ; New York, NY; Sunnyvale, CA; San Francisco, CA; Bellevue, WA; Richmond, VA.

Workspace Context:

  • A balance between focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

  • Access to relevant data center engineering tools and technology.

  • Opportunities for interaction with diverse engineering and sustainability professionals.

Work Schedule:

  • Primarily a standard 40-hour work week.

  • The hybrid model allows for a mix of remote and in-office work, with potential for travel to various data center sites and industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model, coupled with the mention of catered lunches and a casual environment, suggests a workplace that balances productivity with employee well-being and team cohesion. The possibility of remote work for specialized roles, while emphasizing occasional in-person collaboration, indicates flexibility within a structured framework.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for relevant experience in data center sustainability, renewable energy, and financial analysis.

  • Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions on sustainable design principles, energy efficiency strategies, renewable energy integration, lifecycle carbon analysis, and AI/automation applications in design. Expect scenario-based questions and problem-solving challenges.

  • Cross-Functional Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, ability to bridge technical engineering with corporate sustainability goals, and communication effectiveness with diverse stakeholders.

  • Manager/Leadership Interview: Evaluation of leadership potential, strategic thinking, cultural fit, and alignment with CoreWeave's values (Curiosity, Ownership, Empowerment, Client Experience, Collaboration).

  • Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present a selection of their most relevant projects, demonstrating their impact, technical approach, and financial justification for sustainable solutions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the quantifiable benefits achieved (e.g., % energy saved, tons of CO2 reduced, ROI achieved, water conserved).

  • Showcase Integration: Highlight how sustainability was integrated from the design phase through construction and commissioning.

  • Emphasize Collaboration: Detail your role and contributions in cross-functional teams.

  • Financial Acumen: Be prepared to discuss the financial models and ROI analyses you've used to justify sustainable investments.

  • AI/Automation Focus: If applicable, showcase any use of AI or automation in your design optimization processes.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to optimizing a data center's sustainability profile under specific constraints (budget, space, grid availability).

  • Prepare to articulate the technical and financial arguments for adopting specific sustainable technologies.

  • Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely for both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's technical depth, strategic thinking, financial acumen, and collaborative capabilities. A strong portfolio presentation is crucial, and candidates should be prepared to articulate not just what they did, but the business and environmental impact of their work, particularly focusing on ROI and advanced technologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Data Center Design Software: Proficiency with CAD, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and specialized data center design and simulation tools (e.g., Autodesk, SketchUp, specific CFD or energy modeling software).

  • Energy Modeling Software: Experience with tools like IES VE, EnergyPlus, TRACE, or similar for performance analysis and optimization.

  • Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Tools: Familiarity with software or methodologies for conducting LCAs (e.g., GaBi, SimaPro, or specific ESG reporting platforms).

  • Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project for managing design and implementation phases.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Analysis Tools: Excel, Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy), or R for data manipulation and analysis of energy consumption, carbon emissions, and financial metrics.

  • Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for visualizing performance data and creating dashboards for stakeholders.

  • Sustainability Reporting Platforms: Experience with platforms used for ESG reporting and tracking sustainability metrics.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems: While not directly managing sales, understanding how sustainability data integrates with CRM for client reporting or operational insights could be beneficial.

  • Automation Tools: Familiarity with scripting (e.g., Python) or workflow automation tools that can be applied to design processes, data analysis, or reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong technical toolkit, encompassing design software, advanced simulation and modeling tools, data analysis capabilities, and familiarity with sustainability-specific assessment and reporting platforms. Proficiency in using AI and automation tools for design optimization is a key expectation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Be Curious at Your Core: Encourages continuous learning, exploration of new technologies, and a deep understanding of sustainability principles and their application.

  • Act Like an Owner: Promotes taking responsibility for projects, driving initiatives to completion, and making decisions that align with long-term company goals and sustainability objectives.

  • Empower Employees: Fosters an environment where individuals are encouraged to innovate, contribute ideas, and take initiative in their areas of expertise.

  • Deliver Best-in-Class Client Experiences: Implies that sustainable design choices should ultimately enhance the performance and reliability of the AI infrastructure, contributing to superior client service.

  • Achieve More Together: Emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and cross-functional synergy to achieve complex goals, especially in integrating sustainability across diverse teams.

Collaboration Style:

  • Highly collaborative, requiring strong partnerships with engineering, sustainability, and construction teams.

  • Emphasis on open communication and sharing of best practices.

  • A proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation through collective effort.

  • Willingness to engage with external consultants and stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreWeave's values are deeply embedded in their culture and directly influence how this role is expected to operate. Success will depend on embracing a collaborative, ownership-driven mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning and innovation in the pursuit of sustainable data center solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Sustainability with Cost and Performance: The primary challenge is integrating ambitious sustainability goals (renewables, efficiency, low-carbon materials) while meeting stringent data center performance requirements and financial targets (ROI).

  • Rapid Technological Evolution: The field of sustainable technology and AI in design is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning to stay at the forefront.

  • Complex Stakeholder Management: Effectively aligning diverse teams (engineering, sustainability, finance, construction) with potentially competing priorities.

  • Scaling Sustainable Solutions: Implementing these strategies across a rapidly growing number of data center projects requires robust processes and scalable solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Certifications: Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications in green building (e.g., LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP) or specialized sustainability fields.

  • Industry Conferences & Training: Attending leading industry events focused on data center design, renewable energy, and sustainability to gain insights and network.

  • Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders in engineering and sustainability, and to mentor junior team members.

  • Exposure to Cutting-Edge AI: Working with advanced AI tools and predictive modeling techniques for design optimization offers significant learning opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in data center development: achieving high performance and scalability while minimizing environmental impact. The growth trajectory is tied to the company's aggressive expansion and its commitment to being a leader in sustainable AI infrastructure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you approach the lifecycle carbon assessment for a new data center design, and what key factors would you prioritize for reduction?"

  • "Describe a time you had to justify a significant investment in renewable energy or energy efficiency to stakeholders with different priorities (e.g., finance, operations). What was your approach and the outcome?"

  • "Given CoreWeave's focus on AI, how can we leverage AI and automation tools more effectively in our sustainable data center design process?"

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Based on your understanding of CoreWeave, how do you see our core values (Curiosity, Ownership, Empowerment, Client Experience, Achieve More Together) influencing the approach to sustainable data center design?"

  • "How would you foster collaboration between the Data Center Engineering team and the Corporate Sustainability team to achieve shared goals?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your solution, the implementation process, and the achieved results (quantified impact).

  • Highlight Financial Justification: Be ready to walk through your ROI calculations and cost-benefit analyses.

  • Showcase Technical Detail: Explain the engineering principles behind your sustainable design choices.

  • Emphasize Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with different teams and managed stakeholder expectations.

  • Tailor to CoreWeave: Connect your experience and project outcomes to CoreWeave's mission and the specific requirements of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of sustainable engineering principles, financial acumen, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience with data-driven decision-making and how they've successfully implemented sustainability initiatives in challenging environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sustainable Data Center Design Manager position:

  • Submit your application through the CoreWeave careers portal via the provided link.

  • Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your experience in sustainable data center design, renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and financial justification (ROI). Highlight any projects involving AI/automation in design.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Sustainable Design," "Data Center Engineering," "Renewable Energy," "Energy Efficiency," "Lifecycle Carbon Analysis," "LEED," "ROI," and "AI/Automation." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples, focusing on your problem-solving approach, collaborative skills, and ability to drive measurable impact. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively, showcasing your technical expertise and business acumen.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research CoreWeave's mission, recent developments (like their IPO), and their commitment to sustainability. Understand their "Essential Cloud for AI" positioning and how sustainable operations support this.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Renewable Energy or Sustainability, coupled with over 5 years in data center design or energy infrastructure development, demonstrating expertise in sustainable energy technologies. Proven ability to apply financial analysis to energy projects and communicate complex technical findings to diverse stakeholders is essential.