Technology Design Manager (Data Centers)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technology Design Manager (Data Centers)

Company: CoreWeave

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

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Data Center Operations & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-03-24T17:59:48

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design process for data center fit-outs (white space) on behalf of CoreWeave, ensuring all designs meet and incorporate CoreWeave project requirements for performance, efficiency, and scalability.

• Act as the primary point of contact for design-related matters on assigned projects, coordinating closely with internal Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and external consultants.

• Ensure designs align with CoreWeave Design & Engineering Guidelines and industry best practices, emphasizing value-engineering for optimal cost and performance.

• Provide ongoing support into the Fit Out construction phase to ensure accurate design implementation and adherence to quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for CoreWeave's rapid expansion in AI infrastructure, focusing on the physical build-out and design integrity of their data center facilities. The emphasis on "White Space" design, combined with MEP, LV/IT infrastructure, and coordination with external consultants, points to a highly technical and project-management-intensive role within the data center operations domain. The "Essential Cloud for AI™" positioning suggests a need for designs that support high-density computing and advanced AI workloads.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the design and coordination of multiple data center fit-out projects concurrently, overseeing the work of Professional Consultants (Architects, Engineers) and Equipment Suppliers.

• Serve as the single point of contact for all design-related items for assigned projects, coordinating with Data Center Providers, A/E firms, and internal stakeholders.

• Integrate specialized expertise from internal SMEs (electrical, mechanical, LV/IT) into the design process, ensuring project requirements and technical specifications are properly aligned.

• Apply CoreWeave Design & Engineering Guidelines and industry best practices, focusing on value-engineering to optimize cost and performance.

• Track and document deviations from the Basis of Design throughout the project lifecycle, coordinating with internal teams and external consultants.

• Collaborate with the Technical Project Management team to prepare, review, and monitor project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction expenditures.

• Review and evaluate Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed (OFCI) equipment submittals, providing recommendations to Construction Management and Procurement teams.

• Participate in design reviews, page-turn meetings, and provide feedback on Basis of Design documents, Sequence of Operations, commissioning plans, and testing scripts.

• Assist with RFPs for A/E consultants, evaluate proposals, select vendors, and oversee alignment with project budgets and schedules, including reviewing/approving consultant invoices.

• Prepare and deliver detailed project reports to executive leadership and project teams, tracking budgets, schedules, scope objectives, and progress.

• Conduct site visits during construction to review design implementation, assess progress, and ensure adherence to design specifications and quality standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Capacity, Network Engineering, Construction, Operations, Supply Chain, and Technical Project Management.

• Propose and explore new technologies or design concepts to enhance project outcomes and stay updated with industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project leadership, external vendor management, and deep technical understanding of data center infrastructure. The "Single Point of Contact" and "Internal Coordination with SMEs" aspects underscore the need for excellent communication and collaboration skills, bridging the gap between external design partners and internal operational needs. The inclusion of "value-engineering" and "OFCI equipment management" points to a focus on cost-efficiency and strategic procurement within the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Network, Low Voltage/Cabling or related field), Architecture, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in data center engineering or design with a proven track record of successfully completing data center design projects.

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of data center white space, including cooling systems, power distribution, network architecture, and Low Voltage/IT (LV/IT) design.

• Proven ability to manage multiple data center fit-out projects concurrently.

• Expertise in managing complex projects with strong project management and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey 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.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CoreWeave Design & Engineering Guidelines.

• Familiarity with RFP processes for A/E consultants and vendor evaluation.

• Knowledge of commissioning plans and testing script development.

• Understanding of OFCI equipment submittal review processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements are standard for engineering and design roles, with a preference for specialized certifications in data center infrastructure. The experience level suggests a need for candidates who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and have a substantial portfolio of completed data center design projects. The required skills emphasize both technical depth in data center infrastructure and robust project management capabilities, essential for a role that bridges design and execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful completion of multiple data center fit-out (white space) design projects, showcasing the scope and complexity managed.

• Provide examples of design coordination efforts involving Architectural, MEP, and LV/IT infrastructure, highlighting collaboration with consultants and internal SMEs.

• Showcase instances where value-engineering principles were applied to optimize design costs and performance.

• Include documentation or case studies illustrating the management of Basis of Design deviations and their resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate experience in developing and applying design guidelines and industry best practices.

• Showcase familiarity with the review and evaluation of Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed (OFCI) equipment submittals.

• Provide examples of participation in design reviews, page-turn meetings, and feedback provided on technical documents.

• Demonstrate understanding of the construction support phase, ensuring accurate design implementation and quality adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage the entire design lifecycle for data center fit-outs. This includes not just the technical design aspects but also the project management, vendor oversight, and internal coordination necessary to bring a design from concept to reality. Specific examples of cost savings through value engineering and successful handling of design deviations will be particularly impactful.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $122,000 - $200,000 per year. The final salary will be determined by factors including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the candidate's market location.

Benefits:

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

• Company-paid Life Insurance and voluntary supplemental life insurance.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Tuition Reimbursement program.

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) eligibility.

• 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 daily at office and data center locations.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work environment. Up to 30% travel is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a management-level design role in the data center industry, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas like those listed. The extensive benefits package, especially the 100% employer-paid health insurance and comprehensive family support, indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being. The inclusion of equity through ESPP and a 401(k) match further enhances the total compensation package. The hybrid nature with travel suggests a need for strong time management and self-discipline.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure. CoreWeave is positioning itself as "The Essential Cloud for AI™," providing specialized, high-performance computing infrastructure. This focus on AI necessitates a culture of rapid innovation, technical excellence, and scalability.

Company Size: CoreWeave is in a hyper-growth phase, indicated by its recent public trading and rapid expansion. This means a dynamic, fast-paced environment where roles and responsibilities can evolve quickly.

Founded: 2017. CoreWeave has experienced significant growth since its inception, evolving from a GPU cloud provider to a major player in AI infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Data Center Operations or Engineering team, working closely with Technical Project Management, Capacity Planning, Network Engineering, and Construction teams.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Director or VP of Data Center Operations/Engineering, with direct collaboration across various technical and operational departments.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for technical specifications, performance standards, and value-engineering.

• Workflow optimization is central to the role, focusing on efficient design processes and accurate implementation in construction.

• Automation and efficiency are key drivers for scaling AI infrastructure, suggesting a culture that embraces technological advancements in design and build-out.

Company Website: www.coreweave.com

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreWeave's culture is described as fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and focused on innovative disruption. The emphasis on "Achieve More Together" and "Empower Employees" suggests a collaborative environment where individual contributions are valued. The "Act Like an Owner" value aligns with the expectation for project leadership and responsibility. The company's rapid growth implies opportunities for individuals to make a significant impact and grow with the organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management position within Data Center Design and Engineering. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and leadership skills to oversee complex design projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Data Center Operations or Engineering department. They will work closely with and influence cross-functional teams, demonstrating leadership beyond direct reporting lines.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts CoreWeave's ability to scale its AI infrastructure by ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and high-performance design of data center white spaces. Successful designs are critical for meeting the demands of AI workloads and maintaining CoreWeave's competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of data center design (e.g., high-density power, advanced cooling for AI).

• Leadership: Advancement to senior management roles, overseeing larger teams or broader design portfolios, potentially leading to Director or VP positions in Data Center Engineering or Operations.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape CoreWeave's future data center design standards and contribute to strategic infrastructure planning.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through exposure to cutting-edge AI infrastructure technologies and complex project challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a successful Technology Design Manager at CoreWeave is likely to involve increasing scope of responsibility, leading larger and more complex projects, and potentially managing teams of engineers and designers. The company's rapid expansion offers a fertile ground for career advancement, especially for individuals who can demonstrate strong leadership and deliver impactful results in critical infrastructure projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with up to 30% travel required to various data center sites. This suggests a blend of remote work flexibility and on-site presence for critical project meetings, site visits, and design reviews.

Office Location(s): Multiple locations are available, including Livingston, NJ; New York, NY; Sunnyvale, CA; San Francisco, CA; and Bellevue, WA. This offers flexibility for candidates in these regions.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as fast-paced and dynamic, requiring adaptability and efficient time management.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with teams gathering quarterly and the expectation to work closely with cross-functional internal teams and external consultants.

• Access to relevant operations tools and technology is implied, given the technical nature of data center design and engineering.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is mentioned, the demanding nature of large-scale data center projects may require flexibility and dedication to meet project deadlines and critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with significant travel suggests a need for strong organizational skills to balance remote productivity with essential on-site engagement. The company's focus on innovative disruption and a casual work environment implies a culture that values results and collaboration over rigid structures.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and application to assess alignment with core requirements, especially years of experience and technical background in data centers.

• Technical Interview(s): These will delve into specific knowledge of data center infrastructure (power, cooling, network, LV/IT), design principles, and project management methodologies. Expect questions on past projects, problem-solving scenarios, and technical decision-making.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be expected to present and discuss their portfolio, highlighting key data center design projects, their role, challenges overcome, and outcomes achieved. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical experience and impact.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Discussions with potential peers or leaders from teams like Construction, Capacity, or Network Engineering to assess collaboration skills and understanding of cross-functional dependencies.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Evaluation of alignment with CoreWeave's core values (Curiosity, Ownership, Empowerment, Client Experience, Teamwork).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Data Center Fit-Outs). For each project, clearly define your role, the project's objectives, key design challenges, your specific contributions, the solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, improved uptime).

• Data Center Specifics: Emphasize your experience with white space design, MEP systems, LV/IT infrastructure, and high-density computing environments relevant to AI.

• Visuals: Include diagrams, schematics, or photos where appropriate to illustrate design concepts and project execution.

• Value Proposition: Clearly articulate the value you brought to each project, focusing on how your design decisions contributed to CoreWeave's goals (performance, efficiency, scalability, cost-effectiveness).

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful projects for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical data center fit-out design challenge, considering factors like site constraints, power availability, cooling requirements, and budget limitations.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss a complex design problem you encountered in a past role, how you analyzed it, what solutions you proposed, and the outcome.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would manage disagreements or conflicting requirements between internal SMEs and external consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both technical competence in data center design and project management capabilities. The portfolio review is paramount, serving as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to deliver on the core responsibilities of the role. Candidates should prepare to articulate their thought processes and decision-making behind their design choices and project outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or similar for architectural and MEP design documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for tracking project progress, schedules, and tasks.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for budget tracking, data analysis, and reporting.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for presenting design metrics and project progress.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design decisions impact operational systems and data flow is beneficial.

• Familiarity with systems that manage RFPs, vendor submissions, and project documentation is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not explicitly listed, proficiency in standard architectural and engineering design tools (CAD/BIM) is a given. The role also requires strong project management software skills for tracking multiple concurrent projects. Experience with tools that facilitate collaboration and reporting is essential for effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be Curious at Your Core: Candidates should demonstrate a drive to understand new technologies, explore innovative design concepts, and constantly seek better solutions for AI infrastructure.

• Act Like an Owner: This value emphasizes taking responsibility for projects, managing them proactively, and making decisions that align with CoreWeave's long-term success and efficiency.

• Empower Employees: The role requires empowering oneself and potentially influencing others to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to project goals.

• Deliver Best-in-Class Client Experiences: While this role is internal-facing, the "client" can be considered the internal teams (Capacity, Network, Operations) who rely on the designed infrastructure. Ensuring high-quality, reliable designs is paramount.

• Achieve More Together: Collaboration with cross-functional teams, consultants, and vendors is crucial for successful project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders, seeking input, and addressing potential issues before they escalate.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with teams like Capacity, Network Engineering, Construction, and Operations to ensure designs meet all requirements and can be efficiently implemented and maintained.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing and receiving feedback during design reviews and throughout the project lifecycle to refine designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CoreWeave's values suggests that the ideal candidate will not only possess the technical and project management skills but also thrive in an environment that encourages innovation, ownership, and teamwork. Cultural fit will be assessed based on how candidates embody these values in their approach to work and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Scaling: The primary challenge will be designing and implementing data center fit-outs at a speed that matches CoreWeave's hyper-growth, while maintaining stringent quality and efficiency standards.

• High-Density Demands: Designing infrastructure capable of supporting the extremely high power and cooling demands of AI workloads, which is often at the cutting edge of data center technology.

• Coordination Complexity: Managing a multitude of stakeholders, including internal SMEs, external consultants, vendors, and data center providers, each with their own priorities and timelines.

• Design Evolution: Staying abreast of rapidly evolving AI hardware and software technologies, and translating these into adaptable and future-proof data center designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Gaining deep expertise in designing infrastructure for the latest AI hardware and high-performance computing.

• Project Leadership: Developing advanced project management and leadership skills by overseeing complex, high-impact projects.

• Industry Best Practices: Contributing to and learning from CoreWeave's evolving design standards and methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Broadening understanding of various facets of data center operations and infrastructure development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the company's mission and rapid expansion in the AI space. Successfully navigating these challenges will provide significant opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in specialized areas of data center design for AI.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing data center design projects from inception through construction support. How do you ensure designs meet both technical specifications and business objectives?" (Focus on the full lifecycle, stakeholder alignment, and CoreWeave's AI focus.)

• "How do you approach value-engineering in data center design without compromising performance or reliability, especially for high-density AI workloads?" (Highlight your understanding of cost-benefit analysis and technical trade-offs.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., internal SMEs vs. external consultants). How did you reach a resolution?" (Demonstrate your negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company mission and your understanding of the AI cloud market, how would you prioritize design considerations for a new CoreWeave data center fit-out?" (Connect your design philosophy to CoreWeave's business goals.)

• "Which of CoreWeave's core values resonates most with your work style, and how do you embody it in your daily professional activities?" (Prepare specific examples related to curiosity, ownership, teamwork, etc.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your experience with data center fit-outs, MEP/LV/IT design, and project leadership.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the scope, your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., % cost savings, % efficiency improvement, timeline adherence). Use metrics relevant to data centers and AI infrastructure.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or high-level architectural drawings to illustrate design concepts and project workflows.

• Narrative: Tell a story for each project that highlights your problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and ability to manage complex processes and stakeholders.

• CoreWeave Relevance: Frame your experience in a way that directly addresses the needs and challenges of CoreWeave's AI cloud infrastructure business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical acumen in data center design, robust project management skills, and a strong cultural fit with CoreWeave's values. Candidates should be ready to articulate their contributions and impact with concrete examples and quantifiable results, especially within the context of high-density AI computing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technology Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the CoreWeave careers page.

• Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in data center design, MEP/LV/IT infrastructure, project leadership, and managing complex projects. Use keywords from the job description and incorporate quantifiable achievements.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key data center design projects that demonstrate your expertise in white space fit-outs, design management, and successful project delivery. Be ready to present these with clear metrics and discuss your specific contributions.

• Research CoreWeave: Familiarize yourself with CoreWeave's mission ("The Essential Cloud for AI™"), its services, recent news (like its IPO), and its core values. Understand the unique demands of designing infrastructure for AI workloads.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare to answer strategy, technical, and behavioral questions, focusing on providing specific examples and showcasing your problem-solving abilities and cultural alignment. Practice articulating your portfolio with impact.

⚠️ 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.