Sr Data Center Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr Data Center Design Manager

Company: CoreWeave

Location: Livingston, NJ / New York, NY / Sunnyvale, CA / San Francisco, CA / Bellevue, WA (United States)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Data Center Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the architectural and infrastructure design of CoreWeave's global data center portfolio, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and optimization for high-density compute workloads.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for design-related matters on assigned projects, ensuring seamless communication between internal stakeholders, data center providers, and external consultants.

• Drive the entire design lifecycle from site feasibility through final technology fit-out, establishing the foundation for efficient construction and long-term operational success.

• Apply CoreWeave Design & Engineering Guidelines and industry best practices, emphasizing value engineering for optimal cost and performance in all design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for scaling CoreWeave's infrastructure to support AI demands, requiring a blend of technical design expertise, project leadership, and strong stakeholder management within a fast-paced, hyper-growth environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the design and coordination of multiple data center projects concurrently, encompassing Greenfield construction, tenant fit-outs, build-to-suit projects, renovations, and equipment upgrades.

• Oversee the work of Professional Consultants (Architects, Engineers) and Equipment Suppliers throughout the design process, ensuring alignment with CoreWeave's project requirements and technical specifications.

• Coordinate with internal Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across electrical, mechanical, LV/IT, and BMS disciplines to integrate specialized expertise into the design and ensure project requirements are met.

• Track and document deviations from the Basis of Design (BOD) throughout the project lifecycle, coordinating with internal teams and external consultants for approval and implementation.

• Collaborate with the Construction 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 actively in design reviews, including page-turn meetings, providing feedback on designs, Sequences of Operations, BOD documents, commissioning plans, and testing scripts.

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

• Prepare and deliver detailed project reports to executive leadership and project teams, tracking project budgets, schedules, scope objectives, and progress in alignment with CoreWeave’s gating process.

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

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Capacity, Network Engineering, Construction, Operations, Supply Chain, and Technical Project Management to ensure alignment with business objectives.

• Contribute to internal design team meetings, proposing and exploring new technologies or design concepts to enhance project outcomes and staying updated with industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a highly collaborative role that bridges technical design with project execution, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate complex data center development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (MEP discipline preferred). A Professional Engineer (PE) license is a significant plus.

Experience: 7+ 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 infrastructure systems, including cooling systems (air-cooled chiller plants, water-cooled chiller plants, liquid cooling), power distribution, UPS systems, and generators.

• Familiarity with Building Management/Automation Systems (BMS) and an understanding of Low Voltage/IT infrastructure design.

• 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. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with large-scale, high-density data centers and cloud infrastructure.

• Professional certifications such as Uptime Institute, BICSI, LEED, or similar.

• Proactive problem-solver who thrives in ambiguity and can translate complex technical requirements into actionable design solutions.

• Curiosity about emerging cooling and power technologies and their application to high-density AI infrastructure.

• Expertise in managing cross-functional relationships, effectively bridging internal technical teams (SMEs) and external partners (A/E firms, contractors).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep technical knowledge in data center infrastructure, robust project management capabilities, and strong interpersonal skills essential for managing diverse stakeholder groups in a rapidly evolving industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of managing the full design lifecycle for complex data center projects, from initial concept and site feasibility to detailed design and construction support.

• Case studies showcasing successful implementation of value engineering principles to optimize cost and performance within data center designs.

• Evidence of managing external consultants (A/E firms) and vendors, including proposal evaluations, contract oversight, and performance management.

• Demonstrations of how you've integrated internal SME input and cross-functional stakeholder requirements into final design documents.

• Examples of managing Basis of Design (BOD) deviations and ensuring compliance with company engineering guidelines. Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams or descriptions illustrating your approach to managing multiple concurrent data center design projects.

• Examples of project reporting formats used for executive leadership and project teams, highlighting budget, schedule, and scope tracking.

• Documentation of your process for reviewing and approving Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed (OFCI) equipment submittals.

• Case studies demonstrating your involvement in page-turn meetings, design reviews, and the development of commissioning plans and testing scripts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase their ability to manage complex design processes, demonstrate technical acumen in data center infrastructure, and articulate how they drive efficiency and quality through structured methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $143,000 - $210,000 USD per year. The final salary will be determined by factors including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location.

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

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours per week), with potential for extended hours based on project demands. Travel required up to 25% to various data center sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Design Manager role in the specified high-cost-of-living areas. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision, along with robust family-forming and childcare support, indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cloud Computing / Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure. CoreWeave is positioned as "The Essential Cloud for AI™," providing high-performance compute infrastructure for AI workloads.

Company Size: The company is in a hyper-growth phase, indicated by its recent public listing (Nasdaq: CRWV) in March 2025. This suggests a dynamic, rapidly scaling environment.

Founded: 2017. CoreWeave has experienced rapid growth from its founding to becoming a publicly traded company, highlighting a history of innovation and successful scaling.

Team Structure:

• The Data Center Design team is a technical engineering group responsible for architectural and infrastructure design standards across CoreWeave's global facilities.

• This role acts as a key liaison, managing external Data Center Providers and their consultants while coordinating internally with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across various disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, LV/IT, BMS, Capacity, Network Engineering, Construction, Operations, Supply Chain, TPM).

• The reporting structure likely involves a Director or VP of Data Center Operations/Engineering, with significant collaboration across multiple departments to ensure project alignment and successful execution. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on technical innovation, standardization, and performance optimization to meet the demands of high-density compute and AI workloads.

• Scalability & Efficiency: Core focus on designing facilities that are highly scalable, efficient, and optimized for next-generation compute.

• Value Engineering: Continuous application of value engineering to ensure cost-effectiveness and optimal performance in all design phases.

• Agile Development: The "hyper-growth" and "fast-paced" environment suggests an agile approach to project management and design implementation.

Company Website: www.coreweave.com

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreWeave's culture is characterized by rapid growth, innovation in AI infrastructure, and a pioneering spirit. The Data Center Design team plays a pivotal role in enabling this growth by ensuring the physical infrastructure is robust, efficient, and scalable.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role, likely reporting to a Director or VP. It requires significant experience and the ability to lead complex projects independently, acting as a primary point of contact for design matters. The role demands leadership in managing external partners and internal SMEs, with a focus on driving critical infrastructure design decisions.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Data Center Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Data Center Design/Engineering. They will act as the primary design point of contact for specific projects, coordinating with a wide array of internal teams (Capacity, Network Engineering, Construction, Operations, Supply Chain, TPM) and external consultants (A/E firms, Equipment Suppliers, Commissioning Agents).

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts CoreWeave's ability to scale its AI infrastructure rapidly and reliably. Effective design management ensures that data centers meet performance, efficiency, and scalability standards, which is crucial for CoreWeave's mission as "The Essential Cloud for AI™." Successful project delivery contributes to capacity expansion, operational efficiency, and cost optimization, directly influencing the company's growth and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced cooling technologies (e.g., liquid cooling), high-density power solutions, and AI-specific infrastructure requirements.

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into management roles, leading larger teams of design managers or overseeing specific design disciplines (e.g., Electrical Design Lead, Mechanical Design Lead).

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the development of CoreWeave's global data center design standards and long-term infrastructure strategy.

• Broader Project Scope: Take on design responsibility for larger, more complex, or entirely new data center initiatives, including Greenfield developments.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and design professionals within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for growth within a rapidly expanding company at the forefront of AI infrastructure, allowing for both technical depth and leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, with travel to various data center sites required (up to 25%). CoreWeave offers a casual work environment and catered lunches at office and data center locations, suggesting a focus on employee comfort and collaboration.

Office Location(s): The position is open to multiple locations: Livingston, NJ; New York, NY; Sunnyvale, CA; San Francisco, CA; and Bellevue, WA. This provides flexibility for candidates in different regions, though it implies the need to work from a physical office or data center site when required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Expect a work environment that fosters collaboration, especially during design reviews, SME coordination meetings, and project reporting sessions.

• Technical Resources: Access to cutting-edge data center design tools, standards, and information will be critical for performing job functions.

• Field Exposure: Regular site visits to active construction sites and operational data centers will be a key part of the role, offering practical, hands-on experience and direct observation of design implementation.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, but the fast-paced, hyper-growth nature of CoreWeave and the demands of data center projects may require flexibility and occasional extended hours. The role's on-site nature and travel component mean a structured but adaptable schedule is necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site and travel requirements indicate a hands-on role that blends office-based design management with essential field work, emphasizing practical application and direct oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Sr. Data Center Design Manager or their direct manager to evaluate technical expertise, project management experience, and alignment with role responsibilities.

• Technical/SME Interviews: Sessions with internal Subject Matter Experts (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Network Engineers) to assess technical depth in data center infrastructure systems and problem-solving abilities.

• Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with stakeholders from teams like Construction Management, Operations, or Capacity Planning to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of broader business needs.

• Executive/Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a senior leader (Director/VP) to confirm strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 complex data center design projects that best showcase your experience in managing architectural, MEP, and LV/IT infrastructure.

• Highlight Key Responsibilities: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, responsibilities, and contributions, emphasizing leadership in design coordination, SME integration, and vendor management.

• Showcase Process & Methodology: Detail your approach to managing the design lifecycle, including site feasibility, Basis of Design development, design reviews, value engineering, and construction support. Use flowcharts or process maps if helpful.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present quantifiable results – e.g., cost savings from value engineering, schedule improvements, efficiency gains achieved through design optimizations, successful capacity expansions.

• Address AI Infrastructure: If possible, include examples or discuss your understanding of designing for high-density compute and AI-specific requirements, such as advanced cooling.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical intricacies of cooling systems, power distribution, UPS, generators, and BMS in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge where you might need to outline your approach to addressing a specific data center design problem (e.g., space constraints, power limitations, cooling requirements for new hardware).

• Project Management Scenario: Expect questions about how you handle competing priorities, manage difficult stakeholders, or resolve design conflicts.

• Value Engineering Exercise: You might be asked to identify areas for cost savings or efficiency improvements in a given data center design scenario.

• Technical Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about various data center infrastructure components and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process likely involves multiple stages to thoroughly assess technical, project management, and collaborative capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar for reviewing and understanding architectural and MEP drawings.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Revit for advanced design coordination and clash detection.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for scheduling, task tracking, and project oversight.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from performance reports, energy usage metrics, and cost analyses.

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

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating executive reports and project updates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how data center capacity and project status tie into broader business systems (potentially CRM or ERP) could be beneficial.

• Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS) for understanding operational data and control logic.

• Understanding of Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed (OFCI) equipment tracking and management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily design-focused, proficiency with standard project management, CAD/BIM, and data analysis tools is essential. Understanding how design choices impact operational systems like BMS is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be Curious at Your Core: Encourages a mindset of continuous learning, exploring new technologies (e.g., emerging cooling, AI infrastructure), and seeking innovative solutions.

• Act Like an Owner: Promotes accountability, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient designs that contribute to CoreWeave's success.

• Empower Employees: Fosters an environment where individuals are trusted to manage their projects, make decisions, and contribute to the team's overall goals.

• Deliver Best-in-Class Client Experiences: This translates to ensuring that the data center infrastructure designs meet the demanding performance and reliability needs of CoreWeave's AI clients.

• Achieve More Together: Emphasizes collaboration, cross-functional teamwork, and shared success in achieving ambitious project goals and scaling the company's infrastructure.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Requires seamless collaboration with internal SMEs, construction teams, operations, network engineering, and supply chain to ensure holistic design solutions.

• External Partnership Management: A key aspect involves effectively managing relationships with external consultants (A/E firms) and data center providers, fostering clear communication and alignment.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Encourages participation in design reviews and open communication to continuously refine designs, processes, and standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: The "Achieve More Together" value suggests an environment where knowledge and best practices are shared to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreWeave's values are deeply embedded in its operations, promoting a culture of ownership, innovation, and collective achievement, which is critical for success in a high-growth, technology-driven company.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Scaling Demands: Meeting the accelerated pace of data center build-outs required to support the explosive growth in AI compute demand.

• High-Density Compute Integration: Designing facilities that can effectively handle the power and cooling requirements of next-generation, high-density AI hardware.

• Balancing Cost, Performance, and Schedule: Navigating the inherent trade-offs between achieving optimal performance and efficiency, managing project budgets, and meeting aggressive timelines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating the needs and expectations of numerous internal teams and external partners, each with their own priorities.

• Staying Ahead of Technology: Continuously learning about and integrating new data center technologies, particularly in power, cooling, and AI-specific infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to gain deep expertise in cutting-edge data center technologies, such as advanced liquid cooling solutions, high-voltage power systems, and AI-specific infrastructure designs.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications like PE, Uptime Institute's accreditations, BICSI, or LEED.

• Leadership Development: Potential for growth into management roles, leading larger design teams or taking on more strategic responsibilities in infrastructure planning.

• Exposure to Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in the development of CoreWeave's long-term data center strategy and global expansion plans.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire data center lifecycle, from design and construction to operations and capacity planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in a hyper-growth tech company at the cutting edge of AI infrastructure, offering equally substantial opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex data center design project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on project leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you approach value engineering in data center design to balance cost, performance, and schedule requirements?" (Highlight your analytical skills and ability to propose efficient solutions.)

• "Walk us through your process for integrating input from various Subject Matter Experts (e.g., electrical, mechanical, IT) into a cohesive design." (Demonstrate your coordination and communication skills.)

• "How do you ensure designs meet scalability and efficiency standards for high-density compute workloads?" (Showcase your understanding of AI infrastructure needs.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CoreWeave and our role in the AI cloud infrastructure space?" (Research CoreWeave's mission, recent news, and its position in the market.)

• "How do you align with our core values, such as 'Act Like an Owner' or 'Achieve More Together'?" (Provide specific examples of how your past behavior reflects these values.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, hyper-growth environment. How do you manage competing priorities?" (Highlight your adaptability and resilience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the key design challenges, your proposed solutions, the outcome, and the measurable impact.

• Visualize Your Work: Use diagrams, schematics, or photos (if permissible) to illustrate your design concepts and problem-solving approaches.

• Quantify Success: Present metrics related to cost savings, efficiency improvements (e.g., PUE), capacity delivered, or schedule adherence.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved results – your methodology for managing teams, reviews, and technical decisions.

• Tailor to CoreWeave: Emphasize aspects of your experience that are most relevant to CoreWeave's focus on AI, high-density compute, and rapid scaling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strong project management, communication, and adaptability, aligning with CoreWeave's values and the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key data center design projects that best demonstrate your experience managing architectural, MEP, and LV/IT infrastructure. Prepare to discuss your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 7+ years of data center design experience, specific expertise in cooling, power, and BMS systems, and strong project management skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Anticipate questions about your technical knowledge of data center infrastructure, your project management approach, and how you embody CoreWeave's values. Practice articulating your experience with specific examples.

• Research CoreWeave: Understand CoreWeave's mission as "The Essential Cloud for AI™," its rapid growth, and its position in the market. This will help you articulate your interest and align your answers with the company's objectives.

⚠️ 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.