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 Design & Engineering Operations
Date Posted: 2026-06-25T17:50:15
Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid-Senior Level)
Remote Status: On-site (with travel)
🚀 Role Summary
-
Lead the architectural and infrastructure design process for CoreWeave's global data center portfolio, ensuring high scalability and efficiency for AI workloads.
-
Manage the execution of architectural, MEP, and LV/IT infrastructure designs within leased data center facilities.
-
Act as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters on assigned projects, coordinating with Data Center Providers, A/E firms, and internal stakeholders.
-
Apply CoreWeave Design & Engineering Guidelines and industry best practices, emphasizing value-engineering for optimal cost and performance of critical infrastructure.
-
Drive technical innovation and standardization to enable rapid and reliable scaling of CoreWeave's physical footprint.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for CoreWeave's rapid expansion in the AI infrastructure space. The "Technology Design Manager" title, combined with the focus on "high-density compute workloads" and "AI," indicates a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, scalability, and cutting-edge technology within the data center infrastructure domain. The responsibilities suggest a blend of strategic design oversight and tactical project execution, requiring a deep understanding of both engineering principles and project management in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
-
Project Leadership & Oversight: Manage the design and coordination of multiple concurrent data center projects, including Greenfield construction, tenant fit-outs, build-to-suit, renovations, and equipment upgrades.
-
Consultant & Vendor Management: Oversee the work of Professional Consultants (Architects, Engineers) and Equipment Suppliers throughout the design process, ensuring alignment with CoreWeave project requirements.
-
Single Point of Contact for Design: Serve as the primary liaison for all design-related items on assigned projects, coordinating with Data Center Providers, A/E firms, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
-
Internal SME Coordination: Collaborate with internal Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in electrical, mechanical, LV/IT, and BMS to ensure project requirements and technical specifications are met and integrated into the design.
-
Standards & Compliance Application: Apply CoreWeave Design & Engineering Guidelines and industry best practices to ensure alignment with company objectives and drive value-engineering for optimal cost and performance.
-
Basis of Design Deviation Management: Track and document deviations from the Basis of Design throughout the project lifecycle, coordinating approvals with internal teams and external consultants.
-
Budget & Schedule Coordination: Work with the Construction Management team to prepare, review, and monitor project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction expenditures.
-
OFCI Equipment Review: Evaluate Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed (OFCI) equipment submittals, providing recommendations to Construction Management and Procurement teams.
-
Design Reviews & Feedback: Participate in page-turn meetings, providing critical feedback on designs, Sequence of Operations, Basis of Design documents, commissioning plans, and testing scripts.
-
RFP & Vendor Selection Support: Assist with RFPs for A/E consultants and commissioning agents, evaluate proposals, and oversee vendor selection, ensuring alignment with project budgets and schedules. Review and approve consultant invoices.
-
Reporting & Communication: Prepare and deliver detailed project reports to executive leadership and project teams, tracking project budgets, schedules, scope, and progress. Ensure smooth handoff to the Construction Management team.
-
Site Visits & Construction Oversight: Conduct site visits during construction to review design implementation, assess progress, and ensure adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and project requirements.
-
Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with Capacity, Network Engineering, Construction, Operations, Supply Chain, and Technical Project Management teams to ensure alignment with business objectives and project deliverables.
-
Innovation & Design Enhancement: Contribute to internal design discussions, proposing and exploring new technologies and design concepts to enhance project outcomes and stay abreast of industry trends.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for robust project management skills, deep technical knowledge of data center infrastructure, and strong stakeholder management capabilities. The emphasis on "value-engineering" and "optimizing cost and performance" points to a focus on operational efficiency and ROI, which are core tenets of successful operations roles.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
-
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (MEP discipline strongly preferred).
-
Professional Engineering (PE) license is a significant plus.
-
Professional certifications (e.g., Uptime Institute, BICSI, LEED, or similar) are advantageous. Experience:
-
7+ years of experience in data center engineering or design.
-
Proven track record of successfully completing data center design projects from conception to completion.
-
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with strong project management and organizational skills, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery. Required Skills:
-
Data Center Infrastructure: Strong knowledge of cooling systems (air-cooled chiller plants, water-cooled chiller plants, liquid cooling), power distribution, UPS systems, and generators.
-
MEP Design Expertise: Proficiency in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design principles specific to data center environments.
-
LV/IT Infrastructure Understanding: Familiarity with Low Voltage (LV) and Information Technology (IT) infrastructure design within data centers.
-
Building Management Systems (BMS): Understanding of BMS and automation systems for data center operations and monitoring.
-
Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently, from concept through detailed design and into construction oversight.
-
Value Engineering: Ability to apply value-engineering principles to optimize cost, performance, and efficiency of designs.
-
Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to diverse audiences (technical and non-technical).
-
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong aptitude for identifying complex design challenges and developing efficient, cost-effective solutions.
-
Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-growth setting, managing competing priorities with meticulous attention to detail.
Preferred Skills:
-
Experience with large-scale, high-density data centers and cloud infrastructure.
-
Familiarity with Greenfield construction projects and tenant fit-outs.
-
Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and certifications (e.g., LEED).
-
Experience with RFP management and vendor evaluation processes.
-
Familiarity with Uptime Institute or BICSI standards.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a PE license and professional certifications, alongside specific engineering disciplines like MEP, indicates a role that values formal engineering qualifications and adherence to industry standards. The requirement for experience in large-scale, high-density data centers with a focus on AI infrastructure points to a specialized and in-demand skill set within the operations technology sector.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
Design Project Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of data center design projects managed, highlighting architectural, MEP, and LV/IT infrastructure components.
-
Process Optimization Examples: Illustrate instances where value-engineering or design improvements led to significant cost savings, enhanced efficiency, or improved performance metrics.
-
System Integration Documentation: Provide examples of how complex systems (e.g., cooling, power, BMS) were integrated and managed within design projects.
-
Stakeholder Management Documentation: Demonstrate experience in coordinating with diverse stakeholders (internal SMEs, external consultants, vendors) and managing design deviations.
Process Documentation:
-
Design Lifecycle Management: Document the end-to-end process for managing data center designs from initial concept and site feasibility through detailed design, construction documentation, and closeout.
-
Consultant & Vendor Oversight Protocols: Outline established methods for managing A/E firms and equipment suppliers, including RFP processes, submittal reviews, and performance evaluations.
-
Quality Assurance & Compliance Frameworks: Detail procedures for applying design guidelines, ensuring compliance with standards, and conducting design reviews and site inspections.
-
Reporting & Documentation Standards: Showcase proficiency in creating comprehensive project reports, tracking budgets and schedules, and managing Basis of Design deviations.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should demonstrate not just technical design capabilities but also the ability to manage complex processes, drive efficiency through value engineering, and effectively communicate technical information. Highlighting specific metrics and outcomes from past projects will be critical for demonstrating impact.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $157,000 - $210,000 USD per year.
Benefits:
-
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with 100% of premiums paid by CoreWeave for employees.
-
Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid Life Insurance, voluntary supplemental life insurance, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
-
Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), 401(k) with a generous employer match, and participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
-
Professional Development: Tuition Reimbursement.
-
Family Support: Mental Wellness Benefits through Spring Health, Family-Forming support via Carrot, Paid Parental Leave, and flexible childcare support with Kinside.
-
Work-Life Balance: Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO).
-
Perks: Catered lunch daily at office and data center locations, casual work environment, and a culture focused on innovative disruption.
Working Hours:
- Standard 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for extended hours based on project demands and deadlines. Adaptability to project timelines is key.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a senior-level Technology Design Manager in major tech hubs like the specified locations. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the 100% employer-paid health insurance and robust family support, indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being. The mention of equity awards and discretionary bonuses suggests that total compensation can exceed the base salary range.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure, High-Performance Computing. CoreWeave is positioned as "The Essential Cloud for AI," focusing on providing specialized infrastructure for AI and machine learning workloads.
Company Size: CoreWeave has experienced rapid growth, with its recent IPO indicating a significant expansion beyond its startup phase into a major player in the cloud infrastructure market. The company culture is described as fast-paced and entrepreneurial, characterized by a willingness to tackle challenges and move quickly.
Founded: 2017. CoreWeave has a history of innovation, evolving from a GPU-compute provider to a comprehensive AI cloud platform. The company became publicly traded (Nasdaq: CRWV) in March 2025, signifying a new phase of growth and market presence.
Team Structure:
-
Data Center Design Team: This specialized team is responsible for the architectural and infrastructure design standards across CoreWeave's global data center portfolio. They focus on creating scalable, efficient, and optimized facilities for next-generation, high-density compute workloads.
-
Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with internal Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across Electrical, Mechanical, LV/IT, and BMS disciplines. It also involves tight integration with Capacity Planning, Network Engineering, Construction Management, Operations, Supply Chain, and Technical Project Management teams.
-
Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, the role likely reports into a Director or VP of Data Center Design or Engineering, with direct management of design consultants and close interaction with construction management teams.
Methodology:
-
Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on applying CoreWeave's Design & Engineering Guidelines and industry best practices, combined with value-engineering to ensure optimal cost and performance.
-
Process Standardization: The team drives continuous technical innovation and standardization to enable rapid and reliable scaling of the physical footprint.
-
Agile & Iterative Approach: The fast-paced environment suggests an agile approach to design, with continuous feedback loops and adaptation to evolving AI infrastructure needs.
Company Website: www.coreweave.com
📝 Enhancement Note: CoreWeave's positioning in the AI cloud sector suggests a culture that values cutting-edge technology, rapid innovation, and operational excellence. The emphasis on "pioneers by pioneers" and a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment points to a dynamic workplace where individuals are empowered to make a significant impact.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level within the Data Center Design and Engineering Operations domain. It involves significant responsibility for managing complex projects, overseeing external partners, and ensuring adherence to high technical and operational standards. The "Manager" title suggests leadership within design projects, rather than direct people management in this context.
Reporting Structure: The Technology Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Data Center Design or Engineering department. They will act as a key interface between internal engineering SMEs, construction teams, and external design consultants, requiring strong matrixed collaboration skills.
Operations Impact: This role directly impacts CoreWeave's ability to scale its infrastructure rapidly and efficiently to meet the growing global demand for AI compute. Successful design management ensures that data centers are optimized for performance, power efficiency, and cooling, which are critical for cost-effectiveness and operational reliability in the demanding AI workload environment. The designs directly influence construction timelines, project budgets, and the long-term operational success of CoreWeave's data center facilities.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced cooling technologies (e.g., liquid cooling), high-density power solutions, and AI-specific infrastructure design.
-
Leadership Progression: Potential to move into senior management roles overseeing larger design teams, strategic infrastructure planning, or global data center design standards.
-
Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles within Construction Management, Capacity Planning, or Data Center Operations, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the data center lifecycle.
-
Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping CoreWeave's design methodologies and potentially influence industry best practices for AI data center infrastructure.
-
Learning & Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and a culture that encourages staying abreast of emerging technologies through industry engagement.
📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Technology Design Manager in a hyper-growth company like CoreWeave offers significant potential for both technical depth and leadership advancement. The role provides a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI infrastructure development, with direct impact on the company's aggressive expansion plans.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, requiring presence in one of the specified office locations (Livingston, NJ; New York, NY; Sunnyvale, CA; San Francisco, CA; Bellevue, WA). The company culture is described as having "catered lunch each day in our office and data center locations" and a "casual work environment," suggesting a collaborative and comfortable office setting.
Office Location(s):
-
Livingston, NJ, United States
-
New York, NY, United States
-
Sunnyvale, CA, United States
-
San Francisco, CA, United States
-
Bellevue, WA, United States Workspace Context:
-
Collaborative Environment: The "Achieve More Together" core value and the emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a workplace where teamwork and open communication are highly valued.
-
Technology-Enabled Workspace: As a leading cloud provider, CoreWeave likely provides employees with modern tools and technology to support their work, including robust IT infrastructure and collaboration platforms.
-
Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with internal SMEs, construction managers, and project teams will be a key part of the daily work, fostering a dynamic and integrated work experience.
Work Schedule:
- The standard work week is 40 hours, but the fast-paced, hyper-growth nature of CoreWeave, coupled with the demands of managing multiple concurrent data center projects and the 25% travel requirement, implies a need for flexibility and the potential for extended hours to meet critical project deadlines.
📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving close coordination with construction teams and physical site visits. The blend of office-based work and travel to data center sites provides a varied and engaging work experience for operations professionals.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.
-
Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions about data center infrastructure, MEP systems, power and cooling design, project management methodologies, and experience with high-density compute or AI workloads. This may involve a technical assessment or problem-solving exercise.
-
Portfolio Review: Candidates will be expected to present and discuss their portfolio, showcasing key data center design projects, highlighting their specific contributions, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, project timelines met).
-
Cross-functional Team Interview: Interviews with internal SMEs (e.g., electrical, mechanical engineers) and potentially members of the construction or operations teams to assess technical collaboration skills and cultural fit.
-
Leadership/Final Interview: A discussion with senior management to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with CoreWeave's values and business objectives.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your role, the scope of work, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., "Reduced cooling energy consumption by 15% through optimized chiller plant design," "Delivered fit-out design 2 weeks ahead of schedule").
-
Showcase Process Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage the entire design lifecycle, including consultant selection, RFP processes, design reviews, and coordination with construction.
-
Highlight Technical Depth: Be prepared to deep-dive into the technical specifics of your projects, particularly concerning power distribution, cooling systems (including liquid cooling for high-density compute), and BMS integration.
-
Focus on AI Infrastructure: Tailor examples to highlight experience with high-density compute environments and AI-specific infrastructure needs, as this is CoreWeave's core business.
-
Address Value Engineering: Include examples where you successfully implemented value-engineering principles to achieve cost savings or performance improvements without compromising quality or functionality.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge, such as optimizing a cooling system for a new high-density rack configuration or troubleshooting a power distribution issue.
-
Project Management Scenario: Expect questions about how you would manage a complex project with competing priorities, budget constraints, or scope creep.
-
Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would handle disagreements or align diverse stakeholder interests on a critical design decision.
-
CoreWeave Specifics: Research CoreWeave's current AI infrastructure initiatives, their approach to data center design, and their core values to tailor your responses.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily emphasize practical experience and the ability to demonstrate tangible results. A well-curated portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's impact on past projects, especially those involving complex data center infrastructure and AI workloads, will be crucial for success.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or similar Computer-Aided Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for architectural and MEP design documentation.
-
Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for managing project schedules, tasks, and resources.
-
Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, or similar for day-to-day communication and team collaboration.
-
Data Center Design Tools: Potential exposure to specialized tools for power/load calculations, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis for airflow, or energy modeling.
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 creating dashboards and presenting project progress and performance metrics.
-
Financial Modeling Tools: Ability to utilize or interpret financial models for budget forecasting and value-engineering analysis.
CRM & Automation:
-
RFP/Vendor Management Systems: Experience with platforms or processes for managing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and vendor evaluations.
-
Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and sharing project documentation, drawings, and submittals.
-
BMS & Monitoring Systems: Understanding of how Building Management Systems (BMS) and operational monitoring tools integrate with design specifications.
📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements aren't listed, a strong foundation in CAD/BIM, project management software, and data analysis tools is essential. Given the company's focus on AI and high-performance computing, understanding how design choices impact the performance of monitoring and automation systems (like BMS) is critical.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
Be Curious at Your Core: Encourages a mindset of continuous learning, exploration of new technologies (especially in AI and cooling), and proactive problem-solving.
-
Act Like an Owner: Fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability for project outcomes, driving individuals to take initiative and make decisions that benefit the company.
-
Empower Employees: Promotes an environment where individuals are trusted, given autonomy, and encouraged to contribute their expertise and innovative ideas.
-
Deliver Best-in-Class Client Experiences: Emphasizes high standards for infrastructure performance and reliability, ensuring that Core
Application Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (MEP preferred) and over 7 years of experience in data center engineering or design. Must possess deep knowledge of high-density compute infrastructure, including power, cooling, and LV/IT systems.