Senior Architect - Data Centers

Overview SSOE is seeking a Senior Architect with data center experience to help design the mission-critical facilities that power the world’s digital infrastructure. Working with leading hyperscale and colocation clients, you’ll drive innovative, code-compliant solutions for complex, high-performance environments while leading multidisciplinary teams through all phases of design and delivery. In this role, you’ll tackle diverse technical challenges, collaborate in a dynamic design-build environment, mentor emerging architects, and play a key role in shaping resilient, scalable facilities for some of the world’s most recognized technology companies. If you're looking to expand your expertise, influence major projects, and make a lasting impact in a fast-growing industry, we want to hear from you! AI and Innovation At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows. Responsibilities A Typical Day Might Include: The following duties are typical of the position but are not all encompassing. Lead and drive the architectural design and planning process for a portfolio of complex, data center projects, including hyperscale cloud campuses, colocation facilities, build-to-suit enterprise data centers, and edge computing deployments; from conceptual design and master planning through construction documentation and construction administration within an integrated design-build delivery framework. Provide technical leadership and day-to-day oversight to internal architectural project teams, ensuring the production of coordinated, high-quality construction documents that meet stringent client performance specifications, operational requirements, industry standards, and speed-to-market objectives. Guide the seamless integration of architectural design with structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, security, and network/low-voltage systems, collaborating closely with all engineering disciplines to ensure holistic coordination, constructability, and operational performance. Interpret and apply the relevant codes for all project phases, including in-depth interpretation and application of the International Building Code (IBC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), local amendments, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 75 (Protection of Information Technology Equipment), NFPA 76 (Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities), and the full suite of accessibility codes and standards (ADA, ABA, local accessibility requirements). Apply knowledge of occupancy classifications (F-1, S-1, B, H occupancies related to standby power and fuel storage), building height and area allowances including unlimited area provisions, fire area strategies, fire protection systems including very early smoke detection apparatus and gaseous suppression, egress strategies, fire-resistive construction, and comprehensive accessibility (ADA/ABA) specific to data center environments. Interpret building code intent in ambiguous or specialized scenarios, such as generator yard enclosures, fuel storage and distribution, battery energy storage systems (BESS), high-density data halls, secure loading and receiving, and mission-critical operations centers, and provide authoritative guidance to internal teams, clients, and authorities having jurisdiction. Lead peer reviews, quality assurance/quality control checks, and constructability reviews, with a particular focus on code, building envelope performance, vapor and moisture control, security detailing, and long-term durability in mission-critical environments. Collaborate intensively with engineering, project management, and preconstruction teams in a design-build environment, contributing to early-phase planning, site selection support, design optimization, value engineering, target value delivery, and aggressive schedule alignment. Develop and present design concepts, technical strategies, and compliance approaches to clients, municipal planning commissions, community stakeholders, and regulatory review agencies; actively participate in client pursuit interviews and proposal development. Mentor junior architects and technical staff within internal project teams, fostering growth in code literacy, technical detailing, mission-critical design principles, and understanding of data center typologies and client-specific standards. Stay current with evolving codes, regulations, sustainability certifications (LEED, Green Globes, emerging embodied carbon standards), and emerging trends in data center design including liquid cooling, modular construction, alternative energy integration, and edge deployment strategies; apply this knowledge to project delivery and firm standards as appropriate, pursuing related credentials when aligned with project needs. Conduct periodic field observations and site visits to assess existing conditions, monitor construction progress, verify conformance with design intent, and resolve design and code-related issues in real time; travel requirements are minimal and typically limited to regional project sites. Lead the development and maintenance of architectural standards, master specifications, Revit templates, and documentation protocols to improve efficiency, consistency, speed-to-market, and quality across data center projects, incorporating hyperscale and colocation client standards as appropriate. Qualifications Qualifications You’ll Need on Day One: Bachelor’s or Maste