Principal Electrical Engineer, NA

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

The Principal Electrical Engineer, typically reporting to the Electrical Engineering Director, assumes a pivotal leadership role within the Electrical Engineering department. With the potential to lead project-specific teams and play a crucial role in achieving project objectives, this role leads project-specific engineering and design tasks, ensuring strict adherence to project goals and requirements. Highly skilled in project engineering and design work, the Principal Electrical Engineer handles complex and high-impact assignments, providing technical expertise to guide project success. The role involves extensive collaboration, with responsibilities including overseeing multiple engineering teams, coordinating complex projects, and actively participating in strategic planning initiatives. Enjoying substantial freedom to act, the Principal Electrical Engineer leads project teams and influences decision-making within the department, contributing to the overall success and direction of engineering projects. Examples of tasks include leading the design and implementation of innovative electrical systems, coordinating efforts across project teams, and contributing to the development of strategic initiatives within the department. This role represents a significant opportunity for leadership and impact within the field of electrical engineering.

Position Overview

Vantage is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer to be part of the design engineering team, steering innovative design and engineering solution for our data center projects. In this role, as a subject matter expert, you will be focusing on program improvement initiatives as well as supporting the deployment of new data center from land acquisition to Operation hand-off. These functions collaborate closely with construction, automation, innovation, and engineering to fully deliver large-scale data centers. As an engineering leader, you will also work closely with other company stakeholders, such as sales, equipment procurement, new site development, and leadership.

You will be presented with complex engineering challenges and will work with teams to bring them to resolution. You will ensure engineering standards are developed, executed, and enhanced for projects. You will evaluate design to meet customer requirements while providing a balance of CAPEX and OPEX costs, engineering innovation, and site application requirements. There will also be some focus on special projects that support data center renovations, troubleshooting, and remediation activities. These projects tend to be more focused in scope and typically require detailed attention since they can involve a live facility.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead design initiatives that align with the company's strategic direction and goals.

• Drive the development and implementation of processes, equipment, and standards for data center projects.

• Lead Electrical Design review efforts for deployment of new Data Centers, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and customer requirements.

• Participate in all phases of project execution, including conceptual design, basis of design, scope of work, development of construction documents, and commissioning.

• Provide project leadership for electrical design consultants and contractors, ensuring that tasks and milestones are completed on time and within budget.

• Attend project design team meetings and on-site job walks, as needed, to ensure that the constructed product meets engineering standards and specifications.

• Conduct value engineering analyses and provide system recommendations based on return on investment (ROI) and internal rate of return (IRR) analysis.

• Responsible for the review of technical drawings, such as schematic drawings, design and construction documents, main submittals, sequence of operations, commissioning scripts

• Support Site Operations by troubleshooting and tuning existing systems to optimize performance.

• Coordinate heavily with internal engineering teams across all disciplines to ensure products delivered to Operations are streamlined and optimized to meet the needs of the business across all functions.

• Work closely with Operations to balance cost-effective solutions with long-term operational sustainability.

• Provide technical support to Sales during site tours, RFP responses, and customer Build To Suit (BTS) Data Center solutions.

• Participate in product development process flow from idea to implementing the company’s Intellectual Property (IP) initiatives.

• Engage in continuous professional development through training, participation in professional societies, associations, and continuing education.

• Assist the Electrical Tech Lead and management in mentoring, developing and coaching junior engineers.

• Review engineering studies, including:

  • Short-circuit and over-current protection device coordination studies.

  • Arc Flash mitigation studies.

  • Rack layout optimization, including fail over analysis.

  • Distribution analysis, including voltage drop and underground duct bank heat effect (Neher-McGrath) calculations

  • Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) calculations

  • Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, from an accredited university or college

• Professional Engineering license in any state within the United States.

• 10 years of experience in design and construction is required, and 15+ years is preferred.

• Working knowledge of critical electrical and cooling infrastructure within a data center is required.

• Data Center design and/or construction experience is required.

• Familiarity with building codes, regulations, and standards, such as NEC, NERC, IEEE, NFPA and local building codes.

• Experience with NA construction markets is required.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct feasibility studies and technical analyses.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, project teams, and stakeholders.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office. Understanding of AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, Navisworks and SCCS modeling software environments

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

• High level of integrity and professionalism.

• Travel required is expected to be up to 25% but may increase over time as the business evolves.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.