Senior Architect - Data Centers

Overview Imagine shaping the digital backbone of the global economy by contributing to the design and construction of high-performance data centers for the world’s leading technology companies. At SSOE, you won’t just be executing tasks; you’ll continuously expand your expertise by confronting diverse and complex technical challenges, from hyperscale cloud campuses and wholesale colocation facilities to specialized edge computing deployments. You’ll be supported by access to advanced training, leading design and computational tools, and a collaborative studio culture. We foster your ambition with clear pathways for career progression, whether your aspiration is technical leadership, project management, or becoming a revered subject matter expert in mission-critical facility design. All of this unfolds within a truly integrated, multidisciplinary team environment that champions knowledge sharing, innovation, and technical excellence, backed by the stability and proven delivery of a well-established firm. As a Senior Architect at SSOE, you will be a pivotal leader in shaping the architectural landscape of mission-critical data center facilities, directly impacting the reliability, security, and scalability of the world’s digital infrastructure. Your deep understanding of building codes will be crucial in ensuring the safety, functionality, resilience, and regulatory compliance of our innovative designs. You will thrive in a collaborative, design-build environment where your technical expertise, systems integration skills, and problem-solving abilities will be highly valued. This role offers the unique opportunity to work on a variety of technically demanding projects, lead internal project teams, mentor developing architects, and directly contribute to the success of our hyperscale and colocation clients and the growth of our firm in this rapidly evolving sector. 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 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 st