Senior Architect, Data Center Development

Architect

The Architect is a core member of Fluidstack's Data Center Design and Engineering team. You will own the architectural workstream across a multi-site, multi-state development portfolio from early-stage concept through design, permitting, and construction completion.

This is an owner/developer role. You will manage external architects and engineers of record, coordinate across civil, structural, and MEP disciplines, and interface with GCs, AHJs, and operations stakeholders. You will be the subject matter authority on building envelope, life safety, space planning, and code compliance across some of the largest data center campuses in development.

Responsibilities:

Building Design & Standards

• Develop and maintain the architectural basis of design, prototype drawing packages, master specifications, and reference designs for Fluidstack's campus portfolio
• Lead masterplan and campus layout development: building positioning, setbacks, service access, security zoning, and phasing logic across multi-building sites
• Own building envelope design — cladding systems, roofing assemblies, curtainwall, louvers, and penetration detailing — in compliance with FM Global requirements
• Develop space planning, adjacency standards, door and hardware schedules, access control zoning, and security tier separations across building types, aligned to operational SLA requirements
• Integrate architectural scope with structural, MEP, fire protection, and civil teams; maintain awareness of cost and schedule implications throughout design

Design Management

• Manage external architects and engineers of record from schematic through IFC — review deliverables, enforce standards, and track design quality and schedule across multiple concurrent projects
• Author and negotiate AOR scope of work, design contracts, and owner design standards
• Facilitate RFI and submittal review during construction; maintain design intent through field conditions and contractor-driven changes

Permitting & Code Compliance

• Lead permitting strategy across jurisdictions: building permits, zoning/entitlement, variances, and AHJ coordination
• Ensure designs comply with IBC, IFC, NFPA 75, NFPA 76, NFPA 855, applicable state codes, and ADA requirements; apply construction type classification and occupancy separation strategy across mixed-use data center programs
• Coordinate fire-rated construction, egress, and life safety design with fire protection engineers and local authorities; manage permit schedules as part of the overall project critical path

Construction Administration

• Review contractor submittals, RFIs, mock-ups, and material samples; conduct site visits at critical quality milestones and document field observations and non-conformance
• Manage architectural change order scope and participate in commissioning reviews for envelope, door hardware, access control, and fire/smoke separation systems
• Coordinate closeout, punchlist, and as-built documentation; capture lessons learned and integrate them into reference designs and master specifications

Basic Qualifications:

• B.Arch or M.Arch from an accredited program
• 7+ years of architectural experience, including 3+ years in data center or mission critical facility design
• Licensed Architect, or active pursuit with expected licensure within 12 months
• Experience managing external architects and consultants as an owner's representative or developer
• Working knowledge of IBC, IFC, occupancy classifications, egress, and fire-rated assembly design
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Procore
• Willingness to travel to project sites across the US (~25%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in hyperscale data center or large-scale industrial development
• Familiarity with FM Global envelope and roofing requirements and submittal process
• Working knowledge of industrial cladding and roofing systems: attachment details, thermal movement, joint continuity, and air/vapor barrier integration
• Experience authoring owner-side design standards, prototype specifications, or basis of design documents
• Familiarity with ACC for design issue tracking; exposure to Oracle P6 or equivalent scheduling tools
• LEED AP or demonstrated experience with sustainable envelope and energy compliance strategies

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package (cash + equity).
• Retirement or pension plan, in line with local norms.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous PTO policy, in line with local norms.

The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $250,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and location. This range represents our good faith estimate of the compensation for this role at the time of posting. Total compensation may also include equity in the form of stock options.

We are committed to pay equity and transparency.

Fluidstack is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Fluidstack will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.