Principal Engineer, Data Center Architect

DigitalOcean is a cutting-edge technology company focused on simplifying cloud and AI solutions. The Principal Engineer, Data Center Architect role involves owning the future architecture of data centers, leading initiatives in cooling and power systems, and mentoring engineers while collaborating with various teams to ensure innovative and effective designs.

Responsibilities:

• Defining and owning DigitalOcean's reference architectures for next-generation Data Center environments, navigating shifts in technology, networking topologies, and AI/ML hardware roadmaps to keep facility designs future-proofed
• Serving as DigitalOcean's primary technical stakeholder for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems across both leased colocation and build-to-suit environments, partnering with SMEs in the DC Ops organization
• Provide leadership and guidance as a primary stakeholder in the new site selection process
• Architecting end-to-end cooling designs with vendors and partner teams to support a wide variety of CPU, GPU, and other emerging server hardware
• Architecting end-to-end power topologies with vendor teams to support diverse hardware across medium to ultra-high-density rack deployments, moving from 415VAC to 800VDC
• Leading proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives for emerging infrastructure technologies and transitioning successful pilots into global deployment standards
• Guiding leadership through the implications of non-traditional data center facilities and emerging technologies such as behind-the-meter (BTM) power, to modular DC designs. Working with internal teams to weigh the business, commercial, and operational risks and tradeoffs
• Mentor engineers at all levels and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, inclusivity, and impact
• Represent DigitalOcean in the broader community attending conferences, contributing to papers and presentations

Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in data center architecture, infrastructure engineering, or a related field, with a track record of owning designs at scale
• Deep expertise in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems for both leased colocation and build-to-suit data center environments
• Strong working knowledge of cooling technologies across the spectrum—from air cooling to direct liquid cooling and rack-scale liquid systems—for high-density CPU and GPU deployments
• Familiarity with AI/ML hardware roadmaps and the ability to translate evolving server, networking, and accelerator trends into future-proofed facility designs
• Knowledge of emerging and non-traditional infrastructure approaches such as behind-the-meter (BTM) power and modular/prefabricated data center designs
• Demonstrated ability to lead proof-of-concept initiatives and scale successful pilots into global deployment standards
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, partnering with technical and business teams along with external vendors and partners
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, including mentoring engineers and representing the company externally at conferences and through technical papers