Architectural SME - AI Data Centers

This job opportunity is available at ANY location in the United States. Ideally, selected candidates will be near a JACOBS U.S. based office, but we intend to hire the "best" candidates.

Senior Architectural SME - Data Centers (Advanced Manufacturing)

Jacobs is trusted in designing and deliver some of the world’s most complex mission critical facilities. As a leader in advanced manufacturing and hyperscale data center design, we partner with global technology and colocation clients to shape next generation, AI-enabled data centers where resiliency, scalability, sustainability, and precision are essential.

We are seeking a Senior Architectural Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide technical leadership and strategic direction across our U.S. data center portfolio. This role blends deep architectural expertise with client-facing leadership, influencing design strategy, delivery excellence, and technical differentiation on some of the industry’s most demanding programs. The opportunity is available nationwide, with flexibility to align to a Jacobs office location.

Required Background

Direct AI, Hyperscale, or Colocation data center design experience is strongly preferred. Candidates should possess experience leading the architectural delivery of mission-critical facilities and coordinating highly complex MEP, telecommunications, security, and operational infrastructure requirements.

This position is intended for senior architects with direct experience delivering AI, Hyperscale, Colocation data centers, semiconductor facilities, or comparable mission-critical industrial projects. Architectural experience limited to commercial buildings, mixed-use developments, residential, hospitality, healthcare, education, government, retail, or other conventional building types will generally not be considered equivalent to the mission-critical facility experience required for this role. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated data center project experience supporting hyperscale cloud, colocation, or advanced technology clients.

Technical Leadership & Design Excellence

You will serve as a senior architectural authority across multiple programs, guiding design quality and consistency while advancing Jacobs’ architectural standards for mission critical facilities. This includes shaping upfront planning strategies with hyperscale clients, leading site and building design, and driving innovation in modularization, envelope systems, sustainability, and integrated building systems. You will ensure code compliance, constructability, and coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.

Strategic & Client Impact

As a visible technical leader, you will represent Jacobs’ design expertise in client engagements, industry forums, and strategic pursuits. Partnering closely with business development and delivery teams, you will help win and shape complex, high value data center programs through technical insight, design leadership, and clear articulation of value.

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

This role plays a critical part in developing Jacobs’ architectural talent. You will mentor architects across the data center practice, contribute to internal and external thought leadership, and support Jacobs’ presence within professional and industry organizations.

Program Support & Delivery

Balancing strategy with hands on involvement, you will support design reviews, quality assurance, and construction administration across multiple concurrent projects. The role requires the ability to manage parallel priorities while maintaining technical rigor in fast paced, schedule driven environments.

• Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

• Licensed Architect (RA)

• 20+ years of architectural experience, including 15+ years in mission critical or data center environments

• Expertise in site planning, building envelope systems, modular construction, and BIM coordination

• Strong knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and sustainability frameworks

• Proven ability to apply technical innovation to solve complex client challenges

Preferred Experience

• Hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data center programs

• LEED, WELL, or other sustainability certifications

• High security and high resiliency facility design

• Construction phase technical support and vendor coordination

Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based with travel to project sites and client locations as needed (up to 25%). Occasional on call support may be required for critical design or client engagements.

At Jacobs, we design more than facilities—we build careers and long-term impact. You’ll be supported by deep market expertise and collaborative leadership while helping deliver the infrastructure quietly powering the future of technology.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.