Principal Architect (Data Center)

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Job Description

AECOM is seeking a talented Architect, senior level, to join our Data Center vertical in the Bucharest office. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in the tech sector and data center industry, with a deep understanding of the demands for scale, speed, and consistency in data center operations. These positions focus on project engineering management.

Here is what you will do:

• Lead End‑to‑End Data Center Architectural Design

  • Drive the architectural vision and strategy for data center projects from concept through commissioning.

  • Develop site planning, building layouts, white space strategies, and modular growth approaches.

  • Ensure architectural solutions align with client requirements, operational goals, and industry best practices for mission‑critical facilities.

• Define Architectural Concepts and Facility Topology

  • Establish the architectural basis of design, integrating resiliency, maintainability, scalability, and efficiency.

  • Shape decisions around facility topology (e.g., hyperscale, colocation, edge DCs), building massing, structural considerations, and space optimization.

• Functional and Spatial Planning

  • Lead the design of critical spaces such as data halls, electrical rooms, mechanical galleries, security zones, loading docks, NOCs, offices, and support areas.

  • Optimize circulation for personnel, equipment pathways, and maintenance accessibility.

• Coordinate Multi‑Disciplinary Engineering

  • Manage the integration of architectural design with all engineering disciplines (MEP, structural, fire protection, controls, security).

  • Ensure cohesive integration between mechanical cooling strategies, electrical distribution layouts, structural requirements, and architectural constraints.

  • Resolve cross‑discipline design conflicts while maintaining performance, cost, and schedule.

• Uptime, Standards, and Compliance

  • Interpret and apply regulatory, fire safety, life‑safety, and accessibility standards to architectural solutions.

• Sustainability and Efficiency in Architecture

  • Integrate high‑performance building design strategies focused on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and sustainable materials.

  • Support strategies such as optimized building envelopes, water use reduction, waste heat reuse, etc.

• Design Documentation and Technical Leadership

  • Oversee the preparation and quality of architectural drawings, specifications, BIM models, site plans, and technical reports.

  • Lead internal and external design reviews, ensuring alignment on design intent and technical dependencies.

• Client and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as the primary architectural point of contact for clients and key partners.

  • Communicate clearly and persuasively with stakeholders, presenting design concepts, risk assessments, and design evolution updates.

• Construction Support, Quality Assurance, and Commissioning

  • Support construction activities, respond to RFIs, review shop drawings, and ensure design integrity during build‑out.

• Stay Current with Industry Trends

  • Maintain a deep understanding of emerging data center technologies, architectural innovations, modular solutions, and trends such as liquid cooling, high‑density zones, and automation.

  • Contribute to design standards, playbooks, and continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.

Qualifications

Qualifications

•  Mandatory Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

• 10+ years of architectural experience with a strong focus on mission‑critical or large‑scale data center projects.

• Expertise in architectural planning, building design, and coordination for complex technical facilities.

• Demonstrated experience in data center projects. Coordination with MEP and Structural disciplines. Reviewing multi‑disciplinary submittals and resolving design issues.

• Proficiency with architectural design tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM platforms.

• Experience managing complex, multi‑phase, or large‑scale projects/ data center design programs.

• Understanding of sustainability frameworks such as LEED, BREEAM, or similar (preferred).

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

Our Freedom to Grow hybrid working philosophy is the cornerstone of our success as a business – supporting a culture of flexibility, trust and performance at AECOM.

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About AECOM  

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work  

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.