SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DESIGN & ENGINEERING

POSITION OVERVIEW

DC BLOX is entering a new chapter of growth enabling Hyperscale, mid-market and edge multi-tenant data center solutions. The Company builds new, state-of-the-art data centers fully connected by a high-speed, low-latency private network throughout emerging markets across the Southeast. DC BLOX continues to stand out as a unique pure-play data center operator focused on underserved growing cities to include scaling its robust infrastructure to offer local communities the next generation of digital commerce.

This leadership position is responsible for a subset of design decisions related to datacenter projects which can include: new construction, phased expansion, retrofits and upgrades, acquisition conversions, mechanical and electrical equipment selections and design standards upgrades. This person is preferably a high performing Mechanical Engineer but may also be an Electrical Engineer or Architectural Engineer with demonstrated capability to think and make decisions across disciplines. The Sr. Director Design & Engineering critically assesses design decisions under direction from VP, Design & Engineering and Executive Leadership team and supports such staff in applying the required DC BLOX standards and to make design choices that align with current business drivers & marker opportunities. They assist in the management of the relationship and output of key design partners and equipment suppliers for their assigned tasks and critically assess and escalate issues where the relationship with such partners is not meeting expectations.

The SDDE will oversee and manage design and engineering projects in conjunction with the construction, commissioning, operations, and sustainability initiatives across all DC BLOX digital infrastructure growth to include –

– Direct and oversee the work of professional consultants such as Architects and Engineers, as well as equipment suppliers throughout the design process to ensure expediency, quality, and adherence to latest company standards.
– Offer expert opinions on a variety of engineering documents to include reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, cost estimates and design plans for projects.
– Stay abreast of developing power and cooling technologies, especially liquid cooling. Attend relevant industry conferences and technical working groups/session.
– Maintain DC BLOX documentation, such as Design Engineering Guidelines & specifications and other standards to make available to all stakeholders, internal and external.
– Supports senior staff to obtain and define site specific conditions, utility and infrastructure design, costs and availability of utilities, liaison with planning authorities and local logistics including site logistics during construction and phasing.
– Work with Construction team in the preparation and review of schedule/budgets and forecasts related to anticipated design and construction expenditures.
– Develop and maintain vendor relationships (Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Consultants, etc.) to provide cost-effective services for projects.
– Communicate status of projects to both internal and external stakeholders on an ad-hoc and formal basis.
– Participate in internal design team meetings to innovate and recommend new technologies or design concepts.
– Review and approve/deny consultant invoices.
– Hire, mentor, and guide junior team members, promoting an environment of continuous learning and growth.
– Provide thought leadership as DC BLOX evolves its product delivery to meet changing market and specific customer demands
– Develop and implement design and engineering best practices; incorporate operating standards into security and operations practices.
– Identify process improvement and cost savings, evaluate, implement, and resolve as needed.
– Interface and align with corporate and operations personnel to ensure appropriate design of customer solutions and to guarantee the quality-of-service delivery
– Provide input into the annual budgeting and planning process
– Continually seek industry and market information to provide DC BLOX with the information necessary for successful business development.
– Understands and practices performance management disciplines.

 

KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

The SDDE is expected to be both a data center subject matter expert and a business executive. Technical product knowledge in electrical and mechanical systems, building systems (BIM), DCIM, controls, contracts, and project management is expected. More specifically –

– 10+ years experience with a data center owner/operator or in a MEP consulting firm specializing in mission critical data center design is essential.
– Strong preference for ‘Hyperscale’ design and commissioning experience (50+MW)
– Plan, organize, and implement complicated design projects. Perceive and identify issues in advance of critical problems developing.
– Exceptional analytical and decision-making skills to evaluate complex problems, including analyzing, comparing, and selecting the best solution for each circumstance
– Prioritize work based on business and customer demands, articulate concepts and ideas to a nontechnical audience, and lead customer-requested business reviews
– Expert in design characteristics, installation, and operation of all data center infrastructure systems including electrical, mechanical, life safety, controls, and security.
– Self-motivated, self directed, and accountable to take initiative and ownership, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
– Experience with complex cooling systems, including large chiller plants and associated DDC/PLC controls.
– Strong understanding of Data Center Airflow Management
– Demonstrated people and project management leadership success delivering multiple simultaneous projects in disparate locations on time and budget.
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex design and engineering challenges.
– Strong communication and interpersonal skills, facilitating smooth collaboration with various stakeholders.
– Requires travel (~ 15%) as required to data center, partners, and customer locations

 

KEY QUALIFYING CRITERIA

Data Center Design & Engineering – Evaluate the breadth and complexity of data center design projects managed to successful completion –

– Breadth and complexity of different mission critical real estate infrastructure designs.
– Philosophy and roadmap on current and future state of the market, ie liquid cooling.
– Track record of delivering design and engineering on schedule and budget
– Demonstrated command of the design-build theatre of engineers, contractors, suppliers, labor, safety, security, audit, and public / municipal authorities

Business Acumen – Growth oriented commercial disposition with innovative thought leadership in line with the organization’s holistic P&L, human capital leverage, resource allocation, and technology utilization considerations.

Technical Acumen & Credentials – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and other relevant software. PE (Professional Engineer) license is a significant plus. PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is also highly desirable.

Leadership – Demonstrated gravitas and history of leading people, processes, and projects to consistently perform at or above plan. Members of DC BLOX’s management communicate extensively and proactively to ensure collective alignment with the growth strategy.

Culture – Alignment of core values with DC BLOX’s vision, mission, and guiding principles which lead to excellence, fairness, and justice in the workplace. Compare and contrast cultures in which you’ve worked in the past.

 

WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY WITH DC BLOX

Impact – Directly impact a formidable growth chapter of an established yet emerging company poised for continued growth and scale. The SDDE will dramatically impact the progressive product and topology of the integration of digital infrastructure DC BLOX owns and builds.

Leadership – DC BLOX’s executive teams’ precedent success and credentials growing successful businesses together are unparalleled in the industry. The confidence in the success this organization can provide to existing and prospective customers is a rare find.

Focus – DC BLOX’s success is a result of an intense commitment to empower digital commerce, connect, and collaborate all organizations in the SE. They are well-positioned to capitalize on this expansion and deliver state-of-the-art data centers and network to growing metro markets.

 Financial Strength – DC BLOX recently secured another round of investment led by Post Road Group & Bain Capital, to refinance existing credit facilities, add liquidity to the balance sheet, and fund additional capacity in existing and new data centers.

Culture – DC BLOX’s culture embodies the dynamics of a start-up, with opportunities for every single person to define their contribution to progress of the organization. This requires creative, confident, forward thinking professionals who solve problems rather than wait for answers.

 

COMPENSATION

The compensation package for the Director of Design & Engineering is comprised of a competitive base salary, annual performance bonus, and long-term incentive compensation in the form of equity participation. A comprehensive benefits program to Include medical, dental, optical, and pharmaceutical, and 401K participation is also included.

 

SEARCH PROCESS

CFS Partners makes formal candidate recommendations following a situation and Interest call, receipt of resume, and a more formal Interview to address Key Qualifying Criteria specific to DC BLOX VP Design & Engineering, John Dumler. Initial calls with John will qualify a short list of candidates to meet with other members of the Senior Leadership Team … either via videoconference and/or in person. A finalist will be selected and offer extended, the acceptance of which will be contingent upon positive references and background check.