Nebius

Data Center Design Lead

USA, United States full-time Mid Salary not listed
full-time Mid level Technology & IT Curated
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About the role

About Nebius:

Nebius is leading a new era in cloud infrastructure for the global AI economy. We are building a full-stack AI cloud platform that supports developers and enterprises from data and model training through to production deployment, without the cost and complexity of building large in-house AI/ML infrastructure.

Built by engineers, for engineers. From large-scale GPU orchestration to inference optimization, we own the hard problems across compute, storage, networking and applied AI.

Listed on Nasdaq (NBIS) and headquartered in Amsterdam, we have a global footprint with R&D hubs across Europe, the UK, North America and Israel. Our team of 1,500+ includes hundreds of engineers with deep expertise across hardware, software and AI R&D.

The Role

The Data Center Design Lead will partner with internal infrastructure, hardware, and operations teams, as well as external consultants, engineers, and construction firms, to deliver designs that support rapid deployment and long-term operational excellence.

This role leads internal electrical and mechanical engineers, oversees third-party design partners, and ensures all designs meet Nebius standards, local regulations, and operational requirements.

You will be responsible for both hands-on design oversight and technical leadership, serving as the final authority on data center design decisions.

Location: Remote, US

Responsibilities:

Design Leadership
• Own the end-to-end design process for new data center builds and expansions.
• Translate business, hardware, and workload requirements into facility design specifications (power, cooling, network, and floor space).
• Ensure designs optimize density, reliability, and efficiency while supporting rapid scalability.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers and consultants to deliver detailed designs.

Power & Cooling Strategy
• Define requirements for high-density rack power, redundancy and UPS configurations.
• Lead cooling design trade-offs (air, liquid, immersion) to meet GPU cluster needs.
• Evaluate and integrate renewable energy and sustainability initiatives.

Network & Infrastructure Integration
• Work closely with network and hardware teams to ensure physical layout supports cabling, interconnects, and future expansion.
• Plan for modular design that enables incremental GPU cluster growth.

Compliance & Standards
• Ensure all designs comply with international and regional standards (e.g., Uptime Institute Tier guidelines, local building codes).
• Incorporate safety, fire suppression, and physical security measures.
• Define documentation and as-built standards for ongoing operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Coordinate with construction project managers and external contractors during build phases.
• Provide design oversight during commissioning and handover to operations.

Continuous Improvement
• Evaluate emerging GPU data center technologies and integrate innovative solutions.
• Develop playbooks and design templates for repeatable, fast deployments.
• Benchmark efficiency (PUE, WUE) and reliability across sites to drive improvement.

Requirements:

12+ years of experience designing data centers.

Direct experience with electrical, mechanical, and architectural DC design.

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Architecture (or equivalent).

Proven leadership experience managing technical design teams.

Strong stakeholder communication skills across construction, operations, and external partners.

Experience designing high-density data centers, including: Air-cooled environments & Liquid-cooled technologies

Nice to Haves:

Experience designing data centers for hyperscalers or neoclouds 

Prior experience supporting GPU dense or AI infrastructure environments.

Key employee benefits:

Health insurance: 100% company-paid medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and families.

401(k) plan: Up to 4% company match with immediate vesting.

Parental leave: 20 weeks paid for primary caregivers, 12 weeks for secondary caregivers.

Remote work reimbursement: Up to $85/month for mobile and internet.

Disability & life insurance: Company-paid short-term, long-term and life insurance coverage.

Compensation
We offer competitive salaries, ranging from $90,000-$220,000 based on your experience

Benefits & Perks:

Competitive compensation

Career growth and learning opportunities

Flexibility and ownership

Collaborative and innovative culture

Opportunity to work on impactful AI projects

International environment and talented teams

What's it like to work at Nebius:

Fast moving - Bold thinking - Constant growth - Meaningful impact - Trust and real ownership - Opportunity to shape the future of AI

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Nebius is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and to providing equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the country in which they apply and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility as a condition of hire.

If you need accommodations during the application process, please let us know.

Interview prep

Walk in with sharper answers.

Use this as a quick practice sheet before you speak with the employer.

Mid
Technology & IT API integration Operations Remote Collaboration Writing Mid level full-time

Likely questions

  1. Tell us about work you have done that is close to the Data Center Design Lead role.
  2. How would you approach your first 30 days at Nebius?
  3. Which of API integration, Operations and Remote Collaboration have you used recently, and what did it help you achieve?
  4. Describe a time you solved a problem without waiting to be told exactly what to do.
  5. How do you handle busy days, changing priorities, or pressure at work?

Prepare before the call

  • A recent example that proves your experience with API integration, Operations and Remote Collaboration.
  • One short story with a problem, your action, and the result.
  • Two examples that show the strengths listed on your CV.
  • A clear reason why this role and company interest you.
  • Your availability, preferred work style, and salary expectations.

Ask them

  • What would success look like in the first 90 days?
  • What are the main problems this hire should help solve?
  • How does the team give feedback and measure good work?
  • What does a normal working week look like for this role?
Practice line

I am interested in the Data Center Design Lead role because I can bring practical experience in API integration, Operations and Remote Collaboration, learn the team quickly, and contribute to the outcomes Nebius needs from this hire.

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