Principal Electrical Engineer, Construction

Description

At CloudHQ, our mission is to deliver flexible, efficient, and resilient data center solutions to businesses worldwide. Founded by a pioneer in data center REITs, we are a rapidly growing organization with state-of-the-art data center sites globally in locations such as Ashburn, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Osaka, and São Paulo. As we embark on an exciting phase of global growth, we are looking for top-tier talent to drive our success and shape the future of CloudHQ.

Role Overview

The Principal Electrical Engineer, Construction, Electrical Subject Matter Expert will provide technical leadership and specialized expertise in the design, delivery, and management of electrical systems for data center projects across Europe. Acting as a trusted advisor within CloudHQ’s Construction Management team, the Electrical SME will ensure that electrical infrastructure is designed, installed, tested, and commissioned to the highest industry standards. This critical role will focus on delivering high-performance electrical systems, addressing technical challenges, and aligning infrastructure development with CloudHQ’s commitment to safety, reliability, scalability, and energy efficiency. The SME will work alongside stakeholders to champion innovation, compliance, and best practices, driving the successful deployment of mission-critical facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership in Electrical Systems

• Act as the subject matter expert on all electrical systems for data center construction, including:
  • High-voltage systems
  • UPS systems
  • Switchgear and power distribution infrastructure
  • Backup generators
  • Electrical monitoring and intelligence systems
• Establish technical standards and provide guidance for the design, installation, and commissioning of electrical systems, ensuring compliance with CloudHQ’s specifications, tenant requirements, regional regulations, and industry standards.
• Proactively research and recommend technical solutions for redundancy, energy efficiency, and scalability within data center environments.
• Provide value engineering recommendations to optimize cost while maintaining the integrity of electrical performance.

Project Support and Execution

• Collaborate with Construction Management teams, general contractors, and vendors to resolve electrical-related challenges during design and construction phases.
• Conduct technical reviews of construction drawings, specifications, and procurement packages to ensure designs align with operational goals for reliability and safety.
• Participate in factory witness testing, validating the performance and compliance of equipment (e.g., UPS, generators, switchgear) prior to delivery.
• Provide technical oversight during installation and commissioning, ensuring consistency with design documentation and operational requirements.
• Contribute to change control processes for electrical modifications, ensuring all changes are assessed for risk, feasibility, and compliance.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure electrical systems comply with European building codes, electrical safety regulations, and environmental sustainability principles.
• Collaborate with commissioning teams and regulatory bodies to resolve compliance challenges during testing and handover phases.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to electrical system design, delivery schedules, and installation, driving proactive solutions to avoid delays or operational interruptions.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a trusted technical advisor for internal teams, external contractors, and tenant representatives, providing clear recommendations and insights on electrical systems.
• Represent CloudHQ in Owner/Architect/Contractor (OAC) meetings and stakeholder coordination sessions, ensuring electrical objectives remain on track throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work with tenant teams to customize electrical solutions, achieving their unique operational goals while aligning with CloudHQ’s design standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, utility providers, and industry experts to support smooth delivery and adoption of cutting-edge electrical innovations.

Documentation and Reporting

• Provide regular technical updates and reports for senior management and stakeholders on electrical system progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Maintain comprehensive records of design revisions, testing results, and commissioning documentation for operational and compliance purposes.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge-sharing practices, mentoring internal teams and providing training on electrical systems and data center best practices.

Requirements

Technical Expertise

• Extensive knowledge of electrical systems design and implementation for mission-critical facilities such as data centers, industrial facilities, or semiconductor environments.
• Proven experience with the design, operation, and troubleshooting of:
  • High-voltage systems
  • UPS systems and power distribution networks
  • Backup power systems (e.g., generators)
  • Precision monitoring and fault-tolerant electrical systems
• Familiarity with energy efficiency technologies and strategies for sustainable electrical solutions in large-scale operations.

Construction Management Knowledge

• Hands-on experience in the delivery and commissioning of electrical systems during construction-intensive phases, ideally for hyperscale environments.
• Skilled in coordinating teams of contractors, vendors, and consultants to deliver electrical scopes within schedule, budget, and quality constraints.

Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge

• Solid understanding of European regulations and electrical codes, including EN standards governing electrical systems for data centers.
• Knowledge of tenant permitting systems and fire safety processes related to electrical installations.

Project Management Skills

• Strong capability to manage timelines, budgets, and technical deliverables while addressing risk and change challenges.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet) and design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and power system modeling tools.

Communication and Problem-Solving Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating complex technical data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve technical issues during construction phases, balancing stakeholder expectations with practical solutions.

Travel and Flexibility

• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe to support project sites, utility meetings, and customer engagement (approximately 50-70% travel).
• Availability to address critical milestones or emergencies during key project phases.

Preferred QualificationsEducation

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.

Experience

• 7+ years of experience as an electrical engineer or subject matter expert, with significant exposure to hyperscale data centers or industrial-scale applications.
• Proven track record of delivering complex electrical systems for large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably within developer-led initiatives.

Certifications

• Certifications such as CEng, LEED AP, PMP, or equivalent credentials are preferred.