Senior Data Center Engineer

Description

Enlight is seeking for a Senior Data Center Engineer to lead the engineering aspects of its data center projects, from initial requirements definition and design through construction and handover to operations.

Reporting to: VP of Engineering.

Business Context: Enlight is expanding into data center development, leveraging its strengths in land development, grid connectivity, and renewable energy.

Role Purpose: Build Enlight’s in-house engineering capabilities for data centers, establish technical specifications and design standards, select and manage consultants, designers, and suppliers, and ensure that projects meet customer requirements, budget, and schedule, while taking a lifecycle perspective on operational needs.

Responsibilities

1. Requirements Definition and Basis of Design

• Translate customer requirements into engineering specifications, conduct technical feasibility assessments, and develop campus master plans and phased development strategies.
• Lead design processes in an environment of uncertainty, managing evolving customer requirements-even at advanced project stages-by evaluating alternatives and maintaining design flexibility.

2. Technical Specifications, Standards, and Design Reviews

• Develop technical and functional specifications across all engineering disciplines and establish Enlight’s data center design standards.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and value engineering; manage change orders (COs); and ensure compliance with relevant standards, including Uptime Tier, TIA-942, ASHRAE, and NFPA.
• Incorporate operational and maintenance considerations into the design, including system reliability and availability, maintainability, and future expansion requirements.

3. Consultant, Designer, and Supplier Selection

• Prepare and issue RFPs and select local and international designers and consultants, including MEP engineers and Owner’s Engineers.
• Select major equipment suppliers and long-lead items (LLIs), conduct technical evaluations, and provide recommendations to the Procurement Committee, considering cost, reliability, and operational requirements.

4. Construction Support and Handover to Operations

• Provide engineering oversight and support to EPC and MEP contractors, participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), and oversee quality control.
• Lead commissioning and handover to operations, including facility documentation, as-built drawings, and training.
• Ensure the facility is ready for long-term operation and maintenance, working closely with operations teams and incorporating their requirements throughout the design and construction phases.

5. Budget and Schedule Management

• Develop project budget estimates and monitor capital expenditures (CAPEX), operating expenditures (OPEX), and total cost of ownership (TCO) over the facility’s lifecycle.
• Conduct TCO analyses and evaluate engineering alternatives, assessing the impact of design and procurement decisions on energy consumption, maintenance, and operating costs.
• Monitor design costs and engineering schedules, including assessing the impact of changes in customer requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 10 years of experience in the design and construction of mission-critical facilities, including at least 5 years in data centers.
• Experience supporting data center projects from design through commissioning and operational readiness, with an IT capacity of at least 10 MW.
• Extensive knowledge of critical power systems, UPS, generators, and cooling systems.
• Experience developing technical specifications, issuing RFPs, and managing designers, consultants, and contractors.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards, including Uptime Tier, TIA-942, EN 50600, ASHRAE TC 9.9, and NFPA.
• Understanding of data center operations and maintenance requirements, along with experience in CAPEX and OPEX estimation and TCO analysis.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-density AI facilities, including direct-to-chip liquid cooling.
• Experience working with hyperscalers or for an international data center developer or operator.
• Experience at an engineering design consultancy specializing in mission-critical facilities.
• Professional certifications such as CDCDP, ATD, or PMP.
• Familiarity with connecting large facilities to Israel’s power grid and integrating renewable energy and energy storage.
• Experience in data center operations and maintenance.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to navigate uncertainty and evolving customer requirements by managing alternatives and making well-informed decisions.
• Systems-level thinking that integrates engineering, operational, and financial considerations.
• Ability to manage external suppliers and consultants effectively and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel to project sites in Israel and supplier facilities abroad.