Design Manager - Data Centers

At Prologis, we don’t just lead the industry—we define it with a 1.3 billion square foot portfolio and an annual throughput of approximately $3.2 trillion. We create the intelligent infrastructure that powers global commerce, seamlessly connecting the digital and physical worlds. From agile supply chains to energy solutions, our ecosystems help your business move faster, operate smarter and grow sustainably. With unmatched scale, innovation and expertise, Prologis is a category of one—not just shaping the future of logistics but building what comes next.

Job Title:

Design Manager - Data Centers

Company:

Prologis

A day in the life

The Design Manager – Data Centers will lead project-level, multidisciplinary architectural and engineering teams across multiple concurrent projects (2–3 at a time), including hyperscale, colocation, build-to-suit, and retrofit data center developments.

This role is responsible for full lifecycle design oversight, from site selection and due diligence through construction completion and commissioning, ensuring technical excellence, cost efficiency, schedule alignment, and consistency with platform standards and client requirements.

The Design Manager will coordinate Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA), Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), Fire Protection, Telecommunications, and Security disciplines, while interfacing with utility providers, general contractors, commissioning agents, and clients. This individual will drive design consistency, innovation, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance across projects.
 

Key responsibilities include:

Consultant Management:

• Manage external A/E consultants for performance, accountability, and adherence to project objectives.

• Manage design budgets and track design-to-budget alignment.

• Review and approve consultant invoices; manage design vendor cash flow.

• Support cost benchmarking and early-stage budget validation with preconstruction teams.

Project Oversight:

• Support our development function in executing site evaluations, test fits, due diligence, entitlement planning site selection efforts, including coordination of power availability, water supply, zoning, and geotechnical inputs.

• Lead Request for Proposals (RFP) processes for design consultants; define scope, negotiate fees, and coordinate contract execution with Legal.

• Lead multidisciplinary external teams in preparation and refinement of Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Issue for Permit (IFP), and Issue for Construction (IFC) documentation.

• Utilize the standard tools, techniques, and processes to ensure clarity and consistency. 

• Oversee the creation and refinement of project specific design documentation, including Schematic Design, Design Development, Issue for Permit (IFP), and Issue for Construction (IFC) packages.

• Oversee construction administration (CA) activities, resolving field issues and preserving design intent with AOR / EOR.

• Direct design change management processes to maintain alignment with reference designs, client standards, and cost/schedule targets.

• Define project scopes, budgets, and schedules in partnership with Development and Pre-Construction teams.

• Conduct structured design reviews and value engineering exercises to optimize cost, constructability, performance, and long-term operability.

• Monitor project milestones to ensure timely delivery of high-quality design deliverables.

• Capture and institutionalize lessons learned to inform continuous improvement and portfolio-wide standards.

• Collaborate with commissioning and QA/QC teams to ensure systems meet design intent and performance requirements.

• Assist in technical procurement efforts related to long-lead equipment (e.g., transformers, generators, switchgear, chillers).

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as primary design liaison with internal stakeholders, including Development, Construction, Capital Markets, Leasing, and Leadership.

• Interface directly with hyperscale and colocation clients to align on technical requirements and performance expectations.

• Present design concepts and progress updates to stakeholders, incorporating feedback into project execution.

• Facilitate coordination with Real Estate and Finance teams to align design strategy with underwriting assumptions.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Collaborate with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding requests and comments to streamline the review process.

• Manage consultants supporting permitting and entitlements during design.

• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and jurisdictional requirements.

• Demonstrate willingness and capability to leverage emerging technology, automation, and AI tools to improve efficiency, quality, and speed. Exercises sound judgment, creative thinking, and accountability for outcomes.

Building blocks for success:

Required:

• 5+ years of experience with a strong focus on data center design and delivery.

• Proven experience managing CSA and MEP systems for large-scale data center projects, including MV/LV power systems, telecom, and security infrastructure.

• Strong understanding of mission-critical systems, including:

  • Power distribution (MV/LV, UPS, generators)

  • Cooling systems (air-cooled, water-cooled, liquid cooling readiness)

  • Fire protection and life safety systems

• Familiarity with high-density environments and evolving hyperscale requirements.

• Proficiency in design and collaboration tools such as AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, Bluebeam, and project management software.

• Ability to translate technical complexity into clear communication for non-technical stakeholders

• Ability to travel up to 30%

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering

• Professional licensure (Registered Architect or Professional Engineer) preferred.

Hiring Salary Range of: $115,200 – $169,400. Salary and whole compensation package (bonus target) to be determined by the candidate’s location, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

#LI-TA1

People First

Each of us working at Prologis plays an essential role in the enduring success of our company. We value people who are decisive, courageous and adaptable. While we are one company, locations and departments operate with autonomy and accountability. Individuals take the initiative here.

When you join Prologis, you work shoulder to shoulder with some of the top talent in the industry to do the best work of your career. Every employee belongs. Every employee contributes. Employees advance their careers here.

As a successful global enterprise, Prologis has never lost sight of what matters most, our strong belief that our people are the most important part of our business. And because of that, we provide a generous total rewards package and take a lot of time to focus on quality management and leadership development. People come first here.

All full-time roles in the US come with a robust benefits package which includes healthcare, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Prologis also offers several other wellness, financial, and work/lifestyle-specific benefits. Our 401(k) retirement plan has a company match of 50% up to 12% of eligible compensation. We also offer generous PTO with a starting accrual of 22 days a year in addition to paid holidays and volunteer time. 

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background verification. Prologis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religions, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Employment Type:

Full time

Location:

Dallas, Texas

Additional Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, Milpitas, California, San Francisco, California