Principal Engineer, Data Center Deployment Ops

DigitalOcean

Principal Engineer architecting next-generation data center deployment operations at DigitalOcean with a focus on innovative cooling technologies and MEP systems. Leading large-scale data center designs to meet future technology demands.

Posted 6/17/2026full-timeSeattle • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $184,000 - $231,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Defining and owning DigitalOcean's reference architectures for next-generation Data Center environments
Serving as DigitalOcean's primary technical stakeholder for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems across both leased colocation and build-to-suit environments
Provide leadership and guidance as a primary stakeholder in the new site selection process
Architecting end-to-end cooling designs with vendors and partner teams to support a wide variety of CPU, GPU, and other emerging server hardware
Architecting end-to-end power topologies with vendor teams to support diverse hardware across medium to ultra-high-density rack deployments
Leading proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives for emerging infrastructure technologies and transitioning successful pilots into global deployment standards
Guiding leadership through the implications of non-traditional data center facilities and emerging technologies
Mentor engineers at all levels and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, inclusivity, and impact
Represent DigitalOcean in the broader community attending conferences, contributing to papers and presentations.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of experience in data center architecture, infrastructure engineering, or a related field
Deep expertise in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems for both leased colocation and build-to-suit data center environments
Strong working knowledge of cooling technologies across the spectrum—from air cooling to direct liquid cooling and rack-scale liquid systems
Familiarity with AI/ML hardware roadmaps and the ability to translate evolving server, networking, and accelerator trends into future-proofed facility designs
Knowledge of emerging and non-traditional infrastructure approaches such as behind-the-meter (BTM) power and modular/prefabricated data center designs
Demonstrated ability to lead proof-of-concept initiatives and scale successful pilots into global deployment standards
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, partnering with technical and business teams along with external vendors and partners
Excellent communication and leadership skills, including mentoring engineers and representing the company externally at conferences and through technical papers.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Flexible time off policy
Employee Assistance Program
Reimbursement for relevant conferences, training, and education
Access to LinkedIn Learning's 10,000+ courses
Equity compensation including stock grants and Employee Stock Purchase Program
Local Employee Meetups

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

data center architectureinfrastructure engineeringMechanical systemsElectrical systemsPlumbing systemscooling technologiesAI/ML hardwareproof-of-concept initiativespower topologiesmodular data center designs

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringcross-functional collaborationcommunicationguidancetechnical excellenceinclusivityimpact