Principal Architect

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is seeking a talented Architect, senior level, to join our Data Center vertical in the Bucharest office. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in the tech sector and data center industry, with a deep understanding of the demands for scale, speed, and consistency in data center operations. These positions focus on project engineering management.

Responsibilities

Lead End‑to‑End Data Center Architectural Design; Drive the architectural vision and strategy for data center projects from concept through commissioning.; Develop site planning, building layouts, white space strategies, and modular growth approaches.; Ensure architectural solutions align with client requirements, operational goals, and industry best practices for mission‑critical facilities.; Define Architectural Concepts and Facility Topology; Establish the architectural basis of design, integrating resiliency, maintainability, scalability, and efficiency.; Shape decisions around facility topology (e.g., hyperscale, colocation, edge DCs), building massing, structural considerations, and space optimization.; Functional and Spatial Planning; Lead the design of critical spaces such as data halls, electrical rooms, mechanical galleries, security zones, loading docks, NOCs, offices, and support areas.; Optimize circulation for personnel, equipment pathways, and maintenance accessibility.; Coordinate Multi‑Disciplinary Engineering; Manage the integration of architectural design with all engineering disciplines (MEP, structural, fire protection, controls, security).; Ensure cohesive integration between mechanical cooling strategies, electrical distribution layouts, structural requirements, and architectural constraints.; Resolve cross‑discipline design conflicts while maintaining performance, cost, and schedule.; Uptime, Standards, and Compliance; Interpret and apply regulatory, fire safety, life‑safety, and accessibility standards to architectural solutions.; Sustainability and Efficiency in Architecture; Integrate high‑performance building design strategies focused on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and sustainable materials.; Support strategies such as optimized building envelopes, water use reduction, waste heat reuse, etc.; Design Documentation and Technical Leadership; Oversee the preparation and quality of architectural drawings, specifications, BIM models, site plans, and technical reports.; Lead internal and external design reviews, ensuring alignment on design intent and technical dependencies.; Client and Stakeholder Engagement; Serve as the primary architectural point of contact for clients and key partners.; Communicate clearly and persuasively with stakeholders, presenting design concepts, risk assessments, and design evolution updates.; Construction Support, Quality Assurance, and Commissioning; Support construction activities, respond to RFIs, review shop drawings, and ensure design integrity during build‑out.; Stay Current with Industry Trends; Maintain a deep understanding of emerging data center technologies, architectural innovations, modular solutions, and trends such as liquid cooling, high‑density zones, and automation.; Contribute to design standards, playbooks, and continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.

Requirements

Mandatory Bachelor’s degree in Architecture; 10+ years of architectural experience with a strong focus on mission‑critical or large‑scale data center projects.; Expertise in architectural planning, building design, and coordination for complex technical facilities.; Demonstrated experience in data center projects. Coordination with MEP and Structural disciplines. Reviewing multi‑disciplinary submittals and resolving design issues.; Proficiency with architectural design tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM platforms.; Experience managing complex, multi‑phase, or large‑scale projects/ data center design programs.; Understanding of sustainability frameworks such as LEED, BREEAM, or similar (preferred).