Principal Data Center Architect (IC6)

Employment Type: Full-time Location Type: Remote Salary: [Salary information not provided] Travel: Requires more than 50% travel

Company Description

It all started in sunny San Diego, California in 2004 when a visionary engineer, Fred Luddy, saw the potential to transform how we work. Fast forward to today — ServiceNow stands as a global market leader, bringing innovative AI-enhanced technology to over 8,100 customers, including 85% of the Fortune 500®. Our intelligent cloud-based platform seamlessly connects people, systems, and processes to empower organizations to find smarter, faster, and better ways to work. But this is just the beginning of our journey. Join us as we pursue our purpose to make the world work better for everyone.

Position Overview

The Principal Data Center Architect is a senior individual contributor role responsible for setting technical direction and delivering strategic infrastructure outcomes across the ServiceNow global data center footprint. Individuals at this level are trusted experts who lead the evaluation, design, and operationalization of new commercial and regulated data center spaces. They demonstrate deep ownership of architectural decisions spanning physical layout, power and cooling strategy, structured cabling, and network integration — all while operating with significant autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including TPMs, CNS, CapMan, HWSE, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, DCO, and DCS Engineering.
• Serve as the first point of contact on new data center builds.
• Manage third-party integrator vendor relationships end-to-end.
• Produce CAD-based floor layouts.
• Lead cable infrastructure design and fit-out.
• Ensure the environment is ready for network and capacity integration.
• Regularly visit sites to track progress, produce detailed issue reports, and make real-time decisions to keep execution on course.
• Think strategically, lead with influence across teams, and anticipate future requirements.
• Define best practices and evolve standards.
• Mentor IC4 & IC5 engineers, helping elevate the organization’s overall technical maturity.
• Align infrastructure design with long-term business goals.

Qualifications

• Experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving. This may include using AI-powered tools, automating workflows, analyzing AI-driven insights, or exploring AI's potential impact on the function or industry.
• 15 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 12 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 8 years experience; or equivalent experience in Data Center operations with a record of increasing role responsibility.
• Broad, deep knowledge across multiple infrastructure domains; integrates cross-disciplinary insights.
• Deep knowledge of Data Center facilities and infrastructure including power, HVAC, structured cabling, rack management, and security.
• Working knowledge of networking/server architecture and hardware.
• Experience managing vendors in a Data Center environment.
• Process-oriented and experienced in process development.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to multi-task several unrelated issues.
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally.
• General documentation skills with particular emphasis on technical processes and standards.
• Knowledge and experience in ITIL process methodologies is a plus.
• Proven ability to function independently in ambiguous situations with a record of success.
• Excellent communication skills.

Application Instructions

[Application instructions not provided]