Data Centre Architect
World Wide Technology
- Saint Louis, MO
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications. Translate business outcomes into technical solutions.
- Conduct feasibility studies and cost analysis for data center projects.
- Design and plan data center infrastructure, including layout, power distribution, cooling systems, and cabling (un/structured, copper, fiber).
- Develop and implement efficient data center operations strategies, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and scalability.
- Pre/Post sales consultant to WWT’s Enterprise clients.
- Create Low-Level and High-Level design documentation of supporting infrastructure components utilizing industry best practices.
- Evaluate and select appropriate hardware, software, and networking solutions for data center environments.
- Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of data center equipment, including servers, storage systems, and networking devices.
- Provide technical guidance and support to delivery engineers throughout all phases of a project, including Project Launch Workshops, Kickoff calls, lessons learned, etc. as needed
- Review client deliverables to identify opportunities to improve quality through training, mentoring, product offering improvement, and talent acquisition.
- Monitor infrastructure performance and troubleshoot problem areas as needed to minimize downtime.
- Access the technical effort required to deliver solutions.
- Serve as an escalation point for troubleshooting customer networks.
- Develop and maintain documentation, including diagrams, procedures, and policies related to data center operations.
- Work with Customers, Technical Solutions Architects, Client Services Executives, and Account teams to identify customer’s desired business and technical outcomes.
- Identify required resource types, levels of effort, and work breakdown structures required to formulate high-quality statements of work.
- Conduct project launch workshops and project scoping workshops prior to delivery engagement.
- Proper management, maintenance, and adherence to SLAs of assigned pre-sales opportunities within Salesforce as defined in SFDC guidelines.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with delivery management, project management, and engineering teams nationally.
- Actively participate and support delivery engineers throughout all phases of a project, including Project Launch Workshops, Kickoff calls, lessons learned, etc.
- Review client deliverables to identify opportunities to improve quality through training, mentoring, product offering improvement, and talent acquisition.
- Provide QA, escalation support, and mentoring for delivery teams.
- Development of implementation and backout plans.
- Interview delivery engineering candidates to determine proper technical and personality fit based on the project and customer’s specific needs.
- Ensure standards and delivery methodologies are being followed, and appropriate internal and/or partner resources are available to meet the current and future demands of the project.
- Create High-Level Design (HLD) and Low-Level Design (LLD) documentation.
- Create change/cut window Method of Procedure (MOP) documentation.
- Perform advanced engineering services supporting the engineering delivery team when necessary.
- Champion the delivery of complex solutions.
- Provide technical guidance, knowledge transfers, and mentorship as required.
- Responsible for creating documentation for technologies.
- Perform SME and hands-on delivery engagements as needed.
- Participate in customer-facing escalations.
- Must be able to identify, manage, and resolve conflict.
- Must be a strong, creative problem solver.
- Responsible for the identification of additional business opportunities.
- Must have the ability to identify and address risk before problems occur.
- Must understand the technologies in play and how they help meet customer business goals.
- Must have the ability to lead a team of delivery engineers.
- Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering complex IT projects on time and within budget, utilizing programmatic approaches, e.g. Agile or Waterfall.
- Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and implement scalable, reliable, and efficient technical solutions.
- Skilled in navigating uncertain and rapidly changing environments, with a proven ability to use data to identify core issues and make informed recommendations
- Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a knack for breaking down complex situations into manageable components, facilitating clear decision-making processes and action plans.
- Strong communication abilities, especially when faced with incomplete information or shifting priorities.
- Expertise in aligning technical solutions with business objectives, demonstrating a deep understanding of how technology can drive efficiency, growth, and competitive advantage.
- Minimum five years (5) of industry experience in IT infrastructure architecture development and technology consulting, advisory, or professional services.
- Must have at least seven years of experience designing, deploying, and implementing high-performance compute, storage, and networking infrastructure.
- Ability to assist Vendor Management potentially including reviewing contracts, participating in vendor scorecards, helping author RFPs. Multi-vendor experience is required.
- Proven experience as a data center architect or similar role.
- In-depth knowledge of data center design principles, including power, cooling, and cabling.
- Strong understanding of structured and unstructured cabling systems, copper and fiber connectivity, and rack and stack practices.
- Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for data center operations, such as TIA-942 and Uptime Institute Tier Standards.
- Proficiency in data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools and software.
- Experience with data center capacity planning and optimization.
- Knowledge of storage, compute, virtualization, network and cloud computing concepts.
- Working knowledge of cloud interconnectivity, or multi-cloud technologies (Equinix, Megaport, Aviatrix, etc.) is a plus.
- Highly skilled in consulting with customers at all levels of the organization in both pre- and post-sales.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to work well in a collaborative environment.
- Able to conduct research into high-performance computing issues and products as required.
- Highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
- Able to effectively prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment.
- Strong customer service orientation with proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Technology focused discipline
- Demonstrated technical consulting experience in one or more vertical sectors: government, public sector, higher education, finance, health care, technology, or other commercial.