Hybrid Principal Civil Structural Architect

at Lambda

• Job title: Principal Civil Structural Architect
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: $223,000 - $372,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, San Francisco, United States

About the role

• Principal CSA Engineer at Lambda defining global design standards in next-gen AI data centers. Leading CSA strategy to enhance scalability, resiliency, and sustainability of AI infrastructures.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive CSA vision, standards, and strategies to ensure Lambda’s AI data centers are resilient, sustainable, and customer focused.
• Invent, validate, and scale CSA design solutions that meet critical business demands through prototyping, delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Lead CSA design/BOD, construction, and lifecycle oversight across facilities, ensuring compliance with building codes, regulatory frameworks, and environmental standards.
• Partner across disciplines to integrate CSA seamlessly with mechanical, electrical, liquid cooling, networking, and operations teams.
• Optimize new and existing facilities to rapidly deploy capacity, leveraging modular and advanced construction technologies.
• Lead vendor and contractor management for CSA scopes, including negotiations, design reviews, construction oversight, and quality/safety assurance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering (or related)
• 20+ years’ experience delivering mission-critical facilities in high-density environments, with 7+ years in hyperscale data centers
• Deep expertise in CSA design and constructability solutions for AI/ML racks, liquid-cooling systems, and power distribution
• Proven ability to deliver CSA systems that balance cost, reliability, and speed in fast-paced environments
• Strong fluency with building codes, regulations, and civil/structural design tools (IBC, IFC, ASCE, ACI, AISC)
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive customer-focused outcomes across global programs
• Comfortable operating in fast-moving environments, with a history of aligning technical execution to meaningful business results
• Ability to bring clarity, drive, and rigor—balancing technical depth with pragmatic execution
• Willing to travel up to 50% for data center audit, setup, commissioning, and optimization

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• Wellness and Commuter stipends for select roles
• 401k Plan with 2% company match (USA employees)
• Flexible Paid Time Off Plan that we all actually use