Principal Electrical Engineer, Data Centre Engineering

Shape the future of cloud infrastructure by designing next-generation data center electrical systems that power global innovation. In this role, you’ll lead cross‑functional teams to solve complex technical challenges, drive standardization across colocation partnerships, and influence AWS infrastructure strategy at the highest levels.

About the role

The Data Center Principal Electrical Engineer understands customer demand and the technology and business opportunities that exist, leading the organization forward. They identify key problems, propose and analyze multiple solutions to produce the most efficient, cost‑effective, resilient, and scalable electrical designs achievable.

The Principal Electrical Engineer provides vision, rationale, and recommendations to leadership teams from AWS and our colocation partners for next‑generation data center design, ensuring current systems meet performance and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee cross‑functional teams including technical program management, mechanical and electrical engineering, control engineering, supply chain management, operations, end users, safety, and security.
• Provide high‑level guidance to colocation design teams, equipment and construction suppliers through specification reviews, design reviews, and qualification test reviews.
• Develop technical partnerships with colocation partners to define AWS‑enabled designs and accelerate capacity delivery.
• Participate in external forums and consortiums to understand current industry trends and developments.
• Accept responsibility for all aspects of the data center lifecycle, from legacy systems improvement to new colocation designs.
• Conceive, initiate, and lead projects with widespread impact on infrastructure design, innovation, and implementation.
• Review business cases and analysis models, including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI), to select projects and designs.
• Oversee creation of colocation data center basis of design and project specifications to drive standardization in electrical performance.
• Decompose complex problems or new technologies to identify straightforward, actionable solutions that reduce risk.
• Work closely with hardware designers to optimize interfaces between IT equipment and colocation facilities, and communicate future trends to design teams.
• Grow and coach engineering teams through group forums and one‑on‑one coaching, promoting development of top engineers within Amazon.
• Plan engineering goals for key initiatives that support future projects and growth.
• Operate independently, with frequent reviews with business leadership, other Principal Engineers, and Senior Engineers across AWS.
• Facilitate escalation of low‑level project and product issues to senior engineering and business leadership.

Daily Responsibilities

• Identify improvement areas in existing and next‑generation colocation data center designs to address high capital/operational costs, reduced efficiencies, high levels of maintenance, security issues, and safety risks.
• Lead and oversee the electrical design and construction of new colocation data centers and align them with AWS data center standards.
• Review and approve colocation data center basis of design and project specifications to standardize electrical performance.
• Mentor emerging engineers one‑on‑one, fostering their growth and promotion within the organization.
• Plan engineering goals for key initiatives supporting future projects and growth.
• Engage with business leadership and cross‑functional teams for frequent reviews.
• Escalate project and product issues to senior engineering and business leadership when appropriate.

Travel Requirements

International travel will be required; 30% to 40% travel is expected. Support can include working on international teams and developing schematic and design document packages. An understanding of international electrical design requirements is preferable.

Team Overview

Work with a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. Collaborate across AWS to deliver safety and security standards while providing scalable capacity at the lowest possible cost.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of experience with MV and LV power systems and electrical design, with at least 5 years in data centers or high‑availability applications.
• Extensive experience designing electrical systems for data centers or similar large‑scale infrastructure environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in electrical power distribution, backup power systems, and facility infrastructure design.
• Experience leading cross‑functional technical teams and collaborating with multiple engineering disciplines.
• Proficiency with electrical design tools and analysis software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in electrical engineering.
• Proven experience in data center construction, operations, or maintenance.
• Deep technical knowledge of protection schemes, transformers, UPS, diesel generators, switchgear, PDUs, VFDs, and ATS/STS systems.
• Strong command of regional and international electrical and building codes, including NEC, CEC, NFPA, IBC, and OSHA standards.
• Track record of researching and implementing innovative data center designs, technologies, and construction methods.
• Experience mentoring engineering teams and developing cost‑effective solutions that uphold quality, reliability, and maintainability.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems and global data center design standards.

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