Data Center Electrical Engineer, Global Data Centers
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Data Center Electrical Engineer, Global Data Centers
- Company: Google
- Location: Reston, Virginia, United States
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Infrastructure & Operations
- Date Posted: June 18, 2025
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Design, operate, and maintain electrical distribution systems in mission-critical data centers and multi-tenant facilities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure power system reliability and compliance with codes and standards.
- Perform technical due diligence and quality assurance for market-available multi-tenant facilities.
- Develop infrastructure improvements and serve as an expert in electrical systems.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in electrical engineering and experience working with complex power systems in mission-critical environments. Familiarity with data center-specific electrical systems and standards is essential.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Power System Management: Manage power system issues throughout the project lifecycle, from concept design to on-site installation, ensuring alignment with Google's mission-critical facility requirements.
- Technical Due Diligence: Evaluate market-available multi-tenant facilities for acquisition into the fleet portfolio, including detailed technical due diligence and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) to ensure successful product delivery per Google's standards.
- Collaboration: Interface with internal teams such as Third-Party Data Center Operations (3PDC-Ops), Energy and Land Strategy (ELS), and Front End Planning (FEP) to deliver robust electrical solutions for third-party data center projects.
- Design and Documentation: Prepare various documents, including facility review checklists, audits, statements of work (SOW), total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses, concept design reviews, drawing reviews, budgets, schedules, and factory test and acceptance documents.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a matrix organization, as well as fluency in design software and strong electrical power system analysis skills.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: 5 years of experience in the bidding, designing, operating, and commissioning of electrical distribution systems, from high voltage (HV) transformers down to branch circuits. 4 years of experience with mission-critical facilities, specifically focusing on market-available data center multi-tenant and colocation facilities.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis.
- Experience with mission-critical facilities and market-available data center multi-tenant and colocation facilities.
- Ability to work with cross-discipline teams, including structural, civil, IT/Telecom, security, mechanical, and architectural.
- Familiarity with US electrical codes and standards, as well as IEC standards.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time as needed.
Preferred Skills:
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
- Experience in performing power system analysis and using common engineering software packages used in data center design and operation.
- Experience reviewing detailed shop drawings and sequences of operation for complex electrical infrastructure in mission-critical environments.
- Understanding of US electrical codes and standards with the ability to update and maintain internal design specifications based on lessons learned.
📝 Enhancement Note: While not required, a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license would be beneficial for this role. Additionally, experience with power system analysis and common engineering software packages used in data center design and operation would be highly desirable.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis through relevant projects and case studies.
- Showcase your ability to work with cross-functional teams by providing examples of successful collaborations in mission-critical facilities.
- Highlight your understanding of US electrical codes and standards, as well as IEC standards, by including relevant certifications or projects that showcase your expertise.
Technical Documentation:
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your technical documentation skills, including facility review checklists, audits, statements of work (SOW), total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses, concept design reviews, drawing reviews, budgets, schedules, and factory test and acceptance documents.
- Include examples of your ability to update and maintain internal design specifications based on lessons learned.
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio demonstrating your technical skills and experience in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis is essential for this role.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The US base salary range for this full-time position is $144,000-$211,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Benefits:
- Bonus
- Equity
- Benefits
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time as needed.
📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range is provided, it's essential to research regional salary standards and cost of living for a more accurate estimate of compensation for this role.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Google operates in the technology industry, with a focus on data centers and global infrastructure.
Company Size: Google is a large corporation with a global presence, employing over 135,000 people worldwide. This size allows for diverse teams and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: Google was founded in 1998 and has since grown to become one of the world's leading technology companies.
Team Structure:
- The Data Center Engineering team is responsible for the physical design of Google's data centers.
- The team mirrors a research and development department, focusing on cutting-edge strategies and improvements.
- The team works closely with facilities technicians to drive implementation and maintain state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly facilities.
Development Methodology:
- Google uses Agile methodologies for project management and development.
- The team optimizes for efficiencies and continuously seeks improvements, even in small changes that can make a huge impact.
- Collaboration and communication are essential for driving implementation alongside facilities technicians.
Company Website: Google Careers
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. The Data Center Engineering team plays a crucial role in driving the company's infrastructure forward.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring significant experience in electrical engineering and data center-specific electrical systems. The role offers opportunities for technical leadership and growth within the team.
Reporting Structure: The Data Center Electrical Engineer reports directly to the Data Center Engineering team and works closely with cross-functional teams, including Third-Party Data Center Operations (3PDC-Ops), Energy and Land Strategy (ELS), and Front End Planning (FEP).
Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on Google's data center infrastructure, ensuring power system reliability and compliance with codes and standards. The engineer's work directly influences the performance and availability of Google's products and services.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis, with a focus on data center-specific electrical systems and standards.
- Leadership Development: Gain experience managing power system issues throughout the project lifecycle and serving as an expert in electrical systems.
- Architecture Decisions: Contribute to the development of intricate electrical systems, from incoming utility designs to in-rack power, for large-scale data centers and multi-tenant facilities.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and technical leadership within the Data Center Engineering team. The engineer's work has a direct impact on Google's global data center infrastructure and the performance of its products and services.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Google's Reston office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The office features open workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas for team members to collaborate and connect.
Office Location(s): Reston, Virginia, United States
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Environment: The office encourages cross-functional collaboration and interaction between team members, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
- Development Tools: Google provides access to the latest tools and technologies required for the role, including design software and engineering software packages used in data center design and operation.
- Work-Life Balance: Google offers flexible work arrangements, allowing team members to balance their personal and professional lives effectively.
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with the ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time as needed. The work schedule may vary depending on project deadlines and maintenance windows.
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. The office provides a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and teamwork.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Assessment: Evaluate the candidate's technical skills in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis through a series of technical questions and case studies.
- Behavioral Questions: Assess the candidate's problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit through behavioral questions and scenarios.
- Final Evaluation: Evaluate the candidate's overall fit for the role, considering their technical skills, experience, and cultural alignment with Google's values.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your experience in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis through relevant projects and case studies.
- Showcase your ability to work with cross-functional teams by providing examples of successful collaborations in mission-critical facilities.
- Demonstrate your understanding of US electrical codes and standards, as well as IEC standards, by including relevant certifications or projects that showcase your expertise.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on your knowledge of electrical distribution systems and power system analysis, with a focus on data center-specific electrical systems and standards.
- Prepare for technical questions and case studies that assess your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.
- Familiarize yourself with Google's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit.
ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)
- Electrical Engineering: Electrical Distribution Systems, Power System Analysis, Mission-Critical Facilities, Electrical Infrastructure, US Electrical Codes, IEC Standards, Data Center Electrical Systems, Electrical Design, Electrical Maintenance
- Tools & Software: Engineering Software Packages, Design Software, AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP, SKM PowerTools, PowerWorld, PowerSystemSimulator
- Methodologies: Agile, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Technical Due Diligence, Load Balancing, Redundancy Evaluation
- Soft Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Technical Leadership, Cultural Fit
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis, as well as their problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit. Familiarize yourself with Google's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Electrical Distribution Systems:
- High Voltage (HV) Transformers
- Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear
- Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear
- Branch Circuits
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
- Generators
- Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
- Remote Power Panels (RPPs)
- Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS)
Power System Analysis Tools:
- ETAP
- SKM PowerTools
- PowerWorld
- PowerSystemSimulator
- AutoCAD
- Revit
Design & Documentation Tools:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello)
📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with the above electrical distribution systems and power system analysis tools is essential for this role. Additionally, experience with design and documentation tools is beneficial for creating technical documentation and presenting project information.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Data Center Engineering Values:
- Innovation: Continuously seek improvements and drive innovation in data center electrical systems and infrastructure.
- Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure power system reliability and compliance with codes and standards.
- Reliability: Ensure the reliability and availability of Google's data center infrastructure through robust electrical solutions and meticulous attention to detail.
- Sustainability: Contribute to Google's commitment to sustainability by developing energy-efficient electrical systems and infrastructure.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with various teams, including Third-Party Data Center Operations (3PDC-Ops), Energy and Land Strategy (ELS), and Front End Planning (FEP), to deliver robust electrical solutions for third-party data center projects.
- Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and peer programming practices to ensure the quality and reliability of electrical systems and infrastructure.
- Knowledge Sharing: Share technical expertise and mentor junior team members to foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's Data Center Engineering team values innovation, collaboration, and reliability. The team works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust electrical solutions and ensure the reliability and availability of Google's data center infrastructure.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Power System Analysis: Develop intricate electrical systems, from incoming utility designs to in-rack power, for large-scale data centers and multi-tenant facilities.
- Code Compliance: Ensure compliance with US electrical codes and standards, as well as IEC standards, for complex electrical infrastructure in mission-critical environments.
- Lessons Learned: Update and maintain internal design specifications based on lessons learned from previous projects and industry best practices.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends in data center electrical systems and infrastructure, and adapt designs accordingly.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Deepen your expertise in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis, with a focus on data center-specific electrical systems and standards.
- Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to network with peers, learn about emerging technologies, and share best practices.
- Certification & Community Involvement: Obtain relevant certifications and engage with professional organizations and online communities to expand your knowledge and network.
- Technical Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities from senior team members and industry experts to gain insights and guidance on career growth and technical development.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents numerous technical challenges and growth opportunities for the right candidate. The engineer's work has a direct impact on Google's global data center infrastructure and the performance of its products and services.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Electrical Distribution Systems: Describe the components of an electrical distribution system and their functions in a data center environment.
- Power System Analysis: Explain the process of performing power system analysis for a data center and the tools used to accomplish this task.
- Code Compliance: Discuss the importance of compliance with US electrical codes and standards, as well as IEC standards, in data center electrical systems and infrastructure.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Google's Mission: Explain how your work as a Data Center Electrical Engineer contributes to Google's mission and values.
- Data Center Engineering Team: Describe the structure and dynamics of the Data Center Engineering team and how you would fit into this team.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Explain how you would collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as Third-Party Data Center Operations (3PDC-Ops), Energy and Land Strategy (ELS), and Front End Planning (FEP), to deliver robust electrical solutions for third-party data center projects.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Project Selection: Choose relevant projects from your portfolio that demonstrate your expertise in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis.
- Case Study Structure: Organize your projects into case studies, highlighting the problem, solution, and outcome for each project.
- Technical Walkthrough: Prepare a detailed technical walkthrough of your projects, focusing on the electrical systems and infrastructure you designed and implemented.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis, as well as their understanding of Google's company culture and values. Prepare thoroughly for technical questions and case studies, and familiarize yourself with Google's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Data Center Electrical Engineer position:
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis, as well as your familiarity with US electrical codes and standards, and IEC standards.
- Portfolio Preparation: Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in electrical distribution systems and power system analysis, with a focus on data center-specific electrical systems and standards. Include relevant projects and case studies that demonstrate your expertise.
- Technical Interview Preparation: Brush up on your knowledge of electrical distribution systems and power system analysis, with a focus on data center-specific electrical systems and standards. Prepare for technical questions and case studies that assess your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.
- Company Research: Research Google's company culture, values, and mission to ensure a strong cultural fit. Familiarize yourself with the Data Center Engineering team and how you would contribute to its success.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 5 years of experience in electrical distribution systems are required. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree or a Professional Engineer license and experience with power system analysis.