📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Data Center Architect
Company: ServiceNow
Location: Remote, Austin, Texas, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Infrastructure & DevOps
Date Posted: June 26, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

Lead strategic infrastructure outcomes across ServiceNow's global data center footprint
Set technical direction and evaluate, design, and operationalize new commercial and regulated data center spaces
Collaborate cross-functionally with various teams, manage vendor relationships, and ensure integration readiness
Define best practices, evolve standards, and mentor junior engineers to elevate the organization's technical maturity

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to drive infrastructure outcomes that align with long-term business goals.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Infrastructure Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for data center infrastructure, considering future business growth and technological advancements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various teams, including TPMs, CNS, CapMan, HWSE, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, DCO, and DCS Engineering, to ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
Vendor Management: Manage third-party integrator vendor relationships end-to-end, from initial contact to project completion, ensuring deliverables meet ServiceNow's quality and performance standards.
Data Center Design & Layout: Produce CAD-based floor layouts, lead cable infrastructure design and fit-out, and ensure the environment is ready for network and capacity integration.
Site Visits & Progress Tracking: Regularly visit sites to track progress, produce detailed issue reports, and make real-time decisions to keep execution on course.
Technical Leadership & Mentoring: Define best practices, evolve standards, and mentor IC4 and IC5 engineers to help elevate the organization's overall technical maturity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience in Data Center operations.

Experience: 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.

Required Skills:

Broad, deep knowledge across multiple infrastructure domains, integrating 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.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to multi-task several unrelated issues.
Excellent communication, customer-focused, problem-solving, conflict management, time management, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge and experience in ITIL process methodologies.
Proven ability to function independently in ambiguous situations with a record of success.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Case studies or projects demonstrating data center infrastructure design, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration.
Examples of CAD-based floor layouts, cable infrastructure design, and fit-out plans.
Documentation showcasing technical processes, standards, and best practices.

Technical Documentation:

Detailed issue reports and progress tracking documents from previous data center projects.
Technical specifications and requirements for data center infrastructure components.
Process documentation and standard operating procedures for data center operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on data center architecture and infrastructure, applicants should highlight their technical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 - $220,000 per year (based on regional market data for senior infrastructure roles in the United States)

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Retirement savings plans with company matching.
Generous time off, including vacation, sick time, and company holidays.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
Wellness programs, including gym membership reimbursement and mental health resources.

Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on market data for senior infrastructure roles in the United States. Actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: ServiceNow is a leading global enterprise cloud software company that delivers digital workflows that create great experiences and unlock productivity.

Company Size: Large (8,100+ employees), with a global presence and a strong focus on innovation and growth.

Founded: 2004, with a mission to make the world work better for everyone.

Team Structure:

The Principal Data Center Architect will work closely with cross-functional teams, including TPMs, CNS, CapMan, HWSE, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, DCO, and DCS Engineering.
The role reports directly to the Director of Data Center Operations.

Development Methodology:

ServiceNow follows Agile methodologies for software development and project management.
Infrastructure projects are managed using ITIL process methodologies.

Company Website: https://www.servicenow.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow's culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and customer focus. The Principal Data Center Architect will play a crucial role in driving infrastructure outcomes that support the company's growth and success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (IC6) - Principal Data Center Architect

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Data Center Operations, with cross-functional collaboration with various teams.

Technical Impact: The Principal Data Center Architect will have a significant impact on ServiceNow's global data center footprint, ensuring scalability, reliability, and efficiency to support the company's growth and business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As a senior individual contributor, the Principal Data Center Architect has the opportunity to grow into a technical leadership role, such as a Senior Manager or Director of Data Center Operations.
Emerging Technologies: Staying up-to-date with emerging data center technologies and trends, and driving their adoption within ServiceNow.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expanding influence and impact by working closely with other teams and driving infrastructure outcomes that align with overall business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Data Center Architect role offers significant growth potential, both in terms of technical leadership and cross-functional influence. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of driving infrastructure outcomes and a strong desire to grow within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-friendly, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication.

Office Location(s): Austin, Texas, United States (with global data center locations)

Workspace Context:

Remote Work: The Principal Data Center Architect will primarily work remotely, with occasional travel to data center sites and company offices.
Collaboration Tools: ServiceNow uses various collaboration tools, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Confluence, to facilitate communication and teamwork.
Data Center Access: The role requires regular access to data center facilities, both domestically and internationally.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-friendly work environment at ServiceNow offers flexibility and work-life balance, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the role, experience, and expectations.
Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of the candidate's technical background, experience, and approach to data center architecture and infrastructure.
Cross-Functional Meeting: A meeting with representatives from various teams, such as TPMs, CNS, CapMan, HWSE, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, DCO, and DCS Engineering, to assess the candidate's ability to collaborate and drive infrastructure outcomes.
Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight data center infrastructure design projects, vendor management experiences, and cross-functional collaboration case studies.
Emphasize technical documentation, process development, and best practice evolution.
Demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on data center infrastructure fundamentals, including power management, HVAC, structured cabling, and network integration.
Familiarize yourself with ServiceNow's products, services, and business objectives.
Prepare for questions about your approach to strategic infrastructure planning, vendor management, and technical leadership.

ATS Keywords: Data Center Operations, Infrastructure Design, Vendor Management, Power Management, HVAC, Structured Cabling, Network Integration, Analytical Skills, Process Development, Technical Documentation, ITIL Methodologies, Problem Solving, Conflict Management, Time Management, Interpersonal Skills

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Principal Data Center Architect role is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to collaborate cross-functionally. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong track record of driving infrastructure outcomes and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Data Center Infrastructure Technologies:

Power Management: Schneider Electric, Eaton, Vertiv, and other leading power management solutions.
HVAC: Carrier, Trane, Daikin, and other leading HVAC systems.
Structured Cabling: Panduit, Leviton, CommScope, and other leading structured cabling solutions.
Network Integration: Cisco, Arista, Juniper, and other leading network infrastructure providers.

Collaboration & Productivity Tools:

Slack, Microsoft Teams, Confluence, Jira, and other collaboration and productivity tools used by ServiceNow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Data Center Architect will work with a wide range of data center infrastructure technologies and collaborate using various productivity tools to drive infrastructure outcomes and support ServiceNow's business objectives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Data Center Operations Values:

Customer Focus: Prioritize the needs and expectations of internal and external customers.
Innovation: Embrace continuous learning and improvement, driving innovation in data center infrastructure and operations.
Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver strategic infrastructure outcomes.
Integrity: Act with honesty and transparency, upholding the highest ethical standards.
Accountability: Take ownership of tasks and responsibilities, and hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with various teams, including TPMs, CNS, CapMan, HWSE, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, DCO, and DCS Engineering, to ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
Technical Mentoring: Provide guidance and support to junior engineers, helping them develop their technical skills and advance their careers.
Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to the organization's collective knowledge base, sharing best practices, and driving continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow's culture emphasizes customer focus, innovation, collaboration, integrity, and accountability. The Principal Data Center Architect will play a crucial role in driving these values and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the data center operations team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Data Center Expansion: Manage the expansion of ServiceNow's data center footprint to support the company's growth and business objectives.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure data center infrastructure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and industry best practices.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging data center technologies and trends, and drive their adoption within ServiceNow.
Vendor Management: Effectively manage third-party integrator vendor relationships, ensuring deliverables meet ServiceNow's quality and performance standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Participate in relevant technical training and certification programs to enhance your data center infrastructure and architecture skills.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to network with peers, learn about emerging trends, and share best practices.
Mentorship & Leadership Development: Seek mentorship opportunities from senior leaders within ServiceNow, and develop your leadership skills through technical mentoring and cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Data Center Architect role presents numerous technical challenges and growth opportunities. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong desire to learn, adapt, and drive infrastructure outcomes that support ServiceNow's business objectives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Data Center Infrastructure Design: Describe your approach to data center infrastructure design, including power management, HVAC, structured cabling, and network integration.
Vendor Management: Walkthrough your experience managing third-party integrator vendor relationships, from initial contact to project completion.
Strategic Infrastructure Planning: Explain your approach to strategic infrastructure planning, considering future business growth and technological advancements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams, and how you ensure alignment with overall business objectives.

Company & Culture Questions:

ServiceNow's Products & Services: Demonstrate your understanding of ServiceNow's products, services, and business objectives, and how data center infrastructure supports them.
Data Center Operations Culture: Describe your experience with data center operations culture, and how you foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within your teams.
Customer Focus: Explain how you prioritize the needs and expectations of internal and external customers in your data center operations role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Data Center Infrastructure Projects: Highlight your data center infrastructure design projects, vendor management experiences, and cross-functional collaboration case studies.
Technical Documentation: Showcase your technical documentation, process development, and best practice evolution.
Customer Testimonials: Include customer testimonials or references that demonstrate your ability to deliver strategic infrastructure outcomes and drive customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Principal Data Center Architect role is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong track record of driving infrastructure outcomes, a commitment to continuous learning and growth, and a passion for data center operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Data Center Architect position:

Update Your Resume: Highlight your data center infrastructure design, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration experiences, emphasizing your technical expertise and leadership skills.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your data center infrastructure design projects, vendor management experiences, and cross-functional collaboration case studies, with a focus on technical documentation, process development, and best practice evolution.
Research ServiceNow: Familiarize yourself with ServiceNow's products, services, and business objectives, and how data center infrastructure supports them. Prepare for questions about the company's culture, values, and data center operations.
Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your data center infrastructure fundamentals, and prepare for questions about your approach to strategic infrastructure planning, vendor management, and technical leadership.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and data center operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with ServiceNow before making application decisions.

Principal Data Center Architect