📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structural Engineer, Data Center Engineering
Company: Amazon
Location: Herndon, VA; Austin, TX; Seattle, WA
Job Type: On-site
Category: Structural Engineering
Date Posted: June 11, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement structural infrastructure strategies for AWS's global data center footprint.
- Collaborate with design and engineering professionals on concepts, build, and retrofit projects.
- Create, review, and release data center structural improvements and designs.
- Provide technical advice and guidance on AWS DC design projects.
- Manage external architectural, civil, and structural design consultants.
- Lead initiatives aimed at improving cost, quality, schedule, and consistency.
- Travel for site assessments, consultant selection activities, and construction reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in structural engineering, with a focus on data center and mission-critical facility design. Experience in seismic design, structural analysis, and construction drawings is essential.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Structural Design & Innovation:
- Develop and maintain structural designs for AWS data centers, ensuring they meet AWS's high standards for safety, security, and scalability.
- Continuously innovate and improve data center structural systems to support AWS's rapidly expanding global footprint.
Collaboration & Consultant Management:
- Work closely with other design and engineering professionals, as well as external consultants, to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget.
- Manage external architectural, civil, and structural design consultants, ensuring their work aligns with AWS's quality and safety standards.
Project Management & Travel:
- Work on multiple data center build and capital improvement projects simultaneously, managing project timelines, resources, and budgets.
- Travel for site assessments, consultant selection activities, internal design meetings, construction reviews, and interface with AHJs, design consultants, quantity surveyors, and building owners (anticipated travel not to exceed 40%).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage resources effectively. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also essential for successful collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Structural Engineering or equivalent experience.

Experience:

4+ years of professional experience in commercial, warehouse, and/or industrial new design and remediation, with working knowledge of structural engineering conventional practices.
Experience in seismic design and detailing for structural steel and reinforced concrete structures.
Experience reading, interpreting, and creating construction structural drawings, specifications, and submittal documents.
Proficiency in structural design software such as CSI and Bentley Structural package, AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Navisworks, SketchUp, and MS Office Suite.

Preferred Skills:

Master's or higher degree in Structural Engineering.
Professional Civil/Structural Engineering (PE) License.
Experience directly related to data center or mission-critical facility design.
Understanding of large-scale mechanical and electrical systems, tilt-up and precast concrete structures, and building forensic analysis.
Strong knowledge of international building codes and regulations, including IBC, ASCE, ACI, AISC, ASTM, and OSHA.
Experience using a variety of web-based and other software tools for calculation and data processing.
Experience performing and reviewing seismic studies and calculations.
Experience with shake table testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in structural engineering, experience in data center design, and proficiency in relevant software tools are highly sought after for this role. Experience in project management and consultant management is also valuable.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive portfolio showcasing structural design projects, with a focus on data center and mission-critical facility design.
Detailed project descriptions, including project goals, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
High-quality visuals, such as renderings, diagrams, and photographs, that illustrate the structural systems and their integration with other building components.
Evidence of strong technical skills, including proficiency in structural design software and a solid understanding of building codes and regulations.

Technical Documentation:

Well-documented code, including comments and version control, demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Clear and concise technical reports, specifications, and submittal documents that effectively communicate project details to stakeholders.
Evidence of collaboration and teamwork, such as joint authorship on projects or contributions to team-based initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating experience in data center design, proficiency in structural design software, and a commitment to quality and collaboration is essential for this role. Candidates should also be prepared to discuss their portfolio in detail and explain the technical decisions they made during the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

$86,900 - $185,000 per year, depending on location and experience level.

Benefits:

Medical, financial, and other employee benefits, as outlined on the Amazon employee benefits page.

Working Hours:

Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours, with the possibility of flexible working arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon offers a total compensation package, including equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud computing platform, offering a wide range of services to businesses and individuals worldwide.
Company Size: AWS is a large, global organization with a diverse workforce and a strong focus on innovation and customer obsession.
Founded: Amazon was founded in 1994, with AWS launched in 2006.

Team Structure:

The Data Center Engineering team is part of AWS Infrastructure Services, which owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure.
The team consists of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles.
The Structural Engineer will work closely with other design and engineering professionals, as well as external consultants, to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget.

Development Methodology:

AWS follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on continuous integration, delivery, and improvement.
The team uses a variety of tools and technologies to manage projects, track progress, and collaborate with stakeholders.
AWS places a strong emphasis on innovation, with a culture of experimentation and continuous learning.

Company Website: Amazon

📝 Enhancement Note: AWS is a large, global organization with a diverse workforce and a strong focus on innovation and customer obsession. The Data Center Engineering team is part of AWS Infrastructure Services, which owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. The team consists of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. The Structural Engineer will work closely with other design and engineering professionals, as well as external consultants, to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level:

This role is at the mid-senior level, with a focus on structural engineering and data center design. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of professional experience in structural design, with a strong background in seismic design and structural analysis.

Reporting Structure:

The Structural Engineer will report directly to the Data Center Engineering team lead and work closely with other design and engineering professionals, as well as external consultants.

Technical Impact:

The Structural Engineer will play a critical role in developing and maintaining structural designs for AWS data centers, ensuring they meet AWS's high standards for safety, security, and scalability. Their work will directly impact the performance, availability, and reliability of AWS's global cloud computing infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: AWS offers numerous opportunities for technical growth and specialization, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning and innovation.
Leadership Development: With experience and demonstrated success, the Structural Engineer may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the team, mentoring junior engineers and driving technical decision-making.
Architecture & Design: As the Structural Engineer gains experience and expertise, they may have the opportunity to work on more complex projects and contribute to the development of AWS's data center architecture and design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: AWS offers numerous opportunities for technical growth and specialization, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning and innovation. With experience and demonstrated success, the Structural Engineer may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the team, mentoring junior engineers and driving technical decision-making. As the Structural Engineer gains experience and expertise, they may have the opportunity to work on more complex projects and contribute to the development of AWS's data center architecture and design standards.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

AWS offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and creativity. The company offers a variety of workspaces, including open-plan offices, private offices, and team-based collaboration areas.

Office Location(s):

Herndon, VA
Austin, TX
Seattle, WA

Workspace Context:

AWS offices are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed internet, video conferencing equipment, and comfortable, ergonomic workstations.
The company offers a variety of amenities, such as on-site cafes, fitness centers, and wellness programs, to support the well-being and productivity of its employees.

Work Schedule:

AWS offers a flexible work schedule, with the possibility of working from home or in the office, depending on the role and team's needs. The company encourages employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance and offers a variety of resources and support to help them do so.

📝 Enhancement Note: AWS offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and creativity. The company offers a variety of workspaces, including open-plan offices, private offices, and team-based collaboration areas. AWS offices are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed internet, video conferencing equipment, and comfortable, ergonomic workstations. The company offers a variety of amenities, such as on-site cafes, fitness centers, and wellness programs, to support the well-being and productivity of its employees. AWS offers a flexible work schedule, with the possibility of working from home or in the office, depending on the role and team's needs. The company encourages employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance and offers a variety of resources and support to help them do so.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to assess the candidate's technical skills and cultural fit.
On-site Interview: A full-day on-site interview, including technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and meetings with team members and stakeholders.
Final Decision: A final decision will be made based on the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with AWS's values and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Portfolio Organization: Organize your portfolio in a clear and logical manner, highlighting your most relevant projects and accomplishments.
Project Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies for your most significant projects, focusing on the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved.
Technical Documentation: Ensure your portfolio includes clear and concise technical documentation, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Presentation Skills: Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining the technical decisions you made during the design process.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Structural Design Challenges: Familiarize yourself with AWS's data center design standards and best practices, and be prepared to discuss your approach to structural design, seismic analysis, and building codes and regulations.
Project Management Challenges: Brush up on your project management skills and be prepared to discuss your approach to managing multiple projects, balancing resources, and meeting deadlines.
Communication Skills: Practice your communication skills and be prepared to discuss your approach to collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, managing consultants, and driving technical decision-making.

ATS Keywords:

Structural Engineering, Seismic Design, Structural Systems, Data Center Design, Project Management, AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Navisworks, SketchUp, MS Office Suite, Building Codes, Design Specifications, Consultant Management, AWS, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Computing, Infrastructure, Engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with AWS's values and mission. The portfolio review will focus on the candidate's structural design projects, with an emphasis on data center and mission-critical facility design. The technical challenge will focus on structural design, seismic analysis, and building codes and regulations, as well as project management and communication skills.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Structural Design Software:

AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Navisworks, SketchUp, MS Office Suite
CSI and Bentley Structural package or equivalent

Building Codes & Regulations:

International Building Code (IBC), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Concrete Institute (ACI), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Data Center Design Standards:

AWS's data center design standards and best practices, including power, cooling, and rack layout considerations.

Project Management Tools:

AWS's project management tools and methodologies, including Agile development methodologies and continuous integration, delivery, and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Structural Engineer will use a variety of structural design software tools to develop and maintain structural designs for AWS data centers. They will also be familiar with AWS's data center design standards and best practices, as well as building codes and regulations. The Structural Engineer will use AWS's project management tools and methodologies to manage projects, track progress, and collaborate with stakeholders.

👥 Team Culture & Values

AWS Values:

Customer Obsession: AWS is customer-obsessed, with a relentless focus on delivering the best customer experience possible.
Ownership: AWS takes ownership of its results, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality products and services.
Invent & Simplify: AWS is committed to continuous innovation and simplification, with a focus on delivering simple, intuitive, and easy-to-use products and services.
Learn & Be Curious: AWS values learning and curiosity, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Hire & Develop the Best: AWS is committed to hiring and developing the best talent, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and employee growth.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Collaboration: AWS encourages collaboration across teams and disciplines, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and services that meet the needs of its customers.
Code Review Culture: AWS places a strong emphasis on code review and peer programming, with a focus on quality, performance, and security.
Knowledge Sharing: AWS encourages knowledge sharing and learning, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: AWS values learning and curiosity, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement. The company encourages collaboration across teams and disciplines, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and services that meet the customer's needs. AWS places a strong emphasis on code review and peer programming, with a focus on quality, performance, and security. The company also encourages knowledge sharing and learning, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Seismic Design: AWS data centers are designed to withstand a variety of seismic events, with a focus on safety, security, and scalability. The Structural Engineer will be responsible for developing and maintaining structural designs that meet AWS's high standards for seismic performance.
Building Codes & Regulations: The Structural Engineer will be familiar with a variety of building codes and regulations, including IBC, ASCE, ACI, AISC, ASTM, and OSHA. They will be responsible for ensuring that AWS data centers comply with all relevant codes and regulations.
Data Center Design: AWS data centers are industry-leading examples of critical facilities, with a focus on high availability, scalability, and efficiency. The Structural Engineer will be responsible for developing and maintaining structural designs that meet AWS's high standards for data center performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

AWS Training & Development: AWS offers a variety of training and development opportunities, including online courses, workshops, and conferences. The Structural Engineer will have the opportunity to learn from AWS experts and industry leaders, as well as to develop their skills and advance their career.
AWS Certification: AWS offers a variety of certifications, including the AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator. The Structural Engineer may have the opportunity to earn these certifications and demonstrate their expertise in AWS technologies and best practices.
AWS Leadership Development: AWS offers a variety of leadership development opportunities, including workshops, coaching, and mentoring programs. The Structural Engineer may have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and take on more senior roles within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Structural Engineer will face a variety of technical challenges, including seismic design, building codes and regulations, and data center design. They will also have the opportunity to learn from AWS experts and industry leaders, as well as to develop their skills and advance their career. The Structural Engineer may have the opportunity to earn AWS certifications and demonstrate their expertise in AWS technologies and best practices, as well as to develop their leadership skills and take on more senior roles within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Structural Design: What is your approach to structural design, and how do you ensure that your designs meet AWS's high standards for safety, security, and scalability?
Seismic Analysis: How do you approach seismic analysis and design, and how do you ensure that AWS data centers can withstand a variety of seismic events?
Building Codes & Regulations: How do you stay up-to-date with building codes and regulations, and how do you ensure that AWS data centers comply with all relevant codes and regulations?

Company & Culture Questions:

AWS Values: How do you embody AWS's values, and how do you use them to drive technical decision-making and innovation?
Collaboration: How do you approach collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and how do you ensure that AWS data centers meet the needs of AWS's customers?
AWS Culture: How do you contribute to AWS's culture of innovation, learning, and continuous improvement, and how do you use it to drive technical decision-making and innovation?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structural Design Projects: Prepare a detailed presentation of your structural design projects, focusing on your approach to structural design, seismic analysis, and building codes and regulations.
Data Center Design: Prepare a detailed presentation of your data center design projects, focusing on your approach to data center design, power and cooling considerations, and rack layout optimization.
Technical Documentation: Prepare clear and concise technical documentation that demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with AWS's values and mission. The candidate will be asked a series of technical and behavioral questions, as well as to present their portfolio and discuss their approach to structural design, seismic analysis, and building codes and regulations. The candidate will also be asked to discuss their approach to collaboration, AWS's values, and AWS's culture of innovation, learning, and continuous improvement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Structural Engineer, Data Center Engineering position at Amazon Web Services (AWS), follow these steps:

Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your relevant structural engineering experience, skills, and accomplishments. Include keywords related to structural engineering, data center design, and AWS.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize your portfolio in a clear and logical manner, highlighting your most relevant projects and accomplishments. Prepare detailed case studies for your most significant projects, focusing on the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved.
Practice Your Presentation: Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining the technical decisions you made during the design process.
Research AWS: Familiarize yourself with AWS's data center design standards and best practices, as well as AWS's values, culture, and mission. Be prepared to discuss your alignment with AWS's values and your approach to driving technical decision-making and innovation.
Apply: Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing. Include your resume, portfolio, and any other required documents.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Structural Engineer, Data Center Engineering