Design Director - Data Center Engineering

About the role

Clear is looking for a Design Director in Dubai to lead the engineering design function for its data center developments. The role oversees MEP and CSA infrastructure design, as well as related systems, across new-build, retrofit and expansion projects. It owns design standards, leads a team of design engineers or technical specialists and works closely with project delivery teams to deliver reliable, efficient and scalable data center facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process, from concept through detailed design, construction support and commissioning handover.
• Own and continuously improve design standards, specifications and basis-of-design documents, and review and approve designs, calculations and drawings.
• Drive design optimization for energy efficiency, reliability, modularity and speed to build, considering customer requirements and cost to build.
• Explore the latest technologies and support internal design and innovation projects.
• Lead a standardization initiative covering design documents, project management, construction management and commissioning management.
• Build, mentor and manage a team of design engineers, set performance goals, run reviews and support career development.
• Evaluate and select power and cooling technologies, including AI and high-density rack cooling, and choose construction methods and review vendor equipment selections.
• Lead value engineering exercises to balance cost, reliability and schedule.
• Coordinate with project delivery teams, liaise with clients, consultants, contractors and regulators, and work with operations and facilities teams on maintainability.
• Manage design timelines, budgets and deliverables across multiple sites, present solutions to senior leadership and clients, and ensure compliance with codes such as ASHRAE, Uptime Institute, TIA-942 and LEED.

Required profile

• At least 10 years of experience in large-scale data center design and technical engineering, with Middle Eastern experience.
• Demonstrable experience designing and delivering large-scale data center facilities across multiple countries.
• Recognized industry leader with strong executive presence and a track record of strategic results in fast-growing companies.
• Multinational leadership experience and a willingness to find creative ways to reduce cost through design.
• Strong focus on safety, time, cost and quality, with commercial acumen aligned to business strategy.