Data Center Principal Electrical Engineer

Location: Remote

About Switch

At Switch, we don’t just design, build and operate data centers—we are enabling the technology of the future. Led by Founder & CEO, Rob Roy, we believe in revolutionary innovation, operational excellence and the principle of karma. Switch is where talented people come together to EVOLVE the digital world.

We believe that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about the people, culture, and purpose that make it happen. Every Switch team member contributes to a mission greater than themselves: to create the world’s most advanced digital infrastructure that powers the progress of humanity.

The Role: Data Center Principal Electrical Engineer

As a Data Center Principal Electrical Engineer within Availability Engineering, you will serve as the highest-level technical authority for electrical systems across Switch data center environments. This role exists to define engineering standards, reduce systemic risk, and improve the performance and reliability of mission-critical infrastructure.

You will lead complex engineering efforts, guide cross-functional teams, and translate operational insights into scalable, repeatable standards. Your work directly impacts uptime, capacity, efficiency, and long-term infrastructure performance across all regions.

What You’ll Do

• Define engineering standards for availability, capacity, efficiency, and sustainability of electrical systems

• Develop performance benchmarks and reliability targets across data center infrastructure

• Lead system-level analysis including fault response, transient behavior, black-start capability, and expansion planning

• Identify systemic risks and define mitigation strategies with clear operational guardrails

• Review and approve feasibility studies and engineering analyses performed by regional teams

• Serve as subject matter expert for complex operational issues, incident response, and technical escalations

• Support design engineering by providing feedback on infrastructure performance and long-term reliability

• Lead trade studies and engineering decisions impacting system architecture and lifecycle performance

• Review and validate protection system designs, including MV/LV systems, relays, schematics, and commissioning plans

• Partner with operations teams to improve procedures, training, and system optimization

• Translate operational learnings into standards, playbooks, and repeatable engineering practices

• Mentor engineers and influence technical direction across regions

• Support multiple concurrent projects across geographic locations

What We’re Looking For

• You operate as a technical authority and influence engineering direction

• You identify risks early and design solutions that scale

• You make decisions based on system-level thinking and long-term performance

• You communicate complex technical concepts clearly to varied audiences

• You remain effective under pressure in mission-critical environments

• You drive continuous improvement without adding unnecessary complexity

• You mentor others and raise the technical bar across teams

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

• 12+ years of engineering experience, including 8+ years in data center or mission-critical environments

• Deep expertise in electrical infrastructure including UPS, generators, switchgear, transformers, ATS/STS, and power distribution systems

• Strong ability to interpret P&IDs, schematics, wiring diagrams, and MEP drawings

• Experience reviewing protection systems, relays, and commissioning/test procedures

• Strong analytical skills, including system modeling and data-driven decision-making

Preferred:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license

• Experience working with EPCs, OEMs, and large-scale infrastructure providers

• Experience influencing engineering standards across multiple regions

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification.

Why Switch?

• A Culture of Karma – We are self-motivated by karma, ensuring our actions contribute to a positive, supportive and forward-thinking environment

• Industry Leadin