Senior Staff Engineer, Data Center Strategy
Mountain View, CA, USA · California, USA
USD 149k-247k / year + Equity
Posted on Apr 18, 2025
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This role will be based in LinkedIn’s Mountain View, CA campus.
At LinkedIn, our approach to flexible work is centered on trust and optimized for culture, connection, clarity, and the evolving needs of our business. The work location of this role is hybrid, meaning it will be performed both from home and from a LinkedIn office on select days, as determined by the business needs of the team.
Job Overview:
Data center engineering is the process of designing, building, and maintaining data centers, which are facilities used to house and manage critical IT infrastructure, applications, and data. Data center engineers ensure the data center infrastructure's stability, reliability, and security. They are crucial in supporting the availability and performance of applications and services. This involves the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical infrastructure of a data center, including electrical and mechanical systems.
Data center electrical engineering involves the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical infrastructure of a data center, including electrical and mechanical systems. Datacenter mechanical and electrical engineers are crucial in ensuring the data center infrastructure's stability, reliability, and safety. They must deeply understand electrical and mechanical engineering principles and experience designing, constructing, and maintaining data center facilities.
We are seeking a Data Center Strategist and Negotiator with a focus on sustainability and market analysis to join our team. This role requires an individual who can not only strategize and negotiate in the data center space but also drive initiatives that promote environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and sustainability within our data center operations. The successful candidate will analyze market trends, identify innovative solutions, and lead efforts to optimize our data centers while minimizing environmental impact and costs.
Key Responsibilities:
Sustainability Strategy Development:
• Design and implement data center sustainability strategies that align with the • company’s environmental goals and industry standards.
• Evaluate and recommend sustainable technologies such as energy-efficient cooling systems, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon infrastructure options.
• Collaborate with energy providers, green certification bodies, and industry groups to integrate sustainable practices and improve data center carbon footprints.
• Develop long-term plans for optimizing resource consumption (energy, water, space) and reducing waste in data center operations.
• Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics, including energy efficiency (PUE), carbon emissions, and renewable energy usage.
Market Analysis and Benchmarking:
• Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to understand emerging trends in the data center industry, including sustainability innovations, pricing, and technology advancements.
• Analyze market shifts to identify opportunities for cost optimization and new solutions that align with the company’s sustainability objectives.
• Evaluate vendor offerings, contract terms, and pricing structures, ensuring alignment with the organization’s market position and sustainability goals.
• Stay informed of regulatory changes, industry benchmarks, and emerging technologies that impact the market dynamics of data center operations, sustainability practices, and energy procurement.
Vendor and Contract Negotiation:
• Lead the negotiation of contracts with data center service providers, vendors, and energy suppliers, ensuring that agreements align with the company’s sustainability and operational efficiency goals.
• Negotiate favorable terms for green energy procurement, energy-efficient hardware, and sustainable operational practices.
• Foster long-term relationships with strategic vendors to ensure continuous alignment with evolving market conditions and environmental commitments.
Cost Optimization and Financial Analysis:
• Evaluate the cost impact of sustainability initiatives and ensure that investments in energy-efficient solutions yield long-term savings.
• Develop financial models to assess the total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) for sustainability-focused projects.
• Manage budgets and ensure financial resources are allocated effectively to support both operational and sustainability objectives.
Collaboration with Stakeholders:
• Work closely with internal teams, including IT, facilities management, and sustainability departments, to align data center strategy with organizational goals.
• Provide insights to senior leadership on market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive positioning within the data center industry.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators, energy suppliers, and industry groups, to stay at the forefront of sustainability standards and innovation.
Performance Monitoring and Risk Management:
• Continuously track sustainability KPIs, ensuring data center operations remain efficient, compliant, and aligned with environmental targets.
• Identify potential risks related to energy supply, sustainability regulations, and operational performance, and implement mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
• Stay abreast of local, national, and international regulations related to data center sustainability, energy usage, and carbon emissions.
• Ensure the organization’s data center operations comply with environmental laws, sustainability certifications, and industry standards (e.g., LEED, ISO 50001).
• Lead the reporting of sustainability performance to stakeholders and regulatory bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline, or related practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience with data center strategy, sustainability, and market analysis, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership role
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., LEED, Certified Data Center Sustainability Professional, Project Management) is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in data center strategy, sustainability, and market analysis, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
• Proven experience in negotiating data center contracts and vendor relationships, particularly in relation to sustainability and energy-efficient solutions.
• Strong knowledge of market trends in the data center industry, including emerging technologies, sustainability innovations, and cost optimization strategies.
• Strategic and Sustainable Thinking
• Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence
• Vendor and Contract Negotiation
• Financial Acumen and Cost Optimization
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
• Certified Data Center Sustainability Professional (CDSP).
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Suggested Skills:
• Data center design best practices (electrical distribution, power grids, and
sustainability).
• Data center market research and competitive analysis skills
• Vendor Negotiation
• Budget Management
• Regulatory standards and certifications related to data center sustainability
(e.g., ISO, Green Grid, LEED).
LinkedIn is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.
The pay range for this role is $149,000 to $247,000 . Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.
The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, stock, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans. For more information, visit https://careers.linkedin.com/benefits.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We seek candidates with a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. LinkedIn considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.
LinkedIn is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at accommodations@linkedin.com and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.
Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the application or hiring process that would enable you to fully participate in that process. Examples of reasonable accommodations include but are not limited to:
-Documents in alternate formats or read aloud to you
-Having interviews in an accessible location
-Being accompanied by a service dog
-Having a sign language interpreter present for the interview
A request for an accommodation will be responded to within three business days. However, non-disability related requests, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
LinkedIn will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by LinkedIn, or (c) consistent with LinkedIn's legal duty to furnish information.
Pay Transparency Policy Statement
As a federal contractor, LinkedIn follows the Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions described at this link: https://lnkd.in/paytransparency.
Global Data Privacy Notice for Job Candidates
This document provides transparency around the way in which LinkedIn handles personal data of employees and job applicants: https://lnkd.in/GlobalDataPrivacyNotice
This role will be based in LinkedIn’s Mountain View, CA campus.
At LinkedIn, our approach to flexible work is centered on trust and optimized for culture, connection, clarity, and the evolving needs of our business. The work location of this role is hybrid, meaning it will be performed both from home and from a LinkedIn office on select days, as determined by the business needs of the team.
Job Overview:
Data center engineering is the process of designing, building, and maintaining data centers, which are facilities used to house and manage critical IT infrastructure, applications, and data. Data center engineers ensure the data center infrastructure's stability, reliability, and security. They are crucial in supporting the availability and performance of applications and services. This involves the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical infrastructure of a data center, including electrical and mechanical systems.
Data center electrical engineering involves the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical infrastructure of a data center, including electrical and mechanical systems. Datacenter mechanical and electrical engineers are crucial in ensuring the data center infrastructure's stability, reliability, and safety. They must deeply understand electrical and mechanical engineering principles and experience designing, constructing, and maintaining data center facilities.
We are seeking a Data Center Strategist and Negotiator with a focus on sustainability and market analysis to join our team. This role requires an individual who can not only strategize and negotiate in the data center space but also drive initiatives that promote environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and sustainability within our data center operations. The successful candidate will analyze market trends, identify innovative solutions, and lead efforts to optimize our data centers while minimizing environmental impact and costs.
Key Responsibilities:
Sustainability Strategy Development:
• Design and implement data center sustainability strategies that align with the • company’s environmental goals and industry standards.
• Evaluate and recommend sustainable technologies such as energy-efficient cooling systems, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon infrastructure options.
• Collaborate with energy providers, green certification bodies, and industry groups to integrate sustainable practices and improve data center carbon footprints.
• Develop long-term plans for optimizing resource consumption (energy, water, space) and reducing waste in data center operations.
• Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics, including energy efficiency (PUE), carbon emissions, and renewable energy usage.
Market Analysis and Benchmarking:
• Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to understand emerging trends in the data center industry, including sustainability innovations, pricing, and technology advancements.
• Analyze market shifts to identify opportunities for cost optimization and new solutions that align with the company’s sustainability objectives.
• Evaluate vendor offerings, contract terms, and pricing structures, ensuring alignment with the organization’s market position and sustainability goals.
• Stay informed of regulatory changes, industry benchmarks, and emerging technologies that impact the market dynamics of data center operations, sustainability practices, and energy procurement.
Vendor and Contract Negotiation:
• Lead the negotiation of contracts with data center service providers, vendors, and energy suppliers, ensuring that agreements align with the company’s sustainability and operational efficiency goals.
• Negotiate favorable terms for green energy procurement, energy-efficient hardware, and sustainable operational practices.
• Foster long-term relationships with strategic vendors to ensure continuous alignment with evolving market conditions and environmental commitments.
Cost Optimization and Financial Analysis:
• Evaluate the cost impact of sustainability initiatives and ensure that investments in energy-efficient solutions yield long-term savings.
• Develop financial models to assess the total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) for sustainability-focused projects.
• Manage budgets and ensure financial resources are allocated effectively to support both operational and sustainability objectives.
Collaboration with Stakeholders:
• Work closely with internal teams, including IT, facilities management, and sustainability departments, to align data center strategy with organizational goals.
• Provide insights to senior leadership on market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive positioning within the data center industry.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators, energy suppliers, and industry groups, to stay at the forefront of sustainability standards and innovation.
Performance Monitoring and Risk Management:
• Continuously track sustainability KPIs, ensuring data center operations remain efficient, compliant, and aligned with environmental targets.
• Identify potential risks related to energy supply, sustainability regulations, and operational performance, and implement mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
• Stay abreast of local, national, and international regulations related to data center sustainability, energy usage, and carbon emissions.
• Ensure the organization’s data center operations comply with environmental laws, sustainability certifications, and industry standards (e.g., LEED, ISO 50001).
• Lead the reporting of sustainability performance to stakeholders and regulatory bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline, or related practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience with data center strategy, sustainability, and market analysis, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership role
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., LEED, Certified Data Center Sustainability Professional, Project Management) is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in data center strategy, sustainability, and market analysis, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
• Proven experience in negotiating data center contracts and vendor relationships, particularly in relation to sustainability and energy-efficient solutions.
• Strong knowledge of market trends in the data center industry, including emerging technologies, sustainability innovations, and cost optimization strategies.
• Strategic and Sustainable Thinking
• Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence
• Vendor and Contract Negotiation
• Financial Acumen and Cost Optimization
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
• Certified Data Center Sustainability Professional (CDSP).
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Suggested Skills:
• Data center design best practices (electrical distribution, power grids, and
sustainability).
• Data center market research and competitive analysis skills
• Vendor Negotiation
• Budget Management
• Regulatory standards and certifications related to data center sustainability
(e.g., ISO, Green Grid, LEED).
LinkedIn is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.
The pay range for this role is $149,000 to $247,000 . Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.
The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, stock, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans. For more information, visit https://careers.linkedin.com/benefits.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We seek candidates with a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. LinkedIn considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.
LinkedIn is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at accommodations@linkedin.com and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.
Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the application or hiring process that would enable you to fully participate in that process. Examples of reasonable accommodations include but are not limited to:
-Documents in alternate formats or read aloud to you
-Having interviews in an accessible location
-Being accompanied by a service dog
-Having a sign language interpreter present for the interview
A request for an accommodation will be responded to within three business days. However, non-disability related requests, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
LinkedIn will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by LinkedIn, or (c) consistent with LinkedIn's legal duty to furnish information.
Pay Transparency Policy Statement
As a federal contractor, LinkedIn follows the Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions described at this link: https://lnkd.in/paytransparency.
Global Data Privacy Notice for Job Candidates
This document provides transparency around the way in which LinkedIn handles personal data of employees and job applicants: https://lnkd.in/GlobalDataPrivacyNotice