Principal Engineer - Electrical Engineering (Data Centers)

About the role

AECOM Enterprise Capabilities is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer to join its office in Bogota, Colombia, focusing on data center electrical systems. The role is project engineering management and suits someone with a solid background in the tech sector and data center industry, who understands the demands of scale, speed and consistency in data center operations.

Key responsibilities

• Design electrical systems for data centers, including power distribution, emergency power (UPS, generators), lighting and grounding, prioritizing reliability, scalability and efficiency.
• Perform power load calculations and capacity planning, accounting for IT equipment, cooling and infrastructure, and plan for future growth.
• Select and specify equipment such as transformers, switchgear, UPS units, circuit breakers and distribution panels, meeting safety standards.
• Design redundancy and fault tolerance, including dual power feeds, backup power and automatic switchover.
• Incorporate energy efficiency and sustainability, including renewable energy use, energy storage and battery banks.
• Coordinate with mechanical engineers to integrate electrical systems with cooling and HVAC infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with standards such as Uptime Institute, TIA-942-B, IEEE, IEC, NFPA and NEC.
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications and documentation, and communicate them to clients, architects, contractors and stakeholders.
• Supervise testing, commissioning and troubleshooting of electrical systems during installation.
• Stay informed on trends such as DC power distribution and energy-efficient solutions.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• 6+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering, focused on data center infrastructure and power systems.
• Knowledge of data center Tier Standard topology (Uptime Institute, TIA-942).
• Understanding of electrical and building codes (IBC, IFC, NEC, IEEE, ASHRAE 90.1) and local regulations.
• Experience reviewing contractor submittals, shop drawings and RFIs.
• Preferred: Master's degree, advanced English, certifications such as ATD, ATS, CDCDP, CDCP, CDCE, LEED or CEM, and prior data center design consultancy experience.

Required skills

• Hands-on experience with design and simulation tools such as AutoCAD, ETAP, DIALux or SKM Power Tools.
• Experience with arc flash calculations and short circuit coordination studies.
• Preferred: Revit for 3D BIM models of electrical systems.

Relocation assistance and sponsorship for Colombian work authorization are not available. Benefits depend on employment status and may include medical, dental, vision, life, paid time off, flexible work options, retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan.