Applied Researcher – Data Centers

Designworks Talent LLC

. Develop and maintain a forward-looking technical perspective on AI models and inference technologies .

Posted 9/20/2026full-timeBellevue • Washington • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and operating data center infrastructure, with a strong focus on GPU-based compute environments and power management. Capable of conducting applied research and influencing technical and business decisions through effective communication and collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data Center Infrastructure DesignGPU-Based Compute EnvironmentsPower Infrastructure ManagementTechnical CommunicationCost Model Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data Center ArchitectureInfrastructure EngineeringCapacity PlanningCooling Topology DesignElectrical InfrastructureCost Metrics DevelopmentApplied ResearchVendor EvaluationHigh-Density Rack DeploymentCommissioning Data Centers

Soft Skills

Influencing StakeholdersCollaborationTechnical Diligence

Industry Keywords

Hyperscaler RoadmapsPower ProcurementUtility InterconnectPPA KnowledgeStandards BodiesData Center EconomicsEmerging Technologies AssessmentLiquid CoolingHigh-Density Rack DesignInternational Travel

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and maintain a forward-looking technical perspective on AI models and inference technologies
Hold the company’s view of future data center infrastructure
Track vendor and hyperscaler roadmaps, research, standards, startups, and venture activity across power, cooling, construction, rack and hall architecture, siting, regulation, and economics
Formulate and validate product and engineering theses covering what to build, buy, or partner for
Own the technical reference view of data center halls at each GPU generation, including density, power envelope, cooling topology, and site capacity
Visit operating and prospective data center sites
Develop and defend cost metrics including cost per rack, per MW, and per GPU-hour
Support sales and delivery in technically demanding customer and partner conversations
Inform product and go-to-market teams about credible capabilities and timelines
Provide technical diligence on infrastructure partners, colocation providers, vendor reference designs, and prospective acquisitions
Influence engineering roadmaps, infrastructure architecture, product direction, technology investments, commercial positioning, and AI workload economics
Collaborate with senior technical and business leaders without initially managing an operational team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Hands-on experience designing, building, or operating data center infrastructure at scale
Demonstrated experience with GPU-based compute environments
Working command of power infrastructure, utility interconnect, capacity procurement, and build-timeline constraints
Knowledge of vendors, hyperscalers, standards bodies, utilities, and startups in data center power and cooling
Ability to conduct applied research using primary sources and produce defensible positions under uncertainty
Sustained industry research, standards-body work, or internal technical assessments that changed decisions; a PhD is valued but not required
Significant hands-on experience designing, building, operating, or engineering data center infrastructure
Strong understanding of data center architecture and physical infrastructure
Working knowledge of PPAs, backup generation, and infrastructure lead times
Experience building or stress-testing infrastructure cost models
Deep understanding of power, cooling, rack design, density, and electrical/mechanical infrastructure
Experience evaluating data center infrastructure, sites, or large-scale compute environments
Ability to assess emerging technologies and their infrastructure implications
Strong technical communication and ability to influence engineering and business stakeholders
Ability to operate as a horizontal subject-matter expert and individual contributor
Experience across multiple data center builds and vendor reference designs
Background in liquid cooling or high-density rack deployments above 100 kW
Experience commissioning, capacity planning, or handing over new data center halls
U.S. work authorization required; visa sponsorship unavailable
Eligibility may be subject to U.S. export-control screening and licensing
Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 25%

Benefits

Comp & perks

Directly influence the technology direction of an organization building AI infrastructure at scale
Ground-floor opportunity to establish technical strategy, architecture, processes, and culture
High ownership with substantial autonomy and direct access to senior technical leadership
Cross-disciplinary exposure across AI models, inference, accelerators, software systems, networking, infrastructure, and economics
Work on cutting-edge technical problems including multi-accelerator inference, intelligent routing, performance optimization, token economics, and compiler, kernel, and runtime technologies
Research with practical impact on engineering, product, commercial strategy, and investment
Lean, senior environment with experienced technical contributors and limited management hierarchy