Head of Design – Japan Data Center Development & Delivery
Head of Design – Japan Data Center Development & Delivery
About RHAELM
RHAELM is the sovereign AI cloud built to accelerate AI deployment at scale. Solving the defining constraint of power availability, RHAELM delivers gigawatt-scale AI infrastructure pipelines across Europe and APAC – providing ring-fenced compute, networking, and storage optimised for high-performance AI workloads.
Sovereignty is RHAELM's core operating model. Every deployment operates in-country with local personnel, giving enterprise and public-sector organisations operational control without compromising on cutting-edge technology. From bare metal and Kubernetes to AI as a Service, RHAELM puts power, infrastructure, and platform capability under the customer’s command.
This Role
As Head of Design for our Japan data centre programme, you will own the technical direction of our highest-density AI infrastructure builds in the market. You will set the Basis of Design for hyperscale AI clusters, lead full-lifecycle engineering from concept through to construction issue, and build the local team and partner network needed to deliver at pace.
Based in Tokyo with regular time on project sites, you will act as the country's technical authority on advanced cooling, power architecture, and seismic-resilient design, working closely with local regulators, utilities, and A&E partners to bring next-generation AI data centres to market.
Key Responsibilities
Own the enterprise Basis of Design (BOD) for high-density AI clusters, integrating advanced liquid cooling (DLC, immersion), ultra-high-density power distribution, and accelerated network architectures
Act as the country subject matter expert on emerging AI workloads, thermal management, low-PUE energy strategies, and sustainability goals
Drive innovation in modularity, scalable deployment, and disaster resilience for high-density compute environments
Oversee full-lifecycle engineering from Concept and Schematic Design through Detailed Design and Issued for Construction documentation
Lead cross-functional coordination across structural, electrical, mechanical, civil, network, and security disciplines
Establish design-stage quality frameworks, peer reviews, and constructability audits to eliminate variations before site execution
Lead evaluation, procurement, and onboarding of top-tier local A&E partners, engineering consultants, and commissioning agencies, and manage their delivery against spec, budget, and milestones
Ensure full compliance with Japan's Building Standards Act, Fire Services Act, Electricity Business Act, and municipal guidelines, and lead engagement with utilities and regulators to secure construction, environmental, and electrical permits
Integrate country-specific hazards into core design criteria, including seismic base isolation and typhoon/flood mitigation
Partner with Global Supply Chain to evaluate and integrate long-lead critical infrastructure equipment, and work with local vendors and contractors to ensure design compatibility with Japanese materials and construction methods
Recruit, build, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of structural, electrical, mechanical, and BIM/CAD engineers in Japan, establishing team KPIs and development tracks
Experience
12+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience in data centre design
Proven track record delivering hyperscale, colocation, or high-density compute facilities in Japan
Demonstrated experience managing local A&E partners, engineering consultants, and commissioning agencies
Experience building and scaling engineering teams from the ground up in a competitive talent market
Track record engaging directly with Japanese regulators, municipal authorities, and utilities (e.g. TEPCO, KEPCO)
Skills
In-depth expertise in high-density cooling technologies (Direct-to-Chip, Rear Door Heat Exchangers, Liquid Cooling Loops) and high-density power architectures
Comprehensive understanding of Japanese building codes, zoning laws, seismic isolation design, and permitting processes
Strong cross-functional design leadership across structural, electrical, mechanical, civil, network, and security disciplines
Native or business-fluent Japanese (JLPT N1 equivalent) and professional fluent English
Ability to interface confidently with both local regulatory bodies and global corporate leadership
Team-building and people leadership in a technical, high-growth environment
Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Structural Engineering, or Architecture
First-Class Registered Architect (一級建築士) or Professional Engineer (PE / 技術士) in Japan preferred