Senior Director, Data Center Development

CoreWeave is the AI Hyperscaler™, delivering a cloud platform of cutting edge services powering the next wave of AI. Our technology provides enterprises and leading AI labs with the most performant, efficient and resilient solutions for accelerated computing. Since 2017, CoreWeave has operated a growing footprint of data centers covering every region of the US and across Europe. CoreWeave was ranked as one of the TIME100 most influential companies of 2024.

As the leader in the industry, we thrive in an environment where adaptability and resilience are key. Our culture offers career-defining opportunities for those who excel amid change and challenge. If you’re someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and is eager to make a significant impact, CoreWeave is the place for you. Join us, and be part of a team solving some of the most exciting challenges in the industry.

CoreWeave powers the creation and delivery of the intelligence that drives innovation. 

What You’ll Do

The Senior Director of Data Center Development will lead site identification, evaluation, and acquisition efforts for large-scale data center campuses. This individual will be accountable for securing both suitable land and reliable utility power—including behind-the-meter generation opportunities—to support long-term growth. The role requires a seasoned leader who can manage complex due diligence, engage directly with local utilities and government stakeholders, and coordinate closely with internal teams on preconstruction planning and project budgeting to ensure development feasibility and financial alignment.

About the role

• Site Identification & Acquisition
•  Lead market analysis and scouting to identify strategic land opportunities that align with capacity growth objectives.
•  Drive negotiations for land purchase, lease, or option agreements, ensuring favorable terms.
•  Assess zoning, permitting, and entitlement requirements for potential sites.
• Utility Power & Energy Strategy
• Partner directly with utilities to secure long-term, scalable, and cost-effective power capacity.
• Negotiate interconnection agreements and monitor grid reliability and resiliency considerations.
• Evaluate behind-the-meter power opportunities (e.g., on-site generation, renewable energy, storage, microgrids) to improve resiliency and cost profile
• Align energy sourcing strategy with corporate sustainability goals.
• Due Diligence & Risk Management
• Lead technical, legal, and financial diligence for prospective sites, including environmental assessments, geotechnical studies, water availability, and permitting risk.
• Identify risks and mitigation strategies to support investment decisions.
• Partner with Legal to structure and execute definitive agreements.
• Preconstruction & Budgeting
• Coordinate with internal Design & Construction teams during preconstruction planning to validate site suitability and development feasibility.
• Support the creation of master development schedules and sequencing plans.
• Partner with Finance to prepare detailed project budgets, cash flow forecasts, and capital allocation requests.
• Monitor cost drivers (land, power, infrastructure, entitlements) and ensure alignment with business case targets.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Collaborate with Capacity Planning to ensure site scalability aligns with long-term demand forecasts.
• Partner withData Center Design & Construction teams to validate site suitability and transition projects smoothly into delivery.
• Work closely with Finance & Investment partners to model acquisition economics, total cost of ownership, and return on capital.
• Serve as the primary development interface with internal executives and external stakeholders.
• External Engagement & Representation
• Build and maintain relationships with local government officials, planning commissions, and regulatory bodies.
• Advocate for the company’s development interests in public forums and with economic development agencies.
• Represent the company in negotiations with utilities, landowners, and community stakeholders.

 Investing in our people is one of our top priorities, and we value candidates who can bring their diversified experiences to our teams. Here are some qualities we’ve found compatible with our team. We’d love to talk about whether this aligns with your experience and interests and what you’re excited to work on next. 

Who You Are

• 12+ years of experience in data center, energy, or large-scale industrial real estate development.
• Deep expertise in land acquisition, utility interconnection, behind-the-meter solutions, preconstruction planning, and permitting processes.
• Proven track record of negotiating with utilities, energy providers, and government agencies.
• Strong understanding of environmental and regulatory frameworks affecting large-scale developments.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets and development economics.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with ability to influence at the executive level.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen; ability to build and present business cases.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Real Estate, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Why Us?

We work hard, have fun, and move fast! We’re in an exciting stage of hyper-growth that you will not want to miss out on. We’re not afraid of a little chaos, and we’re constantly learning. Our team cares deeply about how we build our product and how we work together, which is represented through our core values:

• Be Curious at Your Core
• Act Like an Owner
• Empower Employees
• Deliver Best-in-Class Client Experiences
• Achieve More Together

The base pay and target total cash for this position range from $191,000 to $281,000. Pay is based on a number of factors, including market location, and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position includes a discretionary bonus, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

What We Offer

The range we’ve posted represents the typical compensation range for this role. To determine actual compensation, we review the market rate for each candidate which can include a variety of factors. These include qualifications, experience, interview performance, and location.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits to support your needs, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance – 100% paid for by CoreWeave
• Company-paid Life Insurance 
• Voluntary supplemental life insurance 
• Short and long-term disability insurance 
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Ability to Participate in Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• Mental Wellness Benefits through Spring Health 
• Family-Forming support provided by Carrot
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Flexible, full-service childcare support with Kinside
• 401(k) with a generous employer match
• Flexible PTO
• Catered lunch each day in our office and data center locations
• A casual work environment
• A work culture focused on innovative disruption

Our Workplace

While we prioritize a hybrid work environment, remote work may be considered for candidates located more than 30 miles from an office, based on role requirements for specialized skill sets. New hires will be invited to attend onboarding at one of our hubs within their first month. Teams also gather quarterly to support collaboration

California Consumer Privacy Act – California applicants only

CoreWeave is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. All qualified applicants and candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

As part of this commitment and consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), CoreWeave will ensure that qualified applicants and candidates with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact: careers@coreweave.com.

Export Control Compliance

This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. CoreWeave may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.