Who are we?

A place where tech thinkers and future builders turn bold ideas into breakthrough experiences, we welcome your unique perspective.

Help us challenge assumptions, uncover bias, and remove barriers—because progress starts with fresh ideas. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Senior Director, Enterprise Software Architecture & Engineering – Innovation Incubation

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet. 
 
A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future. 

A leadership role at Equinix means driving conversations, inspiring teams with vision and purpose, and shaping the future of innovation. You are the strategic connector, leading change by bridging diverse ideas and fostering collaboration across all levels of the organization to achieve transformative results. 

Role summary

We are seeking a Senior Director, Software Architecture & Engineering to lead the incubation and development of new software products that prepare Equinix’s global digital infrastructure for the next generation of advanced computing, including quantum computing systems.

This role sits at the intersection of product incubation, software architecture, and engineering execution. It is accountable for moving ideas from concept to pilot and into scalable platforms—whether built internally, delivered through partners, or enabled through ecosystem collaboration.

This is not a traditional research role and not a standard enterprise operations role. It offers the opportunity to shape how emerging compute technologies are deployed at global scale, combining innovation, architecture, and execution in a single senior leadership position.

What You’ll Do

Lead Product Incubation for Quantum‑Ready Infrastructure

• Own the incubation of software‑led products and platforms that enable Equinix’s digital infrastructure to support quantum computing systems and services.

• Drive early‑stage pilots and minimum viable products (MVPs), with a focus on practical deployment within 12–24 months.

• Define product purpose, success measures, and clear transition paths from incubation into scalable platforms or commercial offerings.

• Balance innovation with operational readiness, security, resilience, and long‑term scalability.

Set Architecture & Engineering Direction for Innovation

• Establish architectural direction for complex, distributed software systems supporting advanced and emerging compute workloads.

• Ensure designs align with enterprise standards while remaining flexible to support evolving technologies and partners.

• Guide teams toward modern, efficient engineering practices and clear, outcome‑focused delivery.

Influence Senior Stakeholders

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across Digital & Innovation, Product, Infrastructure, and Operations.

• Translate complex technology concepts into clear business narratives that support strategic decisions.

• Drive alignment across global teams, portfolios, and regions.

Deliver Programs & Manage Investment

• Own portfolio‑level planning, delivery, and risk management across incubation engineering initiatives.

• Set objectives, priorities, and success metrics for teams and programs.

• Contribute to budget planning and manage investment trade‑offs across pilots, partnerships, and internal development.

Build the Ecosystem

• Lead strategic engagement with technology partners, cloud providers, and emerging ecosystem players.

• Evaluate build‑versus‑partner approaches and ensure seamless integration with Equinix platforms.

• Represent Equinix in relevant industry forums and innovation networks.

Lead and Grow High‑Impact Teams

• Lead and develop directors, managers, architects, and engineers across multiple locations.

• Build succession plans and develop future‑ready capabilities.

• Foster a culture of curiosity, accountability, collaboration, and inclusion.

What We’re Looking For

• Senior leadership experience in software architecture and engineering within large‑scale enterprise software, cloud, or digital infrastructure environments.

• Proven experience incubating new products or platforms from early concept through pilot and into scaled delivery, ideally in a start-up 0-1 environment

• Experience with emerging or advanced computing technologies; experience in AI-native networking / data centers, hybrid cloud orchestration, power / energy systems or quantum computing engineering is essential, ideally in digital infrastructure

• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, simplify complexity, and operate effectively in ambiguity.

• Strong intellect with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field preferred.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability.  If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 269,000 - 403,000 USD / Annual

United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 224,000 - 336,000 USD / Annual

Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 218,000 - 328,000 CAD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.

US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms. Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability.  If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here.