David Swanson

About David Swanson

I am a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer with 30+ years of experience delivering complex, high-performance infrastructure for global technology leaders. At Microsoft, I help shape the next generation of hyperscale and AI-driven data centers—advancing structural systems, sustainability strategies, and scalable and modular design standards for one of the world’s largest cloud computing platforms.My expertise spans- Data Center Engineering Leadership – Driving civil, structural, and architectural design innovation for mission-critical facilities around the globe- Sustainability & Embodied Carbon Reduction – Championing low-carbon materials and design practices to meet aggressive sustainability goals- Next-Generation Design – Developing multi-story and modular solutions to support AI workloads and rapid global expansion.Recognized as an award-winning Professional Engineer (PE & SE), I combine technical knowledge depth with a strategic vision to deliver resilient, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure. Passionate about collaboration, I work with cross-functional teams to align engineering excellence with business objectives - ensuring every project meets safety, quality, schedule, cost, sustainability and performance targets.

Experience

1. Principal Civil Structural Engineer

   Microsoft

   Jun 2020 — Present · Redmond, WA, US

   An award-winning civil and structural engineer with over 30 years of experience in designing and developing mission-critical infrastructure. David brings deep technical leadership with highly collaborative skills to Microsoft’s Data Center Engineering team. In his role as Principal Civil & Structural Engineer, David leads global design excellence, ensuring the quality, compliance, and innovation of Microsoft’s built and leased data centers. These facilities are the backbone of the Microsoft Cloud - powering AI, sustainability, and digital transformation at scale- Lead structural and civil design strategy for hyperscale and AI-driven data centers across the Americas, ensuring resilience, scalability, and compliance with global standards- Develop next-generation design frameworks and standards for multi-story and modular data center form factors to support rapid cloud and AI infrastructure growth- Champion sustainability initiatives, driving embodied carbon reduction through innovative material selection and low-carbon concrete programs aligned with corporate ESG goals- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Architecture, MEP, Telecom, Security, EHS, OPS) to integrate structural systems with critical power and cooling infrastructure for optimal safe and secure performance- Establish and maintain design standardsfor civil, structural, and architectural systems, enabling design consistency and efficiency across a global portfolio- Provide executive-level technical guidance on structural efficiency, schedule optimization, risk mitigation, seismic resilience, and lifecycle cost optimization for mission-critical facilities.

Education

• American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)

  Senior Executives Institute Class 22, Executive Leadership Training

  2017 — 2018

• University of Washington

  BSCE, Civil and Structural Engineering

  1990

• University of Washington

  MSCE, Civil and Structural Engineering

  1991