Sofia Xygkaki
Summary
Data Centre Construction and Commissioning Associate with a strong MEP background and proven experience delivering mission-critical facilities across the EMEA region. Skilled in managing projects from site development through construction, MEP installation, integrated systems testing, commissioning, and operational handover, ensuring safe, high-quality delivery to programme and budget. Holding a Master's degree in Energy and Sustainable Practices, I combine technical expertise with a practical, delivery-focused approach to coordinate multidisciplinary teams, drive commissioning excellence, and deliver resilient, high-performance data centres for hyperscale end users.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Director, Data Centre Product EMEA
Vantage DC
05.2026 - Current
- Defining technical standards and design strategy for hyperscale data centre products, ensuring solutions are optimised for constructability, commissioning, operational resilience, and repeatable delivery.
- Leading technical governance across design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring engineering decisions support efficient installation, system integration, commissioning execution, budget and timely delivery.
- Provide technical leadership to construction and commissioning teams, resolving complex engineering issues, maintaining design intent throughout delivery, and supporting Level 1–5 commissioning, Integrated Systems Testing (IST), and operational readiness.
- Collaborated with project delivery, commissioning, and operations teams to enhance construction methodologies, standardise commissioning processes, reduce delivery risk, and achieve seamless client handover into live operations.
- Leading the strategy for Vantege’s new product definition ensuring the product can be built, commissioned, and operated successfully.
Associate Development & Construction
CloudHQ
02.2024 - 05.2026
- Delivered a 72MW building in France and a 48MW building in Germany, focusing on construction, commissioning Level 1 to 5 and operational handover.
- Directed the safe and successful delivery of hyperscale data centre construction and commissioning projects, with full accountability for programme, commercial performance, quality, and client outcomes.
- Developed Employer's Requirements, technical specifications, procurement strategies, and contract documentation to ensure successful project execution and enhance contractor performance.
- Directed principal contractors, consultants, and specialist subcontractors, driving construction delivery, programme recovery, commercial control, and statutory compliance.
- Oversaw all mechanical, electrical, and CSA delivery activities, ensuring construction quality, system integration, and commissioning readiness.
- Led the end-to-end commissioning strategy, managing Level 1–5 commissioning, integrated systems testing (IST), CxA coordination, and operational readiness through to client handover.
- Directed Level 4 integrated systems testing (IST), coordinating multidisciplinary teams, CxA, vendors, and client representatives to validate system integration and operational performance against design intent.
- Led Level 5 operational commissioning and client acceptance, overseeing training, documentation, operational readiness, live demonstrations, and final handover to ensure a seamless transition into production operations.
- Collaborated with hyperscale operations teams to optimise system design and ensure operational resilience and maintainability for a seamless transition into live operations.
- During project deliveries, managed executive stakeholder engagement across clients, design teams, contractors, CxA, and hyperscale operations to ensure alignment throughout delivery.
Technical Programme Manager
Black & White Engineering
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Leading major data centre development portfolios across EMEA from early site acquisition stages, design development, permitting to construction for hyperscale end clients.
- Assessed development sites across EMEA for prospective acquisitions, identifying yield and optimising investment opportunities.
- Represented the client, providing full-time site supervision to ensure construction works were delivered in accordance with contract requirements, design intent, quality standards, and project programme.
- Managed technical queries, RFIs, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and site instructions, coordinating with design team to resolve construction issues and uphold programme and quality standards.
- Deep dive on targeted hyperscale tenant specifications to ensure design and development of products that meet end-client specifications.
- Developing concept, design and validation for critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure from early project stages throughout construction and handover, ensuring they are met in the final specifications.
- Analysed TCO, CAPEX, and OPEX models for clients to determine the most profitable approach while adhering to design intent.
Technical Director, Data Centre Product EMEA
Black & White Engineering
11.2022 - 03.2023
- As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, leading the data centre design up to RIBA Stage 5 and EMEA equivalent stages for projects up to 100 MWIT capacity, managing the coordination and design of MEP and CSA for efficient and fast-paced Data Centre developments.
- Coordination of MEP and CSA throughout all design stages.
- Design development up to RIBA Stage 5.
- Developing hybrid designs to promote maximum flexibility for multiple tenants.
- Identified site potentials and developed concepts for optimal project outcomes.
- Raising opportunities and risks at Due Diligence Stage.
- Preparation of permit and tender documentation for different EMEA countries.
- Facilitated effective communication and cooperation among key stakeholders to enhance project alignment.
- Cultivated strong customer relationships and trust to support project success.
- Finalist DCD Young Mission Critical Engineer of the Year 2022.
Technical Director, Data Centre Product EMEA
Black & White Engineering
01.2022 - 11.2022
- As a Mechanical Engineer, leading the data centre design up to RIBA Stage 5 and EMEA equivalent stages for projects up to 100 MWIT capacity, managing the coordination and design of MEP and CSA for efficient and fast-paced Data Centre developments.
- Identified site potentials and developed concepts to enhance project feasibility.
- Raised opportunities and risks during due diligence to inform decision-making.
- Developing hybrid designs to promote maximum flexibility for multiple tenants.
- Design development up to RIBA Stage 5.
- Coordination of MEP and CSA throughout all design stages.
- Preparation of permit and tender documentation for different EMEA countries.
- Creating effective communication and cooperation between key stakeholders.
- Cultivated strong customer relationships and trust to foster collaboration.
Mechanical Design Engineer
Yes Engineering
08.2020 - 12.2021
- Promoted from junior to intermediate engineer, contributing to Mechanical and Public Health design for CAT A & CAT B Commercial Office fit-out and Data Centres for international clients from concept design to contract issue, supporting senior engineers in technical project management.
- Mechanical calculations (HVAC, PH) for construction.
- Adapted HVAC design to meet local regulations and climatic conditions.
- Production of Drawings and Schematics (Revit & CAD) for construction.
- Preparation of Documentation for construction.
- Liaised with end client and developer to understand needs, manage requests, and negotiate effective solutions.
- Conducted site surveys and inspections to identify issues and ensure compliance.
- Conducted technical due diligence to evaluate project feasibility and define requirements.
- Post design assessment / Contractor’s RFIs.
Education
MEng - Mechanical Engineering
University of Portsmouth
01-2020
Abitur - German Diploma & Greek Diploma
German School of Athens
01-2015
Skills
- On time and budget project delivery
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Project site management
- Local standards compliance
- Value engineering
- Stakeholder engagement
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
German
Proficient
C2
Greek
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Technical Director, Data Centre Product EMEA
Vantage DC
05.2026 - Current
Associate Development & Construction
CloudHQ
02.2024 - 05.2026
Technical Programme Manager
Black & White Engineering
05.2023 - 01.2024
Technical Director, Data Centre Product EMEA
Black & White Engineering
11.2022 - 03.2023
Technical Director, Data Centre Product EMEA
Black & White Engineering
01.2022 - 11.2022
Mechanical Design Engineer
Yes Engineering
08.2020 - 12.2021
MEng - Mechanical Engineering
University of Portsmouth
Abitur - German Diploma & Greek Diploma
German School of Athens