Application deadline: Jan 12 2026
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking an experienced Real Estate Principal to lead the strategy identification acquisition and development of properties for data centers that will power AWSs expanding global cloud infrastructure. This individual will play a critical role in securing strategic sites that meet the technical environmental and financial needs of AWS while aligning with our long-term growth goals.
The ideal candidate brings significant experience in real estate site selection acquisition and development with experience specifically focused on data center-related projects. This role requires deep expertise in navigating zoning regulations utility partnerships environmental constraints and ownership structures to secure the most viable properties. The Principal will also have demonstrated success in complex negotiations including purchase agreements build-to-suit arrangements and colocation deals.
At AWS the Real Estate Principal will collaborate with internal teams including engineering construction legal and finance to ensure the seamless delivery of land for data center projects. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape AWSs future by identifying high-value locations that meet the rigorous power latency and capacity requirements of the largest cloud infrastructure in the world. You will work at the intersection of real estate strategy development and business growth helping AWS meet the ever-increasing demand for cloud services globally.
In addition to managing a pipeline of strategic real estate transactions the Principal will drive the continuous improvement of AWSs land acquisition processes. This includes streamlining our site development process overseeing entitlement work and fostering relationships with developers utility providers and municipalities. The ideal candidate is a results-driven strategic thinker with the ability to balance speed quality and cost in high-stakes real estate deals.
Key job responsibilities
Site Selection & Acquisition:
-Identify evaluate and secure sites that meet AWSs data center needs considering key factors like geographical latency access to power and water and zoning regulations.
-Lead the due diligence process evaluating environmental conditions ownership structures and regulatory hurdles.
-Collaborate with local governments landowners brokers and developers to source strategic locations and assess potential risks.
Real Estate Negotiations & Transactions:
-Develop and execute complex real estate deals including purchases leases build-to-suit agreements and colocation contracts.
-Negotiate favorable terms with developers landlords and municipalities to meet AWSs operational and financial goals.
-Manage deal flow across multiple regions ensuring timely execution while balancing risk and scalability.
Development Oversight:
-Oversee entitlement zoning and permitting processes to ensure smooth site delivery.
-Coordinate with engineering design and construction teams to align project requirements with site characteristics.
-Ensure pre-construction work such as grading fencing and offsite improvements is completed to support timely development.
Stakeholder Engagement:
-Partner with internal teams across legal finance construction and operations to align real estate strategies with AWSs long-term growth objectives.
-Build and maintain relationships with local municipalities utility providers and economic development agencies to support project success.
-Provide regular updates to senior leadership on site acquisition progress risks and market trends.
A day in the life
About AWS
Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting hasnt followed a traditional path or includes alternative experiences dont let it stop you from applying.
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About the team
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design planning delivery and operation of all AWS global other words were the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers storage networking power and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain and were looking for talented people who want to help.
Youll join a diverse team of software hardware and network engineers supply chain specialists security experts operations managers and other vital roles. Youll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And youll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
- Bachelors degree in Business Administration Finance Economics Computer Science Engineering or related field
- 15 years of real-estate development experience
- 5 years of data center real estate experience
- Knowledge of data center infrastructure design operations or delivery
- Experience structuring and negotiating complex agreements and leading cross-functional groups to orchestrate and successfully complete deals
- Knowledge of both mechanical and electrical equipment or design related to data center electrical and mechanical topology
- Masters Degree or higher (including Juris Doctor) in Business Finance Economics Engineering or related fields.
- Strong knowledge of alternative real estate transaction approaches structures and best practices related development processes and commercial/industrial site selection.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status disability or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process including support for the interview or onboarding process please visit
for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt listed please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base pay range for this position is listed below. Hourly pay ranges include the base pay rate plus the highest available shift differential which applies depending on the shift you select.
Colorado $176000 - $238100 annually / hourly
National $158400 - $261900 annually / hourly
For salaried roles your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience qualifications and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical dental vision prescription Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans EAP Mental Health Support Medical Advice Line Flexible Spending Accounts Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage) 401(k) matching paid time off and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at hourly roles as a total compensation company you are eligible for additional earnings including overtime pay and performance bonuses. Final pay will be based on factors including shift selection and location. Starting Day 1 of employment Amazon offers EAP Mental Health Support Medical Advice Line 401(k) matching. Learn more about our benefits at Experience:Manager