Company Profile nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients.

nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.

About The Role

We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead technical design delivery of data centre projects across Southern Europe, primarily France, Spain and Switzerland.

Requirements

, budget and programme. Working closely with Engineering, Development, Construction and Operations, you will serve as technical lead, ensuring designs are robust, buildable and cost-effective, and aligned with nLighten's growth strategy.

and nLighten standards. Drive design consistency, scalability and standardisation across Southern European projects. Coordinate design reviews and ensure timely resolution of technical comments and design queries.

Technical Leadership Review and validate electrical, mechanical, civil and architectural designs. Ensure designs are technically robust, cost-efficient and operationally maintainable. Support the development and continuous improvement of nLighten design standards, specifications and reference solutions.

Support innovation initiatives including high-density deployments, liquid cooling technologies and energy efficiency improvements. Consultant & Stakeholder Management Select, appoint and manage external consultants, engineers and architects. Act as the primary technical interface between internal stakeholders and external design teams.

Support procurement activities related to design and engineering services. Collaborate closely with Development, Construction, Operations, Procurement and Finance teams. Program & Project Delivery Manage design programs and monitor design progress across multiple projects.

Ensure timely delivery of design packages required for permitting, utility applications, tendering and construction. Maintain robust design documentation, approvals and change management processes. Support construction teams during project execution and technical issue resolution.

Conduct site visits and participate in key project meetings throughout project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Design Management Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams across multiple data centre projects. Manage design development from feasibility studies through construction issue documentation.

What We’Re Looking For

10+ years of experience in data center design, engineering or technical project delivery. Experience working for a developer, operator, consultant or contractor within mission-critical environments. Strong understanding of data center electrical and mechanical systems.

Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design consultants. Strong project management and stakeholder management skills. Familiarity with French and Southern European regulatory and permitting processes.

Fluent English and French required. Additional European languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or German) are considered a plus. Degree in Engineering or Architecture.

Why Join Us

High-growth European platform: Be part of an expanding team with opportunities to grow laterally and vertically at a pivotal stage of expansion.