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 an experienced Director of Engineering Development (m/w/d) to lead the technical design development of our expanding data center portfolio.

Requirements

in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

; familiarity with wider European framworks is a plus. Broad spectrum experience across enterprise, co-location, and build-to-suit environments is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Governance Oversee the development of masterplans into construction-ready designs for data center projects. Drive consistency, scalability, and repeatability across nLighten’s growing portfolio by ensuring good design governance. Support the continuous improvement of the nLighten design system including standards, specifications and reference designs Oversee design review, change and approval processes and the timely resolution of technical queries in compliance with minimum standards Technical Oversight Review and validate multidisciplinary design outputs (electrical, mechanical, civil, and architectural) to ensure high-quality design definitions for cost-optimised infrastructure Ensure the delivery of technically complete, contractually robust information for construction permits, utility services and construction works.

Oversee the delivery of permits and tender information. Enable the procurement of utility services and construction works. Consultant & Stakeholder Management Recommend, appoint, and manage external design consultants, engineers, and architects Act as a key interface between the CTO, internal teams, and external partners Work with procurement to ensure effective, best-value procurement of design activities.

Support and manage budgeting for design activities. Program & Delivery Management Manage design processes and timelines to program, ensuring timely delivery in alignment with wider project schedules, with a clear audit trail and approval process. Maintain robust documentation, approvals, and governance trails.

Responsibilities

Travel to project sites as needed to oversee design implementation and stakeholder engagement.

What We’Re Looking For

10+ years in data centre design, engineering, or technical delivery (contractor, client, or consultant side), with experience managing multidisciplinary design teams across multiple projects. Strong engineering mindset with the ability to think logically, scientifically, and mathematically, backed by solid knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, architectural considerations, and related engineering fields. Familiarity with key design tools such as ETAP, Ansys, 6Sigma, and Revit, with the ability to handle complex technical queries and interface across multiple stakeholders including CTO, operations, and contractors.