Data Center Design Manager (Electrical)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Design Manager (Electrical)

Company: Eaton Corporation

Location: Segrate, Lombardy, Italy / France

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Operations / Data Center Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: 8-10 Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Remote OK (France-based preferred)

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage the end-to-end electrical design lifecycle for complex data center projects, from conceptualization through to detailed design, construction support, and project closeout, ensuring alignment with Eaton's strategic growth in the Data Center segment.

• Provide influential technical leadership and hands-on expertise in electrical design for mission-critical facilities, overseeing MV and LV power distribution, transformers, UPS, and standby generation systems.

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, including electrical engineers and subject matter experts (SMEs), to deliver high-quality, efficient, and scalable data center solutions that meet evolving industry demands, including AI loads and de-carbonization initiatives.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in electrical design processes and technologies, staying abreast of emerging trends like edge computing and AI, to ensure cost-effectiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly stated to be France-based, with additional flexibility for Italy. Given the "Remote OK" tag, this suggests a hybrid approach where the candidate is expected to work remotely from France, with potential for site visits or occasional travel to Italy or other project locations. The emphasis on "Data Center is a complex application and a strategic growth area for Eaton" highlights the critical nature of this role in driving business expansion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary Design Manager for data center projects, taking ownership of the electrical design scope, ensuring seamless execution from initial concept development to final closeout.

• Provide direct technical leadership and hands-on electrical design input for mission-critical facilities, ensuring adherence to the highest engineering standards and best practices.

• Lead, mentor, and coordinate electrical engineers and SMEs within a multidisciplinary design team, fostering a collaborative environment for both large-scale and smaller-scale projects.

• Proactively manage design deliverables, allocate resources effectively, adhere to project schedules, and maintain stringent quality control throughout all project phases.

• Offer expert technical guidance and mentorship to the broader Data Center Design & Engineering team, promoting knowledge transfer and professional development.

• Develop, implement, and rigorously uphold electrical design quality standards, robust procedures, and industry-leading best practices across all projects.

• Conduct thorough reviews and formal approvals of electrical designs, complex calculations, technical reports, and detailed specifications, facilitating peer reviews to ensure design integrity.

• Serve as a client-facing technical lead, actively participating in and contributing to client, contractor, and internal Eaton meetings to foster strong stakeholder relationships.

• Lead project teams through critical value engineering sessions, optioneering exercises, and strategic technical decision-making processes to optimize design outcomes.

• Participate in and lead on-site project visits to meticulously monitor, review, and resolve any electrical installation and commissioning issues that may arise.

• Collaborate seamlessly with project management, commercial teams, and construction personnel to guarantee the successful and timely delivery of all data center projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic management, hands-on technical expertise, and client-facing engagement. The emphasis on "mission-critical facilities" and "emerging technologies such as edge computing and AI" indicates a need for a forward-thinking approach to design and problem-solving within the dynamic data center industry. The mention of "electromechanical systems such as cooling, building management systems, energy management systems" suggests that a holistic understanding of data center infrastructure, beyond just electrical, is beneficial.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• BSc in Electrical Engineering is a mandatory requirement.

• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred, indicating a desire for advanced theoretical knowledge and analytical capabilities. Experience:

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a significant focus on data center design and mission-critical facilities. Required Skills:

• Proven track record in delivering the full spectrum of electrical engineering services for mission-critical facilities, specifically encompassing:

  • Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) power distribution systems.
  • Transformer design, integration, and specification.
  • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, including architecture and sizing.
  • Standby generation systems (e.g., generators, switchgear).

• In-depth knowledge of relevant electrical codes, industry standards (e.g., IEC, NEC, local Italian/French standards), and accepted engineering best practices for data centers.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting value engineering exercises to integrate new technologies and deliver cost-effective, resilient client solutions.

• Strong analytical and complex problem-solving skills, with the ability to dissect intricate technical challenges and propose effective solutions.

• Proven ability to think strategically, anticipate future needs, and drive long-term innovation in electrical design and data center infrastructure.

• Demonstrated experience in building and developing engineering teams, fostering collaboration, and supporting robust design processes.

• Fluency in both English and French is essential for effective communication with international teams, clients, and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD for 2D design and drafting.

• Familiarity with Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D design is advantageous for integrated project delivery.

• Experience with electromechanical systems such as cooling, building management systems (BMS), and energy management systems (EMS) within a data center context.

• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as edge computing and AI, and their implications for electrical infrastructure design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both "BSc / MSc in Electrical Engineering" and "8-10 Years of Experience" positions this role for a seasoned professional. The explicit mention of "MV and LV power distribution, Transformers, UPS and standby generation systems" are critical technical competencies that candidates must possess. The requirement for English and French fluency underscores the international nature of the role and the need for effective cross-cultural communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing successful end-to-end management of complex electrical design projects for mission-critical facilities, with a clear emphasis on data centers.

• Demonstrated examples of innovative electrical design solutions that led to significant cost savings, improved resilience, or enhanced energy efficiency (ROI demonstration).

• Evidence of implementing and adhering to rigorous electrical design quality standards, procedures, and industry best practices.

• Case studies detailing the integration of new technologies or value engineering initiatives within electrical infrastructure projects.

• Documentation of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and client engagement, highlighting leadership in technical decision-making. Process Documentation:

• Examples of developed electrical design quality standards and procedures for mission-critical facilities.

• Documentation of processes used for reviewing and approving electrical designs, calculations, reports, and specifications.

• Workflow examples illustrating how design teams are led, coordinated, and mentored to ensure project success.

• Case studies detailing the management of design deliverables, resources, and schedules for complex projects.

• Processes for site visit monitoring, review, and resolution of electrical installation and commissioning matters.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and technical depth, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase completed projects but also highlight the candidate's process-driven approach to design management, quality assurance, and problem-solving within the data center electrical engineering domain. The ability to articulate the "how" behind successful project delivery, not just the "what," will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Data Center Design Manager (Electrical) with 8-10 years of experience in Western Europe (specifically France and Italy), the estimated annual gross salary range is €75,000 - €105,000. This estimate considers factors such as the complexity of data center design, the strategic importance of the role to Eaton, and the cost of living in the primary designated location (France).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions (e.g., pension scheme).

• Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options and potential for international travel.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives. Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the nature of project-based work in data center design may require flexibility to meet project deadlines, including occasional extended hours or weekend work, particularly during critical design phases, construction support, or commissioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for specialized engineering roles in Western Europe can vary significantly by country, region, and specific company compensation philosophy. The provided range is a general estimate. Benefits packages are also highly variable; the listed benefits are common for multinational corporations in the engineering sector. The "Remote OK" status for a France-based role suggests potential for remote work while still requiring occasional travel for critical project phases.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Diversified energy management, with a significant focus on electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical energy solutions. Eaton is a major player in electrical components, power distribution, and critical power infrastructure, with a strong presence in the data center market.

Company Size: Eaton Corporation is a large, global enterprise, with approximately 92,000 employees worldwide and revenues nearing $25 billion annually. This scale implies robust processes, extensive resources, and a structured organizational framework.

Founded: Eaton Corporation was founded in 1911, signifying a long history of innovation, market adaptation, and sustained growth in the energy management sector.

Team Structure:

• The Data Center Design Engineering Team is part of the broader EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) Engineering organization, reporting to the EMEA Director of Engineering - DC Segment.

• This role involves leading and coordinating with a multidisciplinary design team, including other electrical engineers, and potentially civil, mechanical, and controls engineers, as well as subject matter experts (SMEs).

• Collaboration is expected with project management, commercial, and construction teams, indicating a matrixed reporting structure and cross-functional team involvement. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and the application of engineering best practices for electrical design in mission-critical environments.

• Focus on continuous improvement and innovation to address evolving industry challenges such as digitization, AI load surges, and de-carbonization.

• Structured project management methodologies are likely employed to ensure timely and quality delivery of complex data center infrastructure projects.

• A client-centric approach, involving close collaboration and technical leadership in client-facing meetings.

Company Website: eaton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Eaton's long history and global presence suggest a stable yet innovative work environment. The company's strategic focus on data centers and energy management positions this role at the forefront of technological advancement in a high-growth sector. The team structure emphasizes collaboration across various engineering disciplines and project functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring substantial experience and leadership capabilities. It's a "Manager" title, indicating direct responsibility for managing design scopes, technical teams, and project outcomes, rather than individual contributor roles. The "influential technical leader" descriptor points towards shaping design strategy and influencing technical direction.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the EMEA Director of Engineering - DC Segment. This suggests a clear hierarchical structure within the engineering department, with opportunities for upward mobility within the regional or global engineering leadership.

Operations Impact: The Data Center Design Manager (Electrical) has a direct and significant impact on Eaton's strategic growth in the data center market. Their work directly influences the successful design, delivery, and operational efficiency of critical infrastructure that supports digitization and emerging technologies like AI. Effective design management ensures client satisfaction, project profitability, and Eaton's reputation as a provider of reliable and innovative energy management solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced electrical design for hyperscale and AI-driven data centers, becoming a recognized SME within Eaton.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to higher management roles within EMEA or global engineering, potentially overseeing larger teams, broader project portfolios, or more strategic engineering initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to project management, commercial aspects, and construction oversight, potentially leading to roles that blend engineering leadership with broader project or business unit management.

• Innovation Leadership: Lead R&D efforts related to new electrical technologies, energy efficiency solutions, and sustainable design practices for data centers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title, coupled with 8-10 years of experience, suggests a role that is beyond a senior engineer but not yet at a director level. The emphasis on "influential technical leader" and "driving innovation" points to opportunities for shaping technical strategy and mentoring future leaders.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Remote OK" and "TELECOMMUTE" with a preferred France-based location. This indicates a primary remote working arrangement, allowing for flexibility. However, the nature of managing complex data center projects means that occasional on-site visits to project locations (e.g., Segrate, Italy, or other sites in France or EMEA) will be necessary for design reviews, site inspections, and commissioning support.

Office Location(s):

• Primary designated location: France.

• Secondary potential location: Segrate, Lombardy, Italy.

• The role requires flexibility to travel to project sites as needed for design reviews, construction support, and commissioning activities across the EMEA region. Workspace Context:

• Remote Workstation: Candidates will be expected to maintain a productive home office environment equipped with reliable internet connectivity to support remote collaboration tools and virtual meetings.

• Collaborative Technology: Access to and proficiency with collaborative platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack) and project management software will be essential for seamless interaction with global and regional teams.

• On-Site Engagement: When required, the workspace will shift to project sites, construction offices, or client facilities, demanding adaptability and the ability to engage directly with on-site teams and stakeholders.

Work Schedule: While the core work week is typically 40 hours, the demands of international project management and critical infrastructure design may necessitate flexibility. This could include early morning or late afternoon calls to accommodate different time zones, and potentially extended hours or weekend work during critical project milestones like design freezes, construction phases, or system commissioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" designation with a France-based preference, combined with the need for on-site visits, suggests a hybrid model. Candidates should be prepared for a distributed team environment and the necessity of travel for key project phases.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, designed to assess technical acumen, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit.

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, salary expectations, and cultural fit.

2. Technical Interview(s): One or more interviews with engineering managers or senior technical staff to delve into electrical design expertise, data center knowledge, problem-solving skills, and experience with mission-critical systems. Expect detailed questions on MV/LV distribution, UPS, generators, and relevant codes.

3. Managerial/Leadership Interview: An interview with the hiring manager (EMEA Director of Engineering) to evaluate leadership style, team management experience, strategic thinking, and ability to drive innovation. This may also involve discussing career aspirations.

4. Portfolio Review / Case Study: A dedicated session (potentially integrated into other interviews) where candidates present their portfolio, walking through key projects, design challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This might also include a specific technical challenge or scenario to solve.

5. Cross-Functional/Stakeholder Interview: Potentially an interview with representatives from project management, commercial, or construction teams to assess collaboration and communication skills.

6. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, possibly with senior leadership, to confirm suitability and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (e.g., hyperscale data center, edge data center) or by key electrical systems (e.g., power distribution, UPS integration).

• Content: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design approach taken, key technical decisions made, the specific solutions implemented (e.g., detailed schematics, system architecture diagrams), and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, resilience improvements, compliance with standards).

• Visuals: Include high-quality diagrams, schematics, and potentially 3D models (if using Revit) to illustrate complex electrical systems.

• Operations Focus: Emphasize how your designs contribute to operational efficiency, reliability, and maintainability of the data center. Highlight any process improvements you implemented or advocated for.

• Storytelling: Frame your project presentations as compelling narratives, showcasing your problem-solving skills and leadership impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios involving electrical faults, power quality issues, load balancing, or integrating new technologies into existing data center infrastructure. Practice articulating your diagnostic process and proposed solutions.

• Design Optimization: Expect questions related to optimizing power distribution paths, sizing UPS and generator systems for specific loads, or implementing energy-efficient solutions.

• Code Compliance: Review key electrical codes and standards relevant to data centers (e.g., NFPA 70/NEC, IEC standards, local building codes) and be ready to discuss their application.

• AI Load Considerations: Think about the unique power demands and thermal management implications of AI workloads and how electrical infrastructure needs to adapt.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Data Center Design Manager (Electrical)" role requires a strong blend of technical depth and project leadership. The interview process and portfolio review will likely focus on demonstrating practical application of electrical engineering principles in a mission-critical context, along with the ability to manage complex projects and teams.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software for electrical design and documentation is crucial.

  • AutoCAD: For 2D electrical schematics, layouts, and single-line diagrams.
  • Revit: Highly advantageous for Building Information Modeling (BIM), enabling 3D design, clash detection, and integration with other building systems.

• Simulation & Analysis Tools: Familiarity with software for power system analysis, load flow calculations, short-circuit studies, and potentially transient stability analysis (e.g., ETAP, SKM PowerTools, DIgSILENT PowerFactory).

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from power monitoring systems, energy management systems, and commissioning reports to identify trends, performance issues, and areas for improvement.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating technical reports, design documentation, and presentations using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Excel will be particularly important for calculations and data analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how electrical design impacts data center operations managed by CRMs and how design data integrates into facility management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) for understanding integrated facility operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD and Revit as "advantageous, but not essential" suggests that while BIM proficiency is a strong plus, deep electrical engineering expertise and project management skills are prioritized. However, for a "Manager" role, familiarity with these tools is expected for review and oversight.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety & Reliability: Paramount importance placed on electrical safety and ensuring the reliability of critical power systems to prevent downtime.

• Innovation & Efficiency: A drive to continuously improve designs, integrate new technologies, and optimize energy usage for cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve common project goals.

• Customer Focus: Commitment to understanding client needs and delivering solutions that meet or exceed expectations for performance, resilience, and value.

• Technical Excellence: Upholding high standards of engineering practice, continuous learning, and a commitment to staying current with industry advancements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expectation to collaborate closely with project managers, commercial teams, construction personnel, and other engineering disciplines (mechanical, civil, IT) to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the engineering team to foster collective growth and improve future designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Eaton's global presence and focus on energy management suggest a culture that values technical expertise, safety, and a results-oriented approach, balanced with strong teamwork and client engagement. The specific mention of "de-carbonization" and "grid saturation" indicates a forward-looking approach to sustainability and infrastructure resilience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the accelerating demands of digitization and AI, which require significantly higher power densities and more complex cooling solutions, challenging traditional electrical infrastructure designs.

• Grid Saturation & Sustainability: Designing resilient power systems in the face of increasing grid strain and the imperative for de-carbonization, requiring innovative solutions for energy storage, renewable integration, and energy efficiency.

• Global Project Complexity: Managing design projects across diverse geographical locations with varying local codes, standards, supply chains, and construction practices.

• Talent Development: Mentoring and developing a team of electrical engineers to meet the evolving technical demands of the data center industry and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Technologies: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in emerging areas like advanced cooling technologies, AI infrastructure power requirements, grid-edge solutions, and smart grid integration.

• Leadership Training: Access to internal leadership development programs, project management training, and executive coaching to enhance managerial and strategic capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending key industry events (e.g., Data Center World, Uptime Institute Symposium) and obtaining relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Data Center Design Professional - CDCDP, P.E. license).

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to work on projects that involve close collaboration with mechanical, civil, and IT infrastructure teams, broadening understanding of the entire data center ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of the data center industry, particularly with the advent of AI. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing both highly specialized technical experts and well-rounded engineering leaders.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex electrical design challenge you faced in a mission-critical facility and how you approached solving it. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Focus on problem-solving methodology, technical depth, and lessons learned.)

• "How do you ensure electrical design quality and compliance with codes and standards in a fast-paced project environment?" (Prepare to discuss your quality assurance processes, peer review strategies, and familiarity with key regulations.)

• "Imagine a scenario where a critical UPS system fails during a client meeting. How would you, as the design manager, lead the response and investigation?" (Assess your leadership under pressure, technical diagnostic process, and communication strategy.)

• "How do you balance the need for cost-effectiveness with the requirements for high reliability and resilience in data center electrical design?" (Showcase your understanding of value engineering and risk management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Eaton Corporation and our role in the energy management and data center sectors?" (Research Eaton's mission, values, recent projects, and strategic direction, particularly in data centers.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a multidisciplinary engineering team, especially in a remote or hybrid setup?" (Prepare examples of your team-building and communication strategies.)

• "Our industry is rapidly evolving with AI and de-carbonization demands. How do you stay ahead of these trends and incorporate them into your design philosophy?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in data center electrical design management, highlighting complexity, innovation, and successful outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the quantifiable results – e.g., % reduction in energy consumption, % improvement in uptime, cost savings achieved, adherence to budget/schedule.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, making critical technical decisions, and managing client relationships.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, well-annotated diagrams, schematics, and potentially BIM models to illustrate your designs and thought process.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a given timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions will likely probe both deep technical expertise in electrical engineering for data centers and strong project/people management skills. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to demonstrate practical application and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Design Manager (Electrical) position:

• Submit your application through the Eaton Careers portal or the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience in electrical design for mission-critical facilities, data centers, MV/LV distribution, UPS, and standby generation. If you have a digital portfolio, ensure it is easily accessible and showcases relevant projects with clear metrics and outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 8-10 years of experience, explicitly mentioning your involvement in data center projects, your leadership roles, and proficiency with relevant design software and industry standards. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical expertise, leadership approach, and problem-solving skills. Prepare detailed examples for behavioral questions and be ready to walk through your portfolio, emphasizing your impact and process. Research Eaton's commitment to energy management and data center solutions.

• Language Proficiency: Be prepared to conduct parts of the interview in both English and French, demonstrating your fluency.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.