Data Center Design Manager (Electrical)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Design Manager (Electrical)

Company: Eaton Corporation

Location: L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Madrid, Spain; Milan, Italy; Rome, Italy

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-23T12:43:02

Experience Level: 8-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the electrical design scope for large-scale data center projects, from conceptualization through detailed design, construction support, and project closeout.

• Provide influential technical leadership and hands-on electrical design expertise for mission-critical facilities, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and scalable solutions.

• Drive innovation in data center electrical infrastructure by integrating emerging technologies and value engineering principles.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the Data Center Design & Engineering team.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including project management, commercial, and construction, to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for Eaton's strategic growth in the Data Center market, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise in electrical engineering for mission-critical facilities and strong leadership capabilities to manage design teams and complex projects across Spain and Italy. The emphasis on "hands-on" electrical design alongside management responsibilities indicates a need for a technically proficient leader who can still contribute directly to design challenges.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary Design Manager for electrical aspects of data center projects, overseeing all design stages from concept development, detailed design, to construction support and final closeout.

• Provide direct technical leadership and ownership for critical electrical design elements within mission-critical facilities, ensuring adherence to design standards and client requirements.

• Lead and coordinate the activities of electrical engineers and subject matter experts within a multidisciplinary design team, managing resources, schedules, and deliverables for both large and small-scale projects.

• Develop, implement, and enforce electrical design quality standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices to maintain a high level of design integrity and consistency.

• Conduct thorough reviews and approvals of electrical designs, technical calculations, project reports, and specifications, facilitating formal peer review processes to ensure design robustness.

• Serve as a client-facing technical lead, actively participating and contributing to client, contractor, and internal Eaton meetings to ensure alignment and address technical inquiries.

• Lead project teams through value engineering sessions, optioneering exercises, and critical technical decision-making processes to optimize design solutions for cost-effectiveness and performance.

• Participate in and lead project site visits to monitor, review, and resolve electrical installation challenges and commissioning issues, ensuring compliance with design intent.

• Collaborate closely with project management, commercial teams, and construction teams to ensure seamless integration of design with project execution, budget, and timeline constraints.

• Mentor and provide expert technical guidance to the Data Center Design & Engineering team, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic management and practical, hands-on electrical engineering. The emphasis on client interaction, value engineering, and site visits indicates a role that is deeply integrated into the project lifecycle and requires strong communication and problem-solving skills beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• BSc in Electrical Engineering required.

• MSc in Electrical Engineering is preferred. 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 experience in delivering the full suite of electrical engineering services for mission-critical facilities.

• Deep expertise in MV and LV power distribution systems.

• Strong understanding and practical application of transformer systems.

• Comprehensive knowledge of UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and standby generation systems.

• Solid understanding of relevant electrical codes, standards (e.g., IEC, NEC, local Spanish/Italian codes), and accepted industry best practices.

• Experience in value engineering to integrate new technologies and deliver cost-effective, resilient client solutions.

• Familiarity with emerging technologies relevant to data centers, such as edge computing and AI loads.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex technical challenges.

• Ability to think strategically and drive long-term innovation in electrical infrastructure design.

• Proven experience in building and developing engineering teams, and supporting process improvements.

• Fluent in English, and proficient in either Spanish or Italian (or both). Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD for electrical design documentation.

• Experience with Revit for BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D design coordination.

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

• Appreciation of various building construction technologies and their associated challenges.

• Experience in project management and supervision of build projects, including the delivery of product technologies and services specific to the data center environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both Spanish and/or Italian alongside English is a critical qualifier for this role, reflecting the multi-country operational scope. The preference for an MSc and the inclusion of BIM tools like Revit suggest a leaning towards more advanced and integrated design methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in managing electrical design projects for mission-critical facilities, showcasing leadership in design scope, resource allocation, and quality control.

• Case studies detailing successful implementation of MV/LV power distribution, UPS, and standby generation systems, highlighting problem-solving and technical decision-making.

• Examples of value engineering initiatives and the integration of new technologies to achieve cost savings and enhance resilience in electrical infrastructure.

• Documentation of design reviews, peer reviews, and quality assurance processes undertaken for complex electrical systems.

• Evidence of client-facing engagement, including contributions to technical discussions, presentations, and resolution of site-specific electrical issues. Process Documentation:

• Workflows illustrating the process of leading an electrical design team from concept to closeout on data center projects.

• Methodologies for developing and implementing electrical design quality standards, procedures, and best practices.

• Examples of how technical guidance and mentorship are provided to junior engineers and SMEs.

• Documentation of collaboration processes with project management, commercial, and construction teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

• Records of site visit reports, issue resolution strategies, and commissioning support activities related to electrical systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end project lifecycle management and hands-on technical contributions to critical electrical systems is expected. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their processes for quality assurance, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration within the context of complex data center projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Data Center Design Managers with 8-10 years of experience in major European cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Rome), a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be between €75,000 and €100,000. This estimate accounts for the specialized technical expertise, management responsibilities, and the strategic importance of the role within Eaton's growing data center segment. Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including health, retirement, and other standard employee benefits.

• Challenging projects within a dynamic and collaborative team environment.

• Opportunities for internal promotion and career advancement, as Eaton encourages internal mobility.

• Significant investment in employee learning and development through Eaton University, offering ongoing training and skill enhancement.

• Focus on reliability, safety, efficiency, and sustainability in all contributions, aligning with Eaton's core values and mission.

• Comprehensive wellness programs and initiatives to support employee health and well-being. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available based on project demands and team needs, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for similar roles in Spain and Italy, considering the specialized nature of data center electrical design management. Specific compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the final negotiated offer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Diversified energy management solutions, with a strategic focus on data centers as a growth area. Eaton provides electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical energy management technologies and services.

Company Size: Approximately 92,000 employees globally, indicating a large, established organization with significant resources and a broad operational footprint.

Founded: Eaton Corporation was founded in 1911, signifying a long history of innovation and stability in its respective markets.

Team Structure:

• The Data Center Design Engineering Team operates within the EMEA region, specifically supporting the South Zone (Spain and Italy).

• The role reports into the EMEA Director of Engineering - DC Segment, placing it within a specialized leadership structure for data center engineering.

• This position requires leading and coordinating electrical engineers and subject matter experts (SMEs) within a multidisciplinary design team.

• Collaboration is expected with project management, commercial, and construction teams, suggesting a matrixed or highly integrated project execution structure. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implicit, given the role's focus on engineering and performance optimization.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to managing design processes, schedules, and resources efficiently.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged through the integration of new technologies and value engineering.

• A strong emphasis on quality standards, procedures, and best practices for electrical design in mission-critical environments.

Company Website: https://www.eaton.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Eaton's long history and global presence suggest a stable and structured corporate environment. The specific emphasis on data centers as a strategic growth area indicates investment and opportunity within this segment. The team structure implies a need for strong collaboration and communication skills across various functional departments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level management position within engineering operations, specifically focused on electrical design for data centers. It involves significant technical leadership, project management, and team supervision responsibilities. The "Manager" title suggests a progression beyond individual contributor roles, requiring oversight of design processes and personnel.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the EMEA Director of Engineering - DC Segment, indicating a clear line of reporting within a specialized regional engineering leadership structure for data centers. This provides direct access to senior leadership within the data center engineering domain.

Operations Impact: The Data Center Design Manager has a direct and critical impact on the success of Eaton's data center solutions. By ensuring the design, development, and implementation of high-quality, efficient, and scalable electrical infrastructure, this role directly influences project timelines, costs, client satisfaction, and the operational reliability of the data centers. This, in turn, supports Eaton's strategic growth objectives in the data center market and its overall energy management mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in mission-critical electrical design, explore advanced topics like AI load integration, edge computing infrastructure, and advanced power management technologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into broader regional or global engineering leadership roles, manage larger teams, and take on more strategic responsibilities within Eaton's engineering organization.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Development of a comprehensive understanding of data center operations beyond electrical systems, including electromechanical systems, construction technologies, and project management, by working closely with other departments.

• Industry Recognition: Involvement in challenging, high-profile data center projects that can lead to professional recognition and advancement within the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a significant growth opportunity for experienced electrical engineers looking to move into management and leadership within the specialized and rapidly expanding data center sector. The emphasis on "making aspirations matter" and "making growth matter" suggests a company culture that supports internal career progression and continuous learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a primary work location within Eaton's offices in Spain or Italy. This environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting the company's global operations and regional engineering functions.

Office Location(s):

• L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain

• Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

• Milan, Lombardy, Italy

• Rome, Lazio, Italy Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate collaboration with a multidisciplinary design team, including electrical engineers and SMEs.

• Access to necessary design tools and software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) will be available.

• Opportunities for interaction with project management, commercial, and construction teams, fostering a cross-functional project environment.

• The environment supports a hands-on approach to electrical design, requiring attention to detail and problem-solving for complex infrastructure projects. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.

• While primarily on-site, some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, attend meetings, or conduct site visits, particularly given the multi-location aspect of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-location aspect means candidates should be prepared to work from one of the specified office locations. The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for in-person collaboration, site visits, and team integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, especially the combination of electrical engineering expertise, data center experience, and management qualifications.

• Technical Assessment: Likely to involve discussions on your experience with MV/LV distribution, UPS, standby generation, and specific electrical design challenges in mission-critical facilities. Expect questions about relevant codes and standards.

• Managerial & Leadership Interview: Evaluation of your leadership style, experience managing engineering teams, approach to problem-solving, and ability to drive continuous improvement.

• Case Study / Design Challenge: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or tackle a hypothetical design challenge related to data center electrical systems to assess your technical acumen, strategic thinking, and presentation skills.

• Cross-Functional & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and stakeholders from project management, commercial, or construction to assess your collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and cultural alignment with Eaton's values.

• Final Interview: With the EMEA Director of Engineering or a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight projects where you managed electrical design teams, coordinated resources, and were accountable for design deliverables and quality.

• Detail Technical Contributions: Provide specific examples of your hands-on electrical design work on mission-critical facilities, focusing on UPS, standby generation, and power distribution systems. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., efficiency improvements, cost savings).

• Illustrate Problem-Solving: Present case studies of complex electrical issues you encountered and how you resolved them, demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Demonstrate Value Engineering: Include examples of how you successfully implemented value engineering or integrated new technologies to improve project outcomes.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase your ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and contractors, providing examples of successful cross-functional project execution.

• Language Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss technical concepts fluently in English and either Spanish or Italian.

Challenge Preparation:

• Electrical Design Scenarios: Review common electrical system design challenges for data centers, including load balancing, redundancy, fault tolerance, and grid integration.

• Code & Standard Application: Refresh your knowledge of key electrical codes and standards relevant to critical facilities in Europe.

• Project Management Principles: Be ready to discuss project lifecycle management, risk assessment, and scope control within an engineering design context.

• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare to articulate your approach to motivating teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering a high-performance engineering culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely test both deep technical expertise and strong leadership/management skills. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates both aspects, supported by fluent communication in the required languages, will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical CAD Software: AutoCAD (working knowledge advantageous, but not essential), Revit (preferred for BIM integration). These are critical for producing detailed electrical schematics, layouts, and documentation.

• Electrical Design & Analysis Software: Tools for load calculations, short-circuit analysis, power flow studies, and potentially transient stability analysis. Specific software may vary but would include industry-standard packages.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with systems that monitor electrical infrastructure performance, energy consumption, and uptime.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in developing or interpreting reports from dashboards that track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to electrical system efficiency, reliability, and maintenance.

CRM & Automation:

• Building Management Systems (BMS): Understanding of how electrical systems integrate with BMS for monitoring and control.

• Energy Management Systems (EMS): Knowledge of EMS for optimizing energy usage within data centers.

• Integration Platforms: Awareness of how electrical systems and their controls integrate with broader data center operational technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed as mandatory except for AutoCAD/Revit, proficiency with industry-standard electrical design and analysis tools is assumed. The emphasis on BMS and EMS indicates a need for an understanding of integrated operational technology within data centers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability, Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability: These are core values at Eaton, directly impacting how electrical designs are approached, ensuring systems are robust, safe to operate, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: The company encourages driving innovation, especially in the dynamic data center sector, and implementing continuous improvements in design processes and technology.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on meeting client needs and delivering effective, resilient solutions that protect people's lives and the environment through power management.

• Integrity and Ethics: As a long-standing corporation, Eaton upholds high ethical standards in all business dealings, including design practices and client interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with project management, commercial, and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment on goals.

• Team Leadership and Mentorship: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment within the electrical design team, providing guidance and encouraging knowledge sharing.

• Client and Contractor Engagement: Building strong working relationships with external stakeholders, acting as a technical point of contact and ensuring clear communication throughout project lifecycles.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and feedback among team members and with other departments to identify and resolve issues proactively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with Eaton's core values, particularly concerning sustainability, safety, and efficiency, which are paramount in data center design. A collaborative and proactive communication style is essential for navigating complex, multidisciplinary projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Designs: Overseeing the electrical design for large-scale data centers involves intricate systems, high power demands, and stringent reliability requirements, demanding meticulous attention to detail and robust problem-solving.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Keeping pace with and effectively integrating new technologies like edge computing and AI loads into existing or new electrical infrastructure presents a continuous learning challenge.

• Balancing Cost, Performance, and Sustainability: Finding optimal solutions that meet aggressive performance and reliability targets while remaining cost-effective and environmentally sustainable requires strategic thinking and innovative approaches.

• Cross-Cultural and Multi-Location Coordination: Managing design teams and projects across different countries (Spain and Italy) necessitates navigating diverse regulatory environments, communication styles, and logistical complexities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Center Training: Access to Eaton University and external training programs focused on advanced data center electrical design, power systems, and emerging technologies.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Opportunities to develop and refine leadership capabilities through formal training, mentorship, and hands-on experience managing engineering teams and projects.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue relevant industry certifications that enhance professional credibility and expertise in data center design and electrical engineering.

• Exposure to Global Projects: Gaining experience on diverse and challenging data center projects across the EMEA region, broadening technical and project management perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges of complex technical management and embrace continuous learning to stay at the forefront of data center electrical engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex electrical design challenge you faced in a mission-critical facility and how you resolved it. What was your specific role and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical depth, and impact.)

• "How would you approach managing a multidisciplinary design team for a large data center project, ensuring both technical excellence and timely delivery?" (Focus on leadership, team coordination, and process management.)

• "How do you stay current with emerging technologies in data center electrical infrastructure, such as AI loads or advanced power management, and how would you evaluate their suitability for a project?" (Focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and technical acumen.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Eaton Corporation and our strategic focus on the data center market?" (Demonstrate research into Eaton's mission, values, and growth areas.)

• "How do you align with Eaton's core values of reliability, safety, efficiency, and sustainability in your professional approach?" (Provide specific examples linking your work to these values.)

• "Describe your experience working in international teams or on projects spanning multiple countries. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Highlight cross-cultural competence and communication strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each key project, clearly outline the challenge, your role, the technical solutions implemented (especially electrical design aspects), the processes you managed, and the quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, reliability improvements).

• Highlight Leadership & Hands-On Skills: Clearly differentiate between your management responsibilities and your direct technical contributions. Use visuals or diagrams where appropriate to explain complex electrical systems.

• Demonstrate Process Adherence: Be prepared to walk through your design processes, quality assurance checks, and collaboration methods. Show how you ensure adherence to codes, standards, and best practices.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to MV/LV distribution, UPS, standby generation, and mission-critical facilities. Be ready to speak fluently about these topics in English and your second required language.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, quantifiable examples for your responses. The interview will assess your ability to articulate complex technical and managerial concepts clearly and concisely, demonstrating both your expertise and your cultural fit with Eaton.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit your application through the provided link on Eaton's careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8-10 years of experience in electrical engineering for mission-critical facilities, specifically mentioning data centers, MV/LV power distribution, UPS, and standby generation systems, as well as any leadership or management experience. Integrate keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership in electrical design management for data centers. Prepare concise summaries, focusing on challenges, your role, technical solutions, processes managed, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to present these visually or verbally.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples for leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. Practice articulating your technical expertise and project experience fluently in English and either Spanish or Italian.

• Research Eaton: Familiarize yourself with Eaton's energy management solutions, its commitment to sustainability and innovation, and its strategic focus on the data center market. Understand how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values.

⚠️ 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.