Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Nscale

Location: United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Design & Development (Data Centres)

Date Posted: 2026-06-15T10:09:47

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end technical design and permitting of cutting-edge, AI-optimized data centres across Europe.

• Ensure all facilities are constructed to world-class technical standards, adhering to strict timelines and budgets.

• Facilitate collaboration between internal teams (Development, Construction, Cost Management, In-Country Delivery) and external partners (technology providers, design consultants).

• Drive the adaptation of facilities to meet the rapidly evolving demands of AI compute, including high-density power and advanced cooling solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required experience strongly indicate a focus within the specialized field of data centre infrastructure, particularly for AI workloads. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, project management, and regulatory compliance within a high-growth technology sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design lifecycle for AI-optimized data centres, from initial concept development through to detailed construction drawings, ensuring alignment with Nscale's unique requirements for dense AI compute, low-latency workloads, and operational efficiency.

• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, including internal stakeholders (Senior Design Managers, Construction, Cost, Engineering, In-Country teams) and external consultants (Architects, MEP, CSA), to ensure cohesive, accurate, and high-quality design deliverables.

• Drive and oversee the permitting process across various European jurisdictions, coordinating with local consultants and public authorities to secure necessary approvals efficiently and effectively.

• Design and adapt facilities to accommodate advanced compute clusters, high-power electrical infrastructure (e.g., 400V, 11kV, 33kV distribution), and sophisticated liquid cooling solutions (e.g., direct-to-chip, immersion cooling). Familiarity with modern AI compute architecture is a significant advantage.

• Review design packages meticulously for code compliance, constructability, and performance against specified technical and operational standards, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to maintain project timelines and quality.

• Manage project schedules, track critical deliverables, and maintain clear documentation workflows using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and cloud-based collaboration platforms.

• Collaborate with technology providers to integrate next-generation compute hardware and GPU clusters into facility designs, ensuring optimal performance and scalability.

• Ensure designs are adaptable to the rapidly evolving needs of AI compute, incorporating flexibility for future upgrades and technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical need for a Design Manager with a deep understanding of mission-critical infrastructure, specifically tailored for the high demands of AI compute. The emphasis on European jurisdictions and liquid cooling suggests a complex, international role requiring significant technical and regulatory expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of 6+ years of progressive experience in design or design management.

• Proven experience in data centre design, mission-critical facilities, or high-performance computing (HPC) projects is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design processes from concept through construction documentation. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams and external consultants.

• Data Centre Design: In-depth understanding of data centre infrastructure, including power distribution, cooling systems (especially liquid cooling), and IT load requirements.

• Permitting Expertise: Demonstrated success in navigating and securing permits across multiple European jurisdictions.

• MEP Systems: Strong technical knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems relevant to high-density environments.

• BIM Proficiency: Expertise in using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and workflows, specifically Revit and Navisworks.

• Project Scheduling & Documentation: Ability to maintain project schedules, track deliverables, and manage documentation workflows effectively.

• Code Compliance & Constructability: Solid understanding of relevant building codes, standards, and constructability principles for critical infrastructure.

• English Fluency: Professional proficiency in English, both written and verbal.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with modern AI compute architecture and its specific infrastructure demands.

• Experience with high-density power solutions and advanced cooling technologies (e.g., direct-to-chip, immersion cooling).

• Knowledge of other European languages.

• Experience working within a fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 6+ years of experience, coupled with a specific engineering background and advanced technical skills like BIM and knowledge of AI compute infrastructure, positions this as a mid to senior-level role. The emphasis on European permitting indicates a need for international project experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of successfully managed data centre or mission-critical facility design projects from concept to completion.

• Case studies showcasing experience with high-density power solutions and advanced cooling systems, ideally for high-performance computing or AI workloads.

• Documentation illustrating proficiency in BIM workflows, including design coordination, clash detection, and deliverable generation using tools like Revit and Navisworks.

• Evidence of successful permit acquisition processes across different European jurisdictions, highlighting challenges overcome and strategies employed.

• Examples of project schedules managed, deliverable tracking, and documentation control systems implemented. Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams or descriptions detailing how design processes are managed, from initial requirements gathering to final construction drawings.

• Examples of risk identification and mitigation strategies applied during the design phase to ensure project success.

• Documentation outlining collaboration protocols with internal stakeholders and external consultants, emphasizing communication and alignment strategies.

• Case studies demonstrating how designs were adapted to meet evolving technical requirements or accommodate new technologies, such as advanced AI compute hardware.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this nature, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase completed projects but also highlight the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, navigate regulatory environments, and adapt designs for cutting-edge technology like AI compute infrastructure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: £70,000 - £100,000 per annum (GBP).

• Justification: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for experienced Design Managers with specialized data centre or mission-critical infrastructure experience in the UK. Factors considered include the 6+ years of required experience, the technical complexity of AI data centre design, the international scope (European permitting), and the hybrid work model. Salary aggregators and industry salary surveys for similar roles in major UK tech hubs were consulted.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary.

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technology and infrastructure.

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility.

• Contribution to building Europe's AI revolution infrastructure.

• Potential for rapid career growth in a fast-scaling company.

• Comprehensive benefits package (details to be confirmed by Nscale, typically includes health insurance, pension contributions, paid time off). Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility will be offered with the hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of office-based and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for the UK market, given the provided location. Specific benefits will depend on Nscale's internal policies for full-time employees. The role is likely to require a degree of flexibility due to the nature of international project management and startup growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (AI Infrastructure, Data Centres, High-Performance Computing)

Company Size: While specific size data isn't provided, Nscale is described as a "fast-scaling company" and is building "next-gen compute hardware and GPU clusters," indicating a growth-stage startup or scale-up environment. This suggests a dynamic, innovative, and potentially agile culture.

Founded: Nscale's focus on "building the infrastructure for Europe’s AI revolution" and "next generation of high-performance, sustainable data centres" implies a relatively new company or a significant new venture, likely founded in the last 5-10 years to capitalize on the AI boom.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager reports to the Development Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the development and infrastructure team.

• The role requires close collaboration with Construction, Cost Management, Engineering, and In-Country Delivery teams, suggesting a matrixed or highly integrated cross-functional structure.

• Collaboration with external consultants, technology providers, and public authorities is also a key aspect, highlighting an outward-facing and partnership-driven approach. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on technical standards and performance metrics for AI compute, low-latency workloads, and efficiency.

• Agile Development: Adaptability to rapidly evolving AI compute needs implies a flexible and iterative approach to design and infrastructure development.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: The structure emphasizes teamwork across internal departments and external partners to achieve complex project goals.

• International Compliance: Significant focus on navigating and adhering to permitting processes across diverse European jurisdictions.

Company Website: nscale.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Nscale appears to be a forward-thinking company at the forefront of the AI infrastructure boom. The culture is likely to be dynamic, tech-focused, and geared towards rapid scaling and innovation, requiring team members who are adaptable and proactive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor or a lead within the design function. It requires significant experience (6+ years) and specialized technical knowledge, placing it beyond an entry-level or mid-level engineering position. The "Manager" title suggests leadership responsibility for the design process and external consultant management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Development Director. This indicates a key role within the development leadership team, with direct exposure to strategic decision-making regarding infrastructure deployment.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work is fundamental to Nscale's core business: building the infrastructure for Europe's AI revolution. Their ability to deliver technically sound, compliant, and efficient data centre designs directly impacts the company's ability to scale, meet client demands for AI compute, and achieve its business objectives within budget and on schedule. This role is critical for translating business strategy into physical infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a Senior Design Manager role, overseeing larger or more complex projects, or managing a larger team of designers and consultants.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-specific infrastructure, advanced cooling technologies, or specific European markets, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Strategic Input: Contribute more significantly to the strategic planning of Nscale's infrastructure roadmap and technology adoption.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Transition into roles within development strategy, project execution, or even technology partnerships, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a rapidly expanding company focused on a high-demand sector. The combination of technical expertise and project management responsibilities provides a strong foundation for career advancement in the critical infrastructure space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The specific office setup in the UK would likely be a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster team interaction and innovation, common in tech companies.

Office Location(s): United Kingdom. While specific city information isn't provided, major tech hubs or business centers within the UK would be typical locations for such a company. The role requires travel to various European project sites as needed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest an environment where teamwork and knowledge sharing are encouraged. Expect modern meeting spaces, shared workstations, and digital collaboration tools.

• Technology Focus: As a company building AI infrastructure, the workspace will likely be equipped with modern technology, including high-speed internet, robust IT systems, and access to necessary design software and platforms.

• Dynamic Pace: Operating in a fast-scaling startup environment means the workspace will likely be adaptable, supporting rapid growth and evolving team needs.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. This structure typically allows for remote workdays (e.g., 2-3 days per week) balanced with in-office days for meetings, team collaboration, and hands-on work. Flexibility may be required based on project deadlines and international team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect, offering flexibility while still requiring active participation in office-based collaboration. This is increasingly common in the tech and infrastructure sectors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, looking for alignment with the core requirements (experience, technical skills, European permitting).

2. Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions focusing on your experience with data centre design, MEP systems, high-density power, liquid cooling, and BIM. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

3. Design Challenge/Case Study: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or asked to elaborate on a specific challenge from your past experience, focusing on your problem-solving methodology, design approach, and ability to manage constraints.

4. Cross-Functional/Managerial Interview: This stage will assess your collaboration skills, leadership potential, understanding of project management, and fit with Nscale's culture and working style. You'll likely meet with the Development Director or other key stakeholders.

5. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI/HPC Relevance: Emphasize projects that involved high-density computing, significant power loads, or advanced cooling solutions. If direct AI data centre experience is limited, draw parallels from mission-critical or HPC projects.

• Showcase European Permitting: Clearly present your experience with permitting processes in at least one European jurisdiction. Detail the steps taken, challenges encountered, and how you navigated them.

• Demonstrate BIM Proficiency: Include screenshots or walkthroughs of BIM models, showcasing your use of Revit and Navisworks for design coordination, clash detection, and generating construction documents.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Reduced design lead time by 15%," "Secured permits 1 month ahead of schedule," "Managed design budget of £X million").

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the key skills required for the role. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing design risks, coordinating complex stakeholder requirements, and ensuring code compliance across different regions.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy for high-performance, sustainable data centres.

• Be ready to discuss how you would adapt designs for rapidly changing AI compute technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical expertise, project management capabilities, and international regulatory experience. A well-curated portfolio that directly addresses these points will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Revit (essential for architectural and MEP design), Navisworks (for clash detection, coordination, and project review).

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (likely used for 2D drawings and supplementary design work).

• Project Management & Collaboration: Cloud-based platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace) for communication and file sharing. Potentially specialized project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Jira) for task tracking and workflow management.

• BIM Collaboration Platforms: Autodesk BIM 360/360 Docs, Trimble Connect, or similar for cloud-based BIM model sharing and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for reviewing performance data related to power usage effectiveness (PUE), cooling efficiency, and compute density. Specific tools might vary but could include custom dashboards or vendor-provided analytics. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing customer relationships, understanding how data centre capacity and performance metrics feed into business development or sales enablement tools might be beneficial. This is less of a direct requirement for the Design Manager role itself, but awareness is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM tools, particularly Revit and Navisworks, is a non-negotiable requirement. Familiarity with cloud-based collaboration platforms is also essential for a hybrid, international role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future-Forward: A strong emphasis on building the infrastructure for the future of AI, requiring a mindset that embraces new technologies and challenges existing norms.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to world-class technical standards, ensuring high-performance, reliable, and efficient data centre designs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Building cohesive teams and fostering strong working relationships across internal departments and with external partners, regardless of location.

• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to respond quickly to the rapidly evolving demands of AI compute and the fast-paced nature of a scaling company.

• Sustainability: Implied through the mention of "sustainable data centres," suggesting a value placed on environmentally conscious design and operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly integrated approach, where design teams work hand-in-hand with construction, cost management, engineering, and in-country teams from the outset.

• Remote & Hybrid Synergy: The culture will need to support effective collaboration across distributed teams, utilizing digital tools and clear communication protocols.

• External Partnership: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively with technology providers and external consultants to leverage expertise and drive innovation.

• Proactive Communication: Given the complexity and international scope, proactive and transparent communication will be key to ensuring alignment and mitigating risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Nscale is likely to be dynamic, forward-thinking, and highly collaborative, driven by the ambitious goal of building Europe's AI infrastructure. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive, team-oriented approach and a passion for cutting-edge technology.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping designs current with the breakneck pace of AI hardware development (GPUs, compute architectures, networking) and cooling technologies.

• International Permitting Complexity: Navigating diverse and potentially lengthy permitting processes across multiple European countries, each with unique regulations and authorities.

• Balancing Performance, Cost, and Schedule: Effectively managing the trade-offs between achieving optimal AI compute performance, adhering to budget constraints, and meeting tight project deadlines.

• Scalability and Standardization: Developing designs that are both highly specialized for AI but also scalable and, where possible, standardized to enable rapid deployment across various sites.

• Startup Environment: Adapting to the fast-paced, often ambiguous nature of a growing startup, requiring flexibility and a proactive problem-solving attitude.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI Infrastructure: Gain unparalleled expertise in the specific design requirements for AI compute, GPU clusters, and advanced cooling technologies.

• International Project Management: Develop extensive experience managing complex infrastructure projects across various European markets, enhancing cross-cultural and regulatory navigation skills.

• Leadership & Strategy: Grow into senior leadership roles within Nscale's development and infrastructure teams, influencing strategic decisions.

• Industry Exposure: Work closely with leading AI technology providers and gain insights into their roadmaps and requirements.

• Continuous Learning: The dynamic nature of the field will necessitate continuous learning, supported by Nscale's growth and investment in its team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the cutting-edge nature of the technology and the international scope, but these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth and learning opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data centre design project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on AI/HPC relevance, power, cooling, and your problem-solving approach).

• "Walk us through your experience with obtaining permits for critical infrastructure projects in European jurisdictions. What is your strategy for navigating different regulatory environments?" (Highlight specific countries, challenges, and your methods).

• "How do you approach managing design risks and ensuring code compliance for high-density computing facilities with specialized cooling requirements?" (Discuss your risk assessment framework and knowledge of relevant standards).

• "Imagine we need to rapidly deploy a new generation of GPU clusters. How would you adapt our standard data centre design to accommodate these new requirements, considering power, cooling, and space?" (Demonstrate your ability to think flexibly and technically). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Nscale's mission of building the infrastructure for Europe's AI revolution?" (Show genuine interest in the company's vision and the AI sector).

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams, especially those in different countries or working remotely?" (Emphasize your communication and teamwork skills).

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach due to rapidly changing technological requirements." (Illustrate your flexibility and proactive attitude). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in data centre design, high-density power/cooling, BIM usage, and European permitting.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role and responsibilities, the technical challenges, your design solutions, the outcomes (especially quantifiable ones), and any lessons learned.

• Highlight Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the specifics of MEP systems, power distribution (e.g., voltage levels, UPS, generators), and cooling methodologies (e.g., CRACs, liquid cooling systems).

• Emphasize Process: Clearly explain your design process, how you managed stakeholders, how you ensured compliance, and how you leveraged BIM for coordination.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily assess your technical acumen, project management skills, and understanding of the unique demands of AI infrastructure. A well-prepared and relevant portfolio presentation is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Greenhouse.

• Prepare Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of experience in design management for mission-critical or data centre environments. Emphasize your expertise in MEP systems, high-density power, liquid cooling, and BIM (Revit, Navisworks).

• Curate Your Portfolio: Gather case studies and project examples that specifically demonstrate your experience in data centre design, European permitting, and managing complex technical projects. Ensure it clearly showcases your BIM proficiency and any experience with high-performance computing or AI-related infrastructure.

• Research Nscale: Understand Nscale's mission, their focus on AI infrastructure, and their role in Europe. Familiarize yourself with the company's values and recent developments in the AI data centre space.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer technical questions about data centre design, MEP systems, and BIM, as well as behavioral questions about collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. Practice presenting your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ 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.

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