Electrical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Electrical Design Manager

Company: DayOne

Location: Corporate Office-Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the comprehensive electrical design process for critical data center infrastructure projects, ensuring robust, reliable, and efficient power solutions.

• Provide technical leadership and expertise in electrical systems, driving adherence to industry best practices and international standards such as NEC and IEC.

• Coordinate closely with project management, engineering disciplines, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of electrical designs with overall project objectives and timelines.

• Implement rigorous quality assurance and control processes to validate the accuracy, feasibility, and long-term performance of all electrical designs and implemented systems.

• Actively identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical challenges related to electrical design and implementation, mitigating project risks and ensuring optimal system performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Engineering/Operations Management due to the significant overlap between technical electrical design leadership and the operational requirements of data center infrastructure. The emphasis on system reliability, efficiency, and ongoing performance aligns with core operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end electrical design lifecycle for data center projects, encompassing power distribution, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, generator backup power, lighting, and emergency shutdown systems.

• Drive project coordination efforts with project managers, architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and other technical teams to ensure holistic project integration and alignment.

• Serve as the primary technical authority for electrical systems, ensuring all designs meet stringent industry standards, regulatory compliance (NEC, IEC, local codes), and specific client requirements for uptime and performance.

• Conduct and manage thorough design reviews at various project stages, verifying the accuracy, completeness, and constructability of electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and technical specifications.

• Ensure strict adherence to all relevant electrical codes and standards, including but not limited to the National Electrical Code (NEC), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and any applicable local or regional regulations.

• Establish and enforce robust quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) protocols for electrical designs and installations, minimizing defects and ensuring system reliability.

• Proactively identify potential technical issues and design flaws, developing and implementing effective solutions to mitigate risks and maintain project schedules and budgets.

• Collaborate with procurement and vendor management teams to specify, select, and vet electrical equipment and components, ensuring compatibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

• Prepare, review, and approve all electrical design documentation, including detailed technical specifications, comprehensive drawings, calculations, reports, and commissioning plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design leadership and operational oversight. The emphasis on "ensuring designs meet industry standards and project specifications," "implement quality control processes," and "resolve technical issues" points to a role that goes beyond pure design and touches upon the operational readiness and long-term performance of the electrical infrastructure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related technical field.

• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline is considered a strong advantage. Experience:

• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in electrical design and engineering.

• Demonstrated experience with a significant focus on data center electrical design or similar critical infrastructure projects (e.g., hospitals, industrial facilities with high uptime requirements). Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in electrical system design for critical facilities, including detailed knowledge of power distribution architectures, UPS configurations, and generator backup systems.

• Strong understanding of electrical codes and standards, including NEC, IEC, and relevant local Spanish and European regulations.

• Proven experience in project coordination and collaboration with multi-disciplinary engineering teams and project managers.

• Demonstrated technical leadership capabilities, with the ability to guide and mentor junior engineers and design teams.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of effectively resolving complex technical challenges in a timely manner.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for technical documentation and stakeholder engagement. Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent chartered engineer status in Spain or a recognized international equivalent.

• Experience with advanced cooling system integration and their electrical power requirements within data center environments.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is highly desirable, given the primary work location.

• Familiarity with data center operations and maintenance considerations during the design phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license or equivalent, coupled with extensive experience in critical infrastructure, positions this role as a senior engineering position with significant responsibility for operational integrity. The mention of "data center or similar critical infrastructure projects" implies a need for understanding the operational implications of design choices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex data center electrical design projects, clearly detailing your role and specific contributions.

• For each project, provide evidence of electrical system design documentation, including single-line diagrams, load calculations, and equipment specifications.

• Demonstrate your ability to integrate various electrical subsystems (e.g., main power, UPS, generators, switchgear, PDUs) into a cohesive and reliable design.

• Include examples of how you addressed specific design challenges, such as redundancy requirements, power quality issues, or space constraints.

• Quantify the impact of your design decisions where possible, e.g., improvements in energy efficiency, reduction in potential downtime, or cost savings. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to electrical design reviews, detailing the stages, key stakeholders involved, and common checklists used.

• Provide examples of how you ensure compliance with NEC, IEC, and local building codes throughout the design process.

• Illustrate your methodology for selecting and specifying critical electrical equipment, including criteria for performance, reliability, and vendor evaluation.

• Outline your process for collaborating with commissioning agents and operations teams to ensure a smooth handover and operational readiness of the electrical systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Electrical Design Manager role within a data center company, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles to achieve operational stability and efficiency is crucial. The emphasis on "process documentation" and "system integration" aligns with the operational focus of ensuring systems function as intended post-design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Madrid, Spain), experience level (10+ years), and specialized nature of the role (Electrical Design Manager for Data Centers), an estimated annual gross salary range would be between €75,000 - €100,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in critical infrastructure sectors within major European cities, adjusted for the Spanish market and the specific demands of data center design.

Benefits:

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

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, personal days, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

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

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

• Opportunities for international travel and exposure to global data center projects. Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, attend critical design reviews, or address urgent operational issues that arise outside of standard business hours, particularly during project commissioning phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from research into senior engineering and management roles in Spain, specifically within the technology and infrastructure sectors, considering the specialized nature of data center electrical design. Benefits are standard for such roles in multinational corporations, with an emphasis on professional growth and international exposure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Center Infrastructure Development & Operations. DayOne operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving sector driven by the exponential growth of data, cloud computing, and digital transformation. This requires a culture that is agile, innovative, and focused on scalability and reliability.

Company Size: Growing rapidly, indicating a dynamic environment with opportunities for significant impact and career advancement. This also suggests a need for adaptable processes and individuals who can thrive in a scaling organization.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided, the company's description as "one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry" implies a relatively established but still agile and expansion-focused entity.

Team Structure:

• The Electrical Design team likely comprises specialized electrical engineers, CAD technicians, and potentially junior designers, reporting to the Electrical Design Manager.

• This role will work in close collaboration with Project Managers, Mechanical Design Engineers, Commissioning Teams, Construction Managers, and Data Center Operations personnel.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Director of Engineering or Head of Design, with the Manager having direct reports. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with designs being validated through simulations, calculations, and empirical testing.

• A strong emphasis on systematic process management, from initial concept through design, construction, commissioning, and handover to operations.

• Continuous improvement and innovation are key, as the company seeks to optimize efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in its data center designs.

Company Website: https://dayonedc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's rapid growth in the data center sector implies a culture that values speed, innovation, and operational excellence. The Electrical Design Manager's role is critical in translating business growth ambitions into reliable physical infrastructure, requiring a strong understanding of operational needs and future scalability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position within the engineering and design function, directly impacting the operational capability and reliability of DayOne's data center facilities. It sits at the intersection of technical design expertise and operational readiness, requiring a strategic perspective on how electrical systems support business objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Electrical Design Manager will report to a higher-level engineering or design director and will likely manage a team of electrical engineers and designers. They will collaborate extensively with project management and data center operations teams, acting as a key liaison between design and execution.

Operations Impact: The Electrical Design Manager's work directly influences the uptime, efficiency, scalability, and safety of DayOne's data centers. Well-designed electrical systems are fundamental to ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to clients, minimizing operational costs, and preventing costly downtime events that could impact revenue and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced data center electrical technologies, such as high-voltage systems, renewable energy integration, or cutting-edge UPS/generator solutions.

• Leadership Expansion: Transition to a Director-level role overseeing multiple engineering disciplines or expanding responsibilities to include global design standards.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Move into broader project management roles, operations management positions within data centers, or strategic roles focused on infrastructure planning and capital expenditure.

• Industry Influence: Become a thought leader through industry publications, conference presentations, or participation in standards committees, contributing to the evolution of data center electrical design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized and high-demand industry. The combination of technical depth and management responsibility provides a strong foundation for advancing into senior leadership roles within engineering, operations, or project management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Corporate Office in Madrid, suggesting a professional, collaborative office environment. This setting is typical for management roles requiring coordination, planning, and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Corporate Office-Madrid, Spain. This location implies access to a major European business hub with good infrastructure and talent pool. While the primary work is in Madrid, international travel to project sites or other DayOne offices may be required.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office amenities, including access to necessary design software, communication tools, and meeting facilities.

• Opportunities for collaboration with a diverse, international team of engineers, project managers, and operations specialists.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, reflecting the growth trajectory of the company and the demands of the data center industry.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the demands of critical infrastructure projects may necessitate occasional work outside of standard business hours, including evenings or weekends, especially during critical design phases, site visits, or project commissioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Madrid indicates a need for candidates comfortable with a structured office environment and collaborative team dynamics, while also being prepared for the occasional demands of project-driven work schedules common in infrastructure development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: A deep dive into electrical engineering principles, data center design specifics, and problem-solving scenarios. This may involve a technical assessment or case study.

• Manager/Director Interview: Focus on leadership style, project management experience, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of selected projects from your portfolio, focusing on your role, design methodologies, challenges overcome, and impact.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on overall strategic alignment, vision for the role, and long-term fit with DayOne.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in data center electrical design, highlighting complexity, scale, and successful outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions and the measurable results achieved (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, uptime improvements, compliance adherence).

• Explain Design Rationale: Be prepared to articulate why specific design choices were made, the alternatives considered, and the trade-offs involved.

• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your design process, from requirements gathering to final documentation and handover. Highlight your approach to quality assurance and risk mitigation.

• Tailor to DayOne: Research DayOne's specific projects and values to tailor your presentation, showing how your experience aligns with their needs and vision for data center infrastructure.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to power redundancy, load balancing, emergency power systems, or compliance issues.

• Prepare to explain how you would approach a situation where design specifications conflict with site constraints or budget limitations.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically, as if explaining a complex technical concept to a non-technical stakeholder.

• Consider how you would manage a situation with a demanding client or a critical design flaw discovered late in the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and technical challenges underscores the hands-on and problem-solving nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but practical application and strategic thinking in electrical design for operational environments.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, or similar for creating detailed electrical drawings, schematics, and 3D models.

• Simulation & Analysis Software: Experience with tools for power flow analysis, load calculations, short-circuit studies, and potentially transient stability analysis (e.g., ETAP, SKM Power*Tools).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for planning, tracking, and coordinating project tasks and timelines.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms, particularly Revit, for integrated design and clash detection.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from simulations, site tests, and operational performance metrics to inform design decisions and identify areas for improvement.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating clear, concise technical reports and presentations using tools like Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts the broader client relationship and project lifecycle managed through CRM systems can be beneficial.

• Experience with workflow automation for design processes, document management, or review cycles is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for electrical design management in critical infrastructure. Proficiency in CAD, BIM, and power analysis software is essential for the technical execution of the role, while project management tools are key for managing the design process effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability & Uptime: A fundamental value, ensuring that all designs prioritize continuous operation and minimize downtime. This translates to robust redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms.

• Efficiency: Striving for optimal energy efficiency in electrical systems to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

• Safety: Paramount importance placed on the safety of personnel, equipment, and the facility through adherence to stringent safety codes and best practices.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are encouraged across engineering disciplines and with operations.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies to enhance design performance and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with mechanical, civil, and operations teams to ensure designs are integrated and meet all functional requirements.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication channels with project managers, contractors, and stakeholders to manage expectations and resolve issues promptly.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where design insights, lessons learned, and best practices are shared across the team and with relevant departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of reliability, efficiency, and safety are directly tied to the operational success of data centers. The collaboration style emphasizes breaking down silos between design and operations to ensure a cohesive and functional end product.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in power electronics, energy storage, and grid integration technologies relevant to data centers.

• Scalability Demands: Designing electrical systems that can efficiently and cost-effectively scale to meet the exponential growth in data processing and storage needs.

• Balancing Cost & Performance: Delivering highly reliable and efficient electrical systems within project budget constraints, requiring strategic trade-offs and value engineering.

• Global Standards Harmonization: Navigating and applying diverse international and local electrical codes and standards across different project locations.

• Integration with Operations: Ensuring seamless handover and effective ongoing support of complex electrical systems by the operations team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in data center design (e.g., CDCP, CDCS from EPI), power systems engineering, or project management (e.g., PMP).

• Industry Conferences: Attending major data center and electrical engineering conferences to stay abreast of industry trends, network with peers, and learn about new technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives within DayOne to share expertise and foster the development of junior engineers.

• Cross-Disciplinary Training: Gaining exposure to other engineering disciplines or data center operations to develop a more holistic understanding of facility management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of the data center industry, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise, expanding leadership scope, and contributing to the strategic direction of DayOne's infrastructure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data center electrical design challenge you faced and how you successfully resolved it, detailing the steps you took and the outcome." (Focus on problem-solving methodology, technical depth, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure that electrical designs meet both current operational needs and future scalability requirements for a data center?" (Assess strategic thinking and long-term planning.)

• "Walk me through your process for conducting electrical design reviews and ensuring compliance with NEC and IEC standards." (Evaluate process adherence and attention to detail.)

• "How do you collaborate with project managers, mechanical engineers, and data center operations teams to ensure successful project delivery and operational readiness?" (Gauge cross-functional communication and teamwork.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DayOne and our role in the data center industry?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you see your leadership style contributing to a high-growth, dynamic company like DayOne?" (Assess leadership approach and cultural fit.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to adapt your design approach due to budget constraints or changing project requirements." (Evaluate flexibility and problem-solving under pressure.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of DayOne and your understanding of their needs. Then, present 2-3 key projects, dedicating 5-7 minutes to each. Conclude with a summary of your suitability for the role.

• Content: For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the design approach, key technical decisions, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results. Use visuals (diagrams, photos) where appropriate.

• Delivery: Be confident, articulate, and prepared to answer in-depth questions about your designs, methodologies, and decision-making processes. Focus on demonstrating your technical expertise, leadership potential, and understanding of operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of technical acumen, project leadership, and an understanding of operational imperatives within the data center context. The portfolio presentation is a critical component for demonstrating practical experience and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Electrical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the DayOne careers page.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight specific experience in data center electrical design, power distribution, UPS, generator systems, and compliance with NEC/IEC standards. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Reduced energy consumption by X%", "Managed designs for Y MW data halls").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant data center electrical design projects. Be ready to present them, focusing on your role, design rationale, challenges, solutions, and impact. Ensure it visually demonstrates your technical capabilities.

• Research DayOne: Familiarize yourself with DayOne's mission, projects, and their position in the global data center market. Understand their focus on growth and reliability.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare concise and compelling answers to common interview questions, especially those focusing on technical challenges, leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ 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.

---