Data Center Design Manager (Electrical)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Design Manager (Electrical)

Company: Eaton Corporation

Location: L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Data Center Design

Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Experience Level: 8-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the electrical design scope for complex data center projects, from initial concept through detailed design, construction support, and final closeout, ensuring adherence to mission-critical facility standards.

• Provide hands-on technical leadership and ownership for critical electrical design aspects, including MV and LV power distribution, transformers, UPS systems, and standby generation.

• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, comprising electrical engineers and subject matter experts, on projects of varying scale to ensure successful project outcomes and efficient resource utilization.

• Champion the development, implementation, and enforcement of electrical design quality standards, procedures, and best practices to uphold Eaton's reputation for excellence in energy management solutions.

• Serve as a client-facing technical lead, actively contributing to client, contractor, and internal Eaton meetings, fostering strong relationships and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level management position within the Data Center Design Engineering Team, focusing on electrical infrastructure for mission-critical facilities. The emphasis on "hands-on" technical leadership alongside management responsibilities indicates a need for a candidate who can both strategize and execute complex electrical designs. The strategic importance of Data Centers for Eaton, driven by digitization and AI loads, highlights the need for innovative and resilient solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the electrical design process for data center projects, encompassing conceptualization, detailed engineering, procurement support, construction oversight, and project closeout.

• Deliver expert technical guidance and mentorship to the Data Center Design & Engineering team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.

• Maintain deep technical proficiency and hands-on involvement in electrical design, ensuring the integrity and reliability of mission-critical systems.

• Manage design deliverables, project schedules, resource allocation, and quality control for assigned data center projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements and Eaton's standards.

• Conduct thorough reviews and approvals of electrical designs, calculations, reports, and specifications, facilitating formal peer reviews to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for clients, presenting design solutions, addressing concerns, and contributing to key project discussions and decision-making processes.

• Lead value engineering sessions and optioneering studies to identify cost-effective, innovative, and resilient electrical solutions that meet client needs and leverage emerging technologies.

• Participate in and lead site visits to monitor electrical installations, review construction progress, and proactively resolve any site-specific electrical engineering challenges or commissioning issues.

• Collaborate closely with project management, commercial teams, and construction personnel to ensure seamless integration of design efforts with overall project execution and successful delivery.

• Drive the adoption and integration of emerging technologies, such as edge computing and AI-driven power demands, into data center electrical designs to future-proof solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a blend of managerial oversight and direct technical contribution. The emphasis on client-facing activities and cross-functional collaboration suggests a need for strong communication and leadership skills beyond core technical expertise. The inclusion of value engineering and emerging technologies points towards a role that is not only about design execution but also about strategic innovation and cost optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in delivering comprehensive electrical engineering services for mission-critical facilities.

• Expertise in MV and LV power distribution systems, including transformers, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems, and standby generation systems.

• In-depth knowledge of relevant electrical codes, standards (e.g., IEEE, IEC, local Spanish regulations), and accepted industry best practices.

• Demonstrated experience in value engineering, identifying opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements without compromising reliability.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, essential for diagnosing complex electrical issues and developing effective solutions.

• Ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term innovation in data center design.

• Excellent technical leadership and mentoring skills, capable of guiding and developing junior engineers.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit for design documentation and collaborative modeling.

• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as edge computing and the specific power demands driven by AI loads.

• Experience in managing design deliverables, resources, and project schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8-10 years of experience, coupled with the preference for a Master's degree, positions this as a senior engineering management role. The specific mention of MV/LV distribution, transformers, UPS, and standby generation highlights critical technical competencies. The inclusion of AutoCAD and Revit as advantageous skills suggests that while not mandatory, proficiency in these BIM tools would be a strong plus for design collaboration and visualization. Familiarity with AI loads is a key indicator of the role's focus on future-proofing data center infrastructure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of past data center electrical design projects, showcasing the scope, complexity, and your specific contributions.

• Design Deliverables: Samples of technical drawings, specifications, calculations (e.g., load calculations, fault current analysis), and reports that demonstrate your technical rigor.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Documentation of how you have addressed significant electrical design challenges, including the methodology used and the resulting solutions.

• Innovation & Optimization: Evidence of how you have integrated new technologies or implemented value engineering principles to improve system efficiency, reliability, or cost-effectiveness in previous projects.

• Team Leadership: Examples illustrating your ability to lead and coordinate electrical engineering teams, manage project timelines, and ensure quality control.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow: A clear outline of your preferred electrical design process for mission-critical facilities, from concept to construction.

• Quality Assurance: Descriptions of your approach to implementing and maintaining design quality standards, including peer review processes and compliance checks.

• Collaboration Protocols: Examples of how you facilitate communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, project managers, and clients.

• Risk Management: Documentation of how you identify, assess, and mitigate electrical design risks throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to demonstrate not just technical skills but also a structured approach to design management and process execution. A portfolio that highlights successful project outcomes, technical problem-solving, and leadership within a design context will be crucial. The emphasis on quality standards, peer reviews, and collaboration signifies the importance of a systematic and integrated design methodology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package (as stated in the job description).

• Challenging projects within a dynamic, collaborative team environment, offering opportunities for professional growth and exposure to cutting-edge data center technologies.

• Internal promotion opportunities, demonstrating Eaton's commitment to employee career development and retention.

• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities through Eaton University, supporting continuous skill enhancement and career progression.

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

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data for senior engineering management roles in Spain and Western Europe, considering the specialized field of data center design. Eaton's stated benefits emphasize professional development, internal growth, and employee well-being, aligning with common practices for attracting and retaining top talent in the engineering sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Management, Electrical, Hydraulic, and Mechanical Energy Solutions. Eaton Corporation is a significant player in the global market, providing essential infrastructure and technology for power management.

Company Size: Eaton Corporation is a large, diversified global company with approximately 92,000 employees and revenues approaching $25 billion. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and global opportunities.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't specified in the provided text, Eaton's long history as a diversified energy management company implies a mature, established corporate culture focused on innovation and long-term sustainability.

Team Structure:

• The Data Center Design Engineering Team operates within the South Zone, reporting to the EMEA Director of Engineering - DC Segment. This structure suggests a regional focus within a broader European and global organization.

• The role involves leading and coordinating electrical engineers and SMEs, indicating a collaborative team environment where leadership is distributed and expertise is shared.

Methodology:

• Eaton emphasizes energy-efficient solutions, focusing on effective, safe, efficient, and sustainable management of electrical energy. This translates to design methodologies that prioritize reliability, resilience, and environmental impact.

• The company's focus on digitization and AI loads in data centers suggests a forward-thinking approach to design, incorporating advanced technologies and anticipating future power demands.

• A commitment to quality standards, procedures, and best practices is central to their design philosophy, ensuring consistency and excellence across projects.

Company Website: eaton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Eaton's position as a global leader in energy management provides a stable and innovative environment for operations and engineering professionals. The company culture likely emphasizes technical excellence, continuous improvement, and a commitment to sustainability, which are critical for roles in data center design. The team structure points to a matrixed organization where regional expertise is valued within a global framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level Data Center Design Manager, representing a significant step in an electrical engineering career. It combines deep technical expertise with managerial responsibilities, bridging individual contribution and team leadership. Candidates are expected to manage complex projects and lead technical teams, impacting project outcomes and company strategy.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the EMEA Director of Engineering - DC Segment. This indicates a clear line of management and a connection to broader European operations and strategy for the data center business. Direct reports are likely electrical engineers and SMEs within the design team.

Operations Impact: The Data Center Design Manager directly influences the success of Eaton's data center solutions, a strategic growth area. Their work impacts client satisfaction, project profitability, and Eaton's ability to deliver innovative, reliable, and sustainable power management solutions. This role is critical in enabling the digitization and AI advancements clients are pursuing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher management roles, such as EMEA Director of Engineering or similar senior leadership positions within the Data Center segment or broader engineering divisions.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in cutting-edge areas like AI power infrastructure, edge computing, or advanced grid integration technologies, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Global Mobility: As a global company, Eaton offers opportunities for international assignments or roles in different regions, expanding professional experience and cultural understanding.

• Learning & Development: Access to Eaton University provides structured learning paths, certifications, and training programs to enhance both technical and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression, moving from a senior technical and team management position towards broader strategic leadership within a critical business segment. The emphasis on continuous learning and global opportunities suggests a company that invests in its employees' long-term development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment within Eaton's facilities in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. The office will likely support design work, team collaboration, and client meetings.

Office Location(s): L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain. This location places the role within a significant urban and economic hub in Spain, offering good accessibility and proximity to other businesses and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate collaborative design sessions, team meetings, and individual focused work. Access to necessary design software and hardware will be standard.

• Opportunities for interaction with a multidisciplinary team of electrical engineers, project managers, and commercial staff are inherent to the role's collaborative nature.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically standard business hours (e.g., 40 hours per week). However, project-driven environments may require occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines or address urgent site issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and direct engagement with project teams and stakeholders. The location in a major Spanish city suggests a well-equipped office environment conducive to complex engineering work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and qualifications to assess alignment with the role's requirements, particularly experience in data center electrical design and leadership.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your technical expertise in MV/LV power distribution, UPS, generators, codes, and standards. Expect scenario-based questions testing your problem-solving approach for critical facilities.

• Managerial/Leadership Interview: Assessment of your experience in managing teams, project deliverables, client relations, and driving design quality. This may involve behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, technical solutions, challenges overcome, and project outcomes. This is a crucial part of the evaluation.

• Final Interview (Potentially with Director): A discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, cultural fit, and long-term potential within Eaton.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Relevant Projects: Focus on data center or mission-critical facility electrical design projects that best showcase your skills and experience pertinent to the job description.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings achieved through value engineering, reliability improvements, efficiency gains, project completion on time/budget).

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly outline the client's needs, your design approach, key technical decisions, challenges faced, your role in overcoming them, and the final successful outcome.

• Highlight Leadership: If presenting projects where you managed a team, articulate your leadership style, delegation strategies, and how you ensured team success.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, calculations, and understanding of codes and standards.

• Showcase Innovation: If applicable, highlight instances where you integrated new technologies or proposed innovative solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare to discuss your approach to value engineering and integrating emerging technologies like AI loads.

• Be ready to articulate your methodology for ensuring electrical design quality and compliance with relevant standards and codes.

• Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you may need to present to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical acumen and management capabilities. A strong portfolio is essential, not just as a showcase of past work, but as a tool for demonstrating problem-solving skills, leadership, and the ability to drive successful project outcomes in a complex engineering environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools is expected.

  • AutoCAD: For 2D drafting and schematic design.
  • Revit: For Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D design, clash detection, and collaborative workflows.

• Electrical Engineering Software: Tools for load calculations, fault current analysis, arc flash studies, and power system simulation (e.g., ETAP, SKM PowerTools, DIgSILENT PowerFactory) are likely utilized, though not explicitly listed as required.

• Project Management Software: Tools for tracking schedules, resources, and deliverables (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing project performance, resource utilization, and design efficiency.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly client-facing in a sales capacity, interaction with internal CRM systems for project tracking and resource management may occur.

• Familiarity with automation in design processes (e.g., using scripting or BIM tools) could be advantageous for efficiency improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD and Revit as advantageous skills points to a modern design environment that leverages BIM for integrated project delivery. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and any other specialized electrical design software they have used.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Efficiency: A strong drive to develop innovative electrical solutions that are also cost-effective and efficient, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving data center demands (AI, digitization).

• Quality & Reliability: A commitment to upholding the highest standards of electrical design quality to ensure the reliability and uptime of mission-critical facilities.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing safety in design and operations, and contributing to Eaton's broader mission of promoting sustainable energy management.

• Collaboration & Mentorship: Fostering a team environment where knowledge is shared, engineers are mentored, and cross-functional cooperation is valued.

• Customer Focus: Understanding client needs and delivering solutions that effectively meet their requirements for power management in data centers.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: The role demands extensive collaboration with various engineering disciplines (mechanical, structural, IT infrastructure) and project management to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Client Engagement: A proactive and communicative approach to client interactions, building trust and ensuring alignment on design objectives and project progress.

• Peer Review Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is exchanged among peers to elevate the quality and robustness of designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Eaton's values emphasize technical excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of responsibility towards clients, employees, and the environment. The collaborative style is essential for managing complex, multidisciplinary projects like data centers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with the increasing power demands of AI, edge computing, and digitization, and designing scalable, future-proof electrical infrastructure.

• Grid Constraints: Addressing potential limitations in local grid capacity and integrating renewable energy sources or advanced energy storage solutions.

• Balancing Cost and Resilience: Designing highly reliable and redundant electrical systems that also meet stringent budget requirements.

• Managing Complex Projects: Successfully coordinating multiple stakeholders, design teams, and construction efforts on large-scale, critical infrastructure projects.

• Global Standards vs. Local Regulations: Navigating and integrating international best practices with specific local electrical codes and permitting requirements in Spain and EMEA.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Emerging Technology Training: Access to specialized training on AI power requirements, advanced UPS technologies, grid integration, and sustainable energy solutions.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship to enhance management, communication, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., P.Eng, LEED, relevant data center certifications).

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects and collaborate with different departments, broadening understanding of the energy management ecosystem.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders and subject matter experts within Eaton for guidance and career advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is situated at the forefront of data center infrastructure challenges, particularly concerning the impact of AI and sustainability. Growth opportunities are tied to mastering these complexities and advancing within Eaton's global engineering leadership structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data center electrical design challenge you've faced. How did you approach it, what solutions did you implement, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical depth, and results.)

• "How do you ensure electrical design quality and compliance with codes and standards in mission-critical facilities? What is your approach to peer reviews?" (Demonstrate process, attention to detail, and commitment to standards.)

• "Imagine you need to design an electrical system for a new data center that will heavily utilize AI workloads. What are the key considerations and potential challenges you would anticipate, especially concerning power density and cooling integration?" (Assess forward-thinking, technical knowledge, and awareness of emerging trends.)

• "How do you manage and motivate a team of electrical engineers on challenging projects with tight deadlines?" (Evaluate leadership style, team management, and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Eaton Corporation and our role in the energy management sector, particularly within data centers?" (Show research into Eaton's mission, values, and market position.)

• "How do you align with Eaton's commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability in your engineering practices?" (Connect your values and work ethic to company principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, present: 1. Project Overview & Client Objective, 2. Your Role & Responsibilities, 3. Key Design Challenges & Solutions, 4. Technical Details & Innovations, 5. Project Outcomes & Quantifiable Results.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, schematics, or BIM models to illustrate complex design aspects. Highlight key components like UPS configurations, generator layouts, and distribution networks.

• Quantify Impact: Be ready to discuss metrics such as power usage effectiveness (PUE) improvements, cost savings, uptime percentages, and reduction in maintenance requirements.

• Focus on Leadership: If you managed a team, explain how you delegated tasks, managed resources, and ensured the team delivered high-quality work.

• Anticipate Questions: Be prepared for detailed technical questions about your design choices, calculations, and adherence to specific codes (e.g., TIA-942, IEC standards, local Spanish regulations).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise in electrical engineering for critical facilities, proven leadership capabilities, and a strategic understanding of the evolving data center landscape. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical application of skills and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in data center electrical design, mission-critical facilities, MV/LV power distribution, UPS systems, standby generators, and relevant codes/standards. Quantify achievements with metrics related to project scope, cost savings, reliability, or efficiency.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key data center electrical design projects that best represent your capabilities. Focus on projects where you had significant technical or leadership involvement, showcasing problem-solving, innovation, and successful outcomes. Be ready to present these in detail, covering challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Research Eaton: Understand Eaton's energy management solutions, their role in the data center market, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Prepare to discuss how your skills align with their mission and values.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, particularly those related to managing complex projects, leading engineering teams, and driving design quality in critical environments.

⚠️ 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.