Director of Engineering Development

Company Profile

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients. nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.

Learn more about us: www.nlighten.com

We are seeking an experienced Director of Engineering Development (m/w/d) to lead the technical design development of our expanding data center portfolio. Working closely with the CTO, project teams, consultants, and contractors, you will act as a key interface between strategy, design, and delivery, providing technical leadership across multiple projects, driving clarity, resolving technical challenges and ensuring designs are optimized for cost and program, statutorily compliant, and aligned with operational requirements in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Design Leadership & Governance

Technical Oversight

Consultant & Stakeholder Management

Program & Delivery Management

• 10+ years in data centre design, engineering, or technical delivery (contractor, client, or consultant side), with experience managing multidisciplinary design teams across multiple projects.
• Strong engineering mindset with the ability to think logically, scientifically, and mathematically, backed by solid knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, architectural considerations, and related engineering fields.
• Familiarity with key design tools such as ETAP, Ansys, 6Sigma, and Revit, with the ability to handle complex technical queries and interface across multiple stakeholders including CTO, operations, and contractors.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with external design consultants and engineering firms, with a strong grasp of German statuatory and regulatory requirements; familiarity with wider European framworks is a plus.
• Broad spectrum experience across enterprise, co-location, and build-to-suit environments is preferred.
• Degree-level education in engineering or architecture; Eingetragener Ingenieur/Beratender Ingenieur status or CEng-equivalent chartership is preferred.
• Fluent or native German and strong professional English are required; additional proficieny in other European languages is an advantage.

If you have the right experience and are excited about contributing to the next evolution of edge data centers, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply now and be part of our journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable digital future.

Background Check & Screening

All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application. We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.