Senior Design Engineer

Senior Design Engineer (Electrical or Mechanical)

Location: Netherlands (can be based at one of our Dutch sites)
Salary: approx. €100,000 per year (negotiable depending on experience)
Employment type: Permanent / Full-time

About us

Switch Datacenters is a leading European developer, builder and operator of high-density, AI-ready sustainable data centres. We design, build and operate mission-critical infrastructure powered by renewable energy, with modular, scalable solutions that meet the most demanding performance and environmental goals. Switch Datacenters
As part of our expansion across Europe, we are seeking a seasoned Senior Design Engineer to join our team in the Netherlands and help drive the detailed engineering phase of our data centre developments.

Role overview

The Senior Design Engineer will take ownership of the detailed design and specification of mechanical or electrical engineering systems for high-density data centre facilities. You will work cross-functionally with project management, construction, commissioning, operations and sustainability teams, translating high-level design intent into clear, manufacturable and maintainable specifications and drawings.
You will be based in the Netherlands (or willing to relocate/commute) and will report to the Head of Engineering (or equivalent). The role requires deep data-centre experience, strong technical leadership, and excellent specification writing skills.

Key responsibilities

Lead the detailed engineering design of mechanical or electrical systems in data centres (typically including power distribution, UPS, cooling/thermal management, HVAC, fire suppression, containment, etc.).

Interpret conceptual/FEED phase designs and develop robust specifications, scope documents, datasheets, performance parameters, interface requirements and procurement packages.

Produce and review engineering drawings, schematics, layouts, single-line diagrams, and wiring diagrams (for electrical) or piping/duct layouts (for mechanical).

Ensure compliance with international and European standards (e.g., IEC, EN, ISO, NFPA, etc.), local building codes and permits.

Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, structural, MEP, automation, IT/architect) to ensure integrated design and smooth handover to procurement, construction and commissioning.

Lead design reviews, value engineering workshops and risk assessments to optimise cost, performance, energy efficiency and sustainability metrics.

Mentor and guide junior engineers or designers as required; promote best practices in engineering documentation and specification writing.

Maintain engineering documentation traceability, version control and engineering change control processes.

Provide engineering input throughout the project lifecycle (from design through construction to commissioning and operations).

Liaise with suppliers, vendors and contractors to clarify specification requirements, answer queries and ensure design integrity.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in our engineering standards, templates and digital engineering tools (BIM/3D modelling, Revit, etc.).

Required experience & skills

Minimum 10 years of experience as a design engineer (electrical or mechanical) in data centre (or similar mission-critical infrastructure) environment.

Demonstrable track record designing high-density data centres, including power/UPS systems, cooling/thermal or mechanical/structural system components.

Strong ability to write detailed specifications (technical data sheets, scope documents, interface requirements) and translate requirements into design.

Excellent technical depth in your discipline (electrical or mechanical) with good knowledge of relevant standards, codes and engineering practices in Europe/the Netherlands.

Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams and ability to coordinate with other disciplines.

Proficiency in engineering tools (CAD, Revit, AutoCAD, 3D modelling, calculation software, etc.).

Strong communication skills in English; Dutch language is an advantage but not strictly required.

Self-motivated, proactive, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable working in a fast-moving environment and able to balance multiple priorities.

Willingness to travel occasionally (within Europe) and to be based in the Netherlands.

Experience or interest in sustainable design, energy-efficient systems and modular data centre infrastructure is a plus.

What we offer

Competitive salary around €100,000 per year (negotiable based on expertise and proven track record).

A dynamic, purpose-driven workplace: working on infrastructure at the intersection of AI and sustainability.

Opportunity to influence the design of next-generation, high-density data centre projects in Europe.

A motivating environment where you can take ownership, lead engineering excellence, and grow professionally.

Standard benefits (which you should customise as relevant): pension scheme, health insurance / allowance, relocation support (if required), budget for training and development.

How to apply

Please submit your CV, a short cover letter (outlining your most relevant data centre engineering experience and your specification/documentation skills) and any portfolio/examples of previous data centre projects (if available). Indicate your discipline (electrical or mechanical) and your salary expectations.

We look forward to your application.