Design Manager in Cardiff

At Nscale, we are building the infrastructure for Europe’s AI revolution. Nscale are developing cutting‑edge sovereign generative AI solutions, powered by a new generation of high‑performance, sustainable data centres and GPUs built specifically for AI workloads. The growth of artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented global demand for compute and GPU infrastructure. Nscale is positioned at the heart of this transformation — building the platforms that will enable the next decade of innovation.

Nscale are working closely with the world’s most advanced AI technology providers, integrating next‑gen compute hardware and GPU clusters in both partner and Nscale built facilities. This is an opportunity to join Nscale’s journey, play a key role in delivering transformative AI infrastructure, and help shape a company designed to scale rapidly across Europe and beyond.

The Role

The Design Manager will oversee the technical design and permitting of AI‑optimized data centres across Europe. Reporting to the Development Director, these roles will be essential in ensuring our facilities are built to world‑class technical standards, delivered on schedule, to budget, and adaptable to the rapidly evolving needs of AI compute.

You’ll work together with Construction, Cost Management, and in‑country delivery teams, as well as collaborating with key technology providers and external design partners to bring high‑density infrastructure from concept to reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Involvement in the full lifecycle of data centre and infrastructure design — from concept development through construction drawings — Nscale’s solution is tailored to support dense AI compute, low‑latency workloads, and high‑efficiency operations.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (Senior Design Managers, construction, cost, engineering, in‑country teams) and external consultants (architects, MEP, CSA) to align design with business objectives and project needs.
• Oversee and manage permitting processes across multiple European jurisdictions; coordinate with local consultants and public authorities to secure approvals.
• Design and adapt facilities to accommodate advanced compute clusters, high‑power electrical infrastructure, and liquid cooling solutions. Familiarity with modern AI compute architecture is a strong advantage.
• Manage internal alignment and external consultant teams, ensuring cohesive, accurate, and high‑quality design deliverables that meet technical and operational standards.
• Review design packages for code compliance, constructability, and performance. Identify risks early and implement design changes to maintain project trajectory.
• Maintain project schedules, deliverable tracking, and clear documentation workflows using BIM and cloud‑based collaboration tools.

Who You Are

• Experienced – 6+ years in design or design management, preferably in data centre, mission‑critical, or high‑performance computing projects.
• Engineering Expertise – Mechanical or Electrical Design background.
• Permitting‑Savvy – Proven experience delivering permits across European jurisdictions.
• Technically Strong – Deep knowledge of MEP systems, high‑density power, and infrastructure suited for AI compute.
• Collaborative – Comfortable working across teams and time zones, including remote and hybrid models. NScale’s culture is to build collaborative teams of which you will be an integral part.
• Multilingual – Fluency in English is required; other European languages are an advantage.
• Digitally Fluent – Proficient with Revit, Navisworks, and BIM‑based workflows.
• Startup‑Ready – Flexible, proactive, and ready to help build world leading AI systems, culture, and scale.

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