Design Lead - Data Centre

About Nscale

Nscale is taking on the hyperscalers by building a vertically integrated cloud built for AI. We own the data centres, software, and applications that power today's AI stack using sustainable technology solutions. We thrive on a culture of relentless innovation, ownership, and accountability, where every team member takes pride in their work and drives it with excellence and urgency.

As a Nscaler, you’ll build trust through openness and transparency, where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Collaboration is key, and we work together swiftly and respectfully, embracing adaptability and resilience in all we do.

Design Lead

We are seeking an experienced Design Lead to lead the development and delivery of data-centre design across Korea. This role will provide technical spearheading from early site evaluation and concept design through detailed design, construction support, commissioning and handover.

Reporting to the Director of Design & Engineering, APAC, you will work closely with development, construction, operations, commercial and external consultant teams to deliver scalable, resilient, efficient and commercially viable data-centre capacity across the region.

Role will be based in Gumi, Korea

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the end-to-end design of new-build, expansion and retrofit data centre projects across APAC, covering concept, schematic, detailed design, construction documentation and design handover
• Establish technical design strategies, standards and design criteria for critical infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, cooling, controls, fire/life safety, civil and structural systems
• Ensure designs meet availability, resilience, security, scalability, energy-efficiency and sustainability objectives, while aligning with business, customer and regulatory requirements
• Lead and manage external design consultants, architects, engineers and specialist vendors; ensure quality, timeliness and cost-effective delivery of design packages
• Review designs, technical submittals, specifications, drawings and calculations to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards and internal design guidelines
• Partner with site selection, development and commercial teams to assess potential sites, utility capacity, planning constraints, constructability, programme and cost risks
• Work closely with construction and project management teams to resolve technical issues during delivery, support design change control and manage consultant performance
• Partner with commissioning and operations teams to ensure designs are operable, maintainable and ready for effective handover
• Drive design optimisation, value engineering and lessons learned across the regional portfolio without compromising critical-system reliability or customer commitments
• Build, maintain and continuously improve APAC design standards, reference designs, technical specifications and engineering governance processes
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to design engineers and project teams across the region
• Support technical due diligence, customer technical discussions and executive updates as required.

About You

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural or Building Services Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent
• Typically 10+ years of relevant experience in mission-critical facilities, data centres, industrial facilities, semiconductor, healthcare or other complex infrastructure environments
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary design for large-scale data-centre developments from concept through construction and handover
• Strong technical understanding of data-centre electrical and mechanical systems, including MV/LV distribution, generators, UPS, cooling systems, BMS/EPMS, controls and fire/life-safety systems
• Familiarity with data centre design standards and industry practices, such as Uptime Institute, TIA-942, EN 50600, ASHRAE and relevant local standards
• Proven ability to manage consultants, technical design reviews, programme milestones, budgets and competing project priorities
• Strong understanding of constructability, commissioning, operational readiness and lifecycle maintenance considerations
• Experience working across multiple APAC markets and navigating varying local authority, utility and regulatory requirements is highly preferred.
• Excellent stakeholder-management, communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical audiences.

In All We Do, Our Core Values Guide Us

Relentless Innovation

At Nscale, we constantly push the boundaries of innovation, embracing creative risks to shape the future. Our aim is to deliver products that not only meet but exceed today’s expectations, setting new standards for tomorrow.

Ownership and Accountability

Every Nscaler is fully accountable for their work, driving it with excellence and urgency. We set high standards, ensuring that our contributions are not just good but exceptional.

Openness and Transparency

We believe trust and transparency are key to our success. We maintain open communication within our teams and with stakeholders, sharing both successes and challenges. Our open-source approach allows customers to explore our technology, building trust and ensuring our solutions are both innovative, secure, and reliable.

Customer-Centric Focus

Our customers are central to our mission, and we are committed to delivering impactful solutions that drive real-world success. We focus on deeply understanding their needs and challenges, striving to exceed expectations in both product quality and service.

Sustainability

We are dedicated to considering the long-term environmental and societal impacts of our technologies. By integrating sustainability into our operations and product development, we ensure that our innovations are both effective and responsible, contributing positively to the world around us.

Full-Speed Collaboration

Collaboration at Nscale is fast, efficient, and respectful. We work together seamlessly, with clear communication and mutual respect, ensuring our shared goals are met with high standards and impactful outcomes.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, parents, carers, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

If there’s anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.

The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and are intended to provide a general overview of the position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by management, consistent with the skills and qualifications required for the role.

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