Lead Electrical Engineer

Deerns Italia; Lisboa; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Deerns, an international engineering and consultancy firm, seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead Data Centre projects in Portugal, working with teams in Spain and our international network.

You will own scope, programme, fees, resources and quality, while mentoring the local team and contributing to growth. Requires 10+ years electrical design, data centre experience, fluent Portuguese and strong English.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical or Industrial Engineering or equivalent.
• At least 10 years electrical design experience, incl. 5 in Data Centres.
• Proven experience in mission-critical facilities and MV/LV distribution.
• Knowledge of Portuguese regulations and IEC standards.
• Proficiency in ETAP, Caneco or equivalent tools; coordinate with Revit teams.
• Fluent Portuguese and advanced English; strong client communication and travel willingness.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design from feasibility to construction support.
• Define MV/LV architectures, single-line diagrams and load schedules.
• Design transformers, switchgear, UPS, batteries and generators.
• Oversee calculations and coordinate protection and power quality studies.
• Develop specs, drawings and interfaces with BMS/IT/security systems.
• Coordinate interfaces across MEP, BIM, architectural and structural teams.
• Plan resources, mentor the team and support bids, testing and commissioning.

Skills

Portuguese language

English language

Client communication

Education

Electrical or Industrial Engineering degree

Tools

ETAP

Caneco

Revit

Job description

We are Deerns, an international engineering and consultancy firm specialising in mechanical and electrical building services, energy and sustainability. We are seeking senior professionals to help develop our Portugal office and deliver Data Centre projects, working with our team in Spain and our international network.

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead Data Centre projects and act as the main client contact. You will take responsibility for scope, programme, fees, resources and quality, while contributing to the growth of our local team.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design from feasibility and concept through detailed design and construction support, in line with the agreed scope.

• Define MV and LV architectures, single-line diagrams, load schedules, redundancy, discrimination and maintenance strategies.

• Design and coordinate transformers, switchgear, UPS systems, batteries, standby generators, IT hall distribution and earthing.

• Oversee load, cable sizing, voltage drop and short-circuit calculations; coordinate protection, power quality and arc flash studies.

• Develop specifications, drawings and operating sequences; coordinate metering, EPMS and interfaces with BMS, ICT and security systems.

• Coordinate utility connections, local requirements and MEP, architectural, structural and BIM interfaces; lead quality reviews.

• Plan discipline resources and hours, mentor the team, and support bids, tender reviews, site queries, testing and commissioning reviews.

Requirements

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or an equivalent discipline.

• At least 10 years of electrical design experience, including 5 years in Data Centres and experience leading teams.

• Proven experience in mission-critical facilities, MV and LV distribution, backup power systems and failure analysis.

• Knowledge of Portuguese regulations, grid connection requirements and applicable IEC standards.

• Proficiency in ETAP, Caneco or equivalent tools; ability to review calculations and coordinate documentation with Revit teams.

• Fluent Portuguese and advanced spoken and written English. Technical autonomy, client communication skills and willingness to travel.

Desirable experience

Experience in RAM studies, commissioning, AI infrastructure, DC distribution and EN 50600 or Uptime Institute standards. Spanish would be an advantage.

What we offer

• An opportunity to help develop our Portugal office, with autonomy and responsibility from the outset.

• Complex international projects and collaboration with specialists across engineering disciplines.

• A permanent full-time position and a competitive salary reflecting your experience and expertise.

• Training, professional development and flexibility in line with project needs and local policy.