Director Data Center Mechanical Engineering
You will define and advance mechanical engineering standards for data center development projects. You will lead mechanical design reviews from site feasibility through commissioning, guide system selection and value engineering, manage internal and external engineering resources, and evaluate cooling technologies for high-density AI and HPC workloads.
Responsibilities
- Develop and own mechanical engineering design standards, specifications, and basis-of-design documentation
- Establish and enforce criteria for chilled water plants, technology cooling systems, DX/CRAC systems, air handling, and containment strategies
- Lead the evaluation, selection, and standardization of mechanical systems and equipment
- Drive improvements to PUE performance targets through mechanical design strategies
- Define KPIs and portfolio analytics for executive leadership and the Board
- Provide mechanical engineering leadership and technical review throughout project development and commissioning
- Review and approve mechanical design packages from external engineers of record
- Lead value engineering efforts for mechanical systems
- Support RFP development, bid evaluation, and contractor and vendor selection
- Build, mentor, and lead an internal mechanical engineering team
- Manage external engineering consultants, equipment manufacturers, and specialty subcontractors
- Collaborate with operations teams on maintainability and operator efficiency
- Present mechanical design strategies and investment recommendations to leadership and investment committees
- Evaluate and pilot emerging cooling technologies for high-density AI and HPC workloads
- Benchmark designs against industry best practices and competitive peers
- Participate in relevant industry organizations and contribute to thought leadership
Requirements
- 12+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience
- Experience leading mechanical design on hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data center projects
- Experience as a technical owner or discipline lead on large capital projects
- Experience managing or mentoring engineering staff and external consultants
- Deep knowledge of data center cooling architectures
- Proficiency in mechanical system modeling and simulation tools such as CFD, EnergyPlus, or Trane TRACE
- Working knowledge of ASHRAE, TIA/EIA, and Uptime Institute standards
- Familiarity with high-density and liquid-cooled AI/ML and HPC deployments
- Experience with mechanical commissioning and integrated systems testing protocols
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- Professional Engineer license preferred
Benefits
- Bonus opportunities
- Equity opportunities
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Retirement savings with company contribution
- Employee referral program
- Remote work on Fridays