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First Point Group

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Manager / Senior Manager – Mechanical Design & Engineering (Data Center)

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Summary

Lead mechanical engineering design for hyperscale and AI-ready data centers, overseeing HVAC, liquid cooling, and fire protection systems. The role involves managing external consultants, ensuring compliance with international standards like ASHRAE and Uptime Institute, and driving sustainability benchmarks across the APAC region.

Our client is one of Asia’s fastest-scaling digital infrastructure platforms, offering market-leading colocation, build-to-suit, managed services, and interconnection solutions for global hyperscalers, large enterprises, and high-density AI workloads. Operating across key high-growth markets in the APAC region.

Backed by top-tier global infrastructure investors, the company sets itself apart through AI-optimized infrastructure, ultra-efficient mechanical engineering, sustainable renewable power integration, and sovereign-grade compliance to deliver future-ready mission-critical operations.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Manager / Senior Manager – Mechanical Design & Engineering will serve as a key technical lead across mission-critical facilities, driving mechanical engineering design and strategy for data center infrastructure. Working directly alongside client executives and internal group-level decision-makers, this role oversees cooling and thermal management, HVAC, fire protection, pumping, and drainage systems from initial concept through to final commissioning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Engineering Leadership: Lead the technical design and optimization of advanced HVAC, liquid cooling, thermal management, firefighting, and drainage systems for hyperscale and AI-ready data center facilities.
  • Early-Stage Planning: Develop high-level concept designs, cooling load models, space allocation studies, and critical sustainability benchmarks—including Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE).
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal leadership, global client teams, and external engineering consultants across all project phases, from initial feasibility and schematic design through to detailed engineering and site administration.
  • Consultant Management: Oversee external consulting teams delivering detailed engineering packages for critical mechanical architecture, including chilled water plants, DX units, Fan Wall / CRAC units, heat rejection systems, and Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling solutions.
  • Compliance & Standards: Ensure all mechanical designs strictly adhere to client specifications, regional regulatory frameworks, corporate sustainability targets, and international industry standards (ASHRAE TC 9.9, Uptime Institute Tier III/IV, TIA-942, NFPA).
  • Vendor & Technical Reviews: Conduct technical specification evaluations with equipment vendors and lead design review workshops with key external stakeholders.
  • Testing & Commissioning (T&C): Review and validate engineering documentation, commissioning scripts, and field T&C procedures for critical mechanical assets.
  • Site Execution & Regional Travel: Attend site meetings, perform quality inspections, witness commissioning activities, and travel regionally as required to support overseas developments.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

COMPETENCIES & REQUIREMENTS

Core Technical Expertise (Essential)

  • Domain Experience: 5+ years of direct, hands-on mechanical engineering and design background within data center or mission-critical environments.
  • Specialized Infrastructure: Deep, end-to-end technical mastery of critical data center systems, including chilled water architecture, Direct-to-Chip liquid cooling, HVAC, fire suppression, pumping, and drainage.
  • Industry Standards: Advanced technical literacy in ASHRAE TC 9.9 Thermal Guidelines, Uptime Institute Tier III/IV design topologies, and TIA-942 / NFPA standards.
  • Software & Design Tools: High proficiency in AutoCAD and industry-standard mechanical calculation, CFD, or thermal modeling software, alongside Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Mobility: Willingness and flexibility to travel across the APAC region to support site inspections, client reviews, and commissioning milestones.

Professional Qualities & Credentials (Preferred)

  • Industry Credentials: Chartered status (CEng / HKIE) or accredited data center certifications (e.g., ATD - Accredited Tier Designer) strongly preferred.
  • Strategic Problem-Solving: Sharp technical decision-making skills with a proactive, self-driven approach to solving complex engineering challenges.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven track record of collaborating effectively with internal C-suite stakeholders, external consultants, and client teams.
  • Language Capabilities: Fluency in written and spoken English is required; working knowledge of Cantonese or Mandarin is an advantage.

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