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

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Summary

Technical lead role at a data center operator, driving mechanical design for mission-critical APAC facilities — HVAC, Direct-to-Chip liquid cooling, fire protection, pumping and drainage — from concept through commissioning. Relies on AutoCAD, CFD/thermal modeling, and ASHRAE/Uptime/TIA-942/NFPA standards, with regional site travel.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

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.

Skills

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See also

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