Lead Mechanical Engineer

The Lead Mechanical Engineer is responsible for managing and coordinating all mechanical systems across data center construction projects. This role ensures that mechanical infrastructure is designed, constructed, tested and delivered to meet performance requirements, redundancy targets, and long-term operational reliability. This individual works cross-functionally with internal teams, external design partners, and construction stakeholders to translate design intent into successful project execution.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the mechanical scope of work across all project phases including concept design, basis of design, detailed design, construction, and closeout.
• Serve as the primary interface between internal teams and external mechanical engineering consultants
• Coordinate with mechanical engineers and consultants on: cooling plant strategies, chilled water and/or refrigerant-based systems, CRAH/CRAC units and in-row cooling, pumping, piping, and heat rejection systems.
• Review design deliverables for compliance with Owner standards, codes, constructability, and lifecycle considerations.
• Serve as the Owner's representative for all mechanical systems during construction.
• Review and manage mechanical submittals, RFIs, change orders, and field clarifications.
• Monitor contractor performance related to safety, quality, schedule, and cost.
• Participate in site walks, inspections, and quality audits.
• Validate mechanical pay applications and change order pricing.
• Coordinate mechanical scope with electrical, structural, and commissioning teams to ensure seamless system integration
• Support commissioning activities including test procedures, system validation, and turnover documentation
• Support detailed project schedules with emphasis on mechanical milestones and long-lead equipment procurement.
• Assist with mechanical cost estimating, budget management, and forecasting.
• Identify technical, constructability, or procurement risks impacting mechanical scope and develop mitigation strategies.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to project engineers.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5-10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, project engineering, or construction management
• Strong knowledge of data center cooling systems and thermal management, hydronic systems, piping, pumping, HVAC controls and sequences of operations, and reliability best practices.
• Experience reviewing and coordinating with external engineering firms
• Experience delivering large-scale, mission-critical, industrial or data center projects.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills