Principle Mechanical Design Engineer

Location:

London (with flexibility across Europe) An established, forward-thinking engineering and architecture consultancy is expanding its mission-critical capability, with a focus on delivering large-scale, high-performance data centre projects across Europe. This is an exciting opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to take a leading role in shaping this offering-working closely with senior leadership to define design standards, influence strategy, and help build a high-performing team.

You will be responsible for leading the mechanical design of complex data centre projects, ensuring innovative, efficient, and resilient solutions across the full design lifecycle. This is a senior, client-facing role combining technical leadership, project oversight, and team development, with a strong emphasis on modern cooling strategies and mission-critical system performance.

• Lead mechanical design delivery for large-scale data centre developments
• Act as a key client interface, supporting early-stage design discussions and brief development
• Drive the mechanical design strategy, including cooling approaches, redundancy, and uptime performance
• Manage and coordinate complex design programmes (e.g. multi-discipline drawing packages)
• Work closely with electrical and BMS teams to ensure fully integrated M&E solutions
• Oversee downstream design delivery in collaboration with engineering teams
• Champion modern data centre cooling technologies, including energy-efficient and low-carbon approaches
• Liaise with specialist data centre teams to review progress, performance, and design evolution
• Collaborate with architectural and structural teams in a multidisciplinary environment
• Support the growth of the business unit, including recruitment and mentoring of engineers

• Proven experience at Principal or Lead Mechanical Engineer level
• Strong background in data centre or mission-critical mechanical design
• In-depth understanding of:
  • Data centre cooling strategies (air and liquid cooling, free cooling, etc.)
  • Resilience, redundancy, and uptime requirements
  • Integration with electrical systems and BMS platforms
• Experience managing complex design programmes and coordinating multidisciplinary teams
• Comfortable operating in a client-facing capacity, leading technical conversations and influencing design direction
• A collaborative and forward-thinking approach to engineering challenges

• Be part of a growing mission-critical team, helping shape its direction and capability
• Join a consultancy known for its modern approach and innovative mindset
• Work in a business that genuinely prioritises wellbeing and work-life balance
• Collaborate with senior leadership and industry experts in a highly supportive environment
• Contribute to the delivery of some of the most advanced data centre projects in Europe

The interview process will involve:

• Initial discussion with senior leadership
• Follow-up technical and strategic interview
• Final meeting with wider leadership stakeholders