Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centres

Principal Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres)DubaiA leading, fast-growing engineering consultancy specializing in hyperscale data centres and mission-critical infrastructure is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead its expanding Mechanical design team.This is an exciting role offering the opportunity to work on cutting-edge data centre projects across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, delivering innovative, high-performance engineering solutions for global clients.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the mechanical design function across multiple data centre and mission-critical projects.Act as the technical lead for HVAC, public health, and fire protection system design.Oversee mechanical designs from concept through detailed design, construction support, and commissioning.Review and approve engineering calculations, specifications, reports, equipment selections, and design deliverables.Ensure compliance with client requirements, local regulations, and international standards including ASHRAE, CIBSE, NFPA, TIA-942, and Uptime guidelines.Drive design optimization, value engineering, innovation, and engineering best practices across projects.Lead cooling load calculations, thermal design strategies, equipment sizing, and critical cooling solutions.Manage, mentor, and develop mechanical engineering teams, providing technical guidance and quality oversight.Coordinate closely with electrical, structural, architectural, and BIM teams to deliver fully integrated designs.Support project planning, resource allocation, technical risk management, and delivery schedules.Provide technical support during site inspections, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.Participate in client meetings, technical presentations, proposal development, and business growth initiatives.RequirementsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's degree advantageous).12+ years of mechanical design engineering experience within consultancy, contractor, or design-build environments.Proven experience leading the mechanical design and delivery of data centre or other mission-critical projects.Strong expertise in:- HVAC systems and thermal engineering- Chilled water and precision cooling systems- Public health and fire protection systems- Data centre mechanical infrastructure- ASHRAE, CIBSE, NFPA, TIA-942 and relevant local codesExperience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordinating complex projects.Strong knowledge of design reviews, value engineering, commissioning, and construction support.Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and mechanical design software; Revit, HAP, IES or CFD experience preferred.Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.Professional certification such as CEng, PE, or equivalent preferred.Desirable ExperienceHyperscale, colocation, or Tier-certified data centre projects.Sustainable and energy-efficient mechanical design solutions.Revit, BIM, CFD modelling, HAP, and IES-VE.Client-facing technical leadership within international project environments.Experience contributing to engineering standards, specifications, and quality improvement initiatives.