Role Overview
As the Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the mechanical engineering efforts for critical infrastructure projects within the data center industry, focusing on innovative and efficient solutions. You will manage the mechanical design process from concept to completion, ensuring systems are optimized for both performance and reliability. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver projects that meet the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the mechanical design and delivery for a range of data center projects, driving the process from initial concept through to detailed construction documentation.
- Ensure all mechanical designs adhere to project requirements, industry standards, and operational goals, providing governance and oversight at every stage.
- Work closely with external contractors, suppliers, and consultants to ensure mechanical systems are developed in line with technical specifications and project schedules.
- Support internal teams by offering expert guidance on the selection of mechanical equipment, design optimization, and risk management.
- Assist in resolving any mechanical design issues that may arise during testing, commissioning, and handover phases.
- Drive continuous improvements in safety, efficiency, and quality across all aspects of mechanical services, including HVAC, fire suppression, and fluid management systems.
Key Activities
- Oversee external contractors responsible for designing mechanical, hydraulic, fire protection, and fuel systems, ensuring submissions align with project needs from concept through to final documentation.
- Conduct in-depth design reviews to identify potential risks or non-compliance with technical specifications and work to address any issues promptly.
- Collaborate closely with design and engineering teams to ensure mechanical systems are practical, buildable, and aligned with the overall project design.
- Work alongside the cost management team to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality or performance.
- Engage with product development teams to refine designs for equipment that will be supplied directly by the company.
- Participate in design presentations to review the interaction between mechanical systems and other building components such as structural and architectural elements.
- Ensure coordination between mechanical services in 3D models, verifying that there's adequate space and accessibility for installation and future maintenance.
- Contribute to Safety in Design workshops, offering insights on how to reduce risk during the construction and operational phases of projects.
- Provide technical input during Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and support the commissioning team in troubleshooting any design-related challenges.
- Conduct periodic site inspections to ensure mechanical installations meet design and regulatory requirements.
- Occasionally travel to data center sites within the APAC region to support project reviews and assessments.
- Offer guidance during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to ensure equipment is performing as intended and in line with design specifications.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in mechanical design and construction, ideally with a focus on data centers or large-scale industrial projects.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent qualification.
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems such as HVAC, fire suppression, hydraulics, and fuel systems.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong decision-making abilities, with a willingness to take accountability for project outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Travel
This role is based in Sydney, with occasional travel to data center locations and other project sites across the APAC region and abroad.
