Job Description
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - Mission Critical (Data Centres)
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.
The Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
* 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
About You
* Proven experience at Principal or Lead Mechanical Engineer level
* Strong background in data centre or mission-critical mechanical design
* In-depth understanding of:
o Data centre cooling strategies (air and liquid cooling, free cooling, etc.)
o Resilience, redundancy, and uptime requirements
o 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
The Opportunity
* 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
Process
The interview process will involve:
* Initial discussion with senior leadership
* Follow-up technical and strategic interview
* Final meeting with wider leadership stakeholders