Lead Engineer

Lead Engineer – Global Data Infrastructure Leader

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Salary: Competitive + performance bonus + benefits package
 

Join a global leader in mission-critical data centre management. Our client is a world-leading provider of integrated real estate and technical services, operating across more than 100 countries and supporting some of the world’s largest hyperscale and enterprise clients. With a strong presence across Japan, they deliver engineering, operations, and facility management solutions that keep critical infrastructure running at peak performance.

As part of their continued expansion, they are seeking a Lead Engineer to oversee data centre engineering operations and ensure the consistent delivery of safe, compliant, and efficient services to clients.

About the Role

The Lead Engineer will manage the day-to-day operations of mission-critical facilities, ensuring 100% uptime and compliance with health, safety, and quality standards. You will provide leadership to the engineering team, manage subcontractors, and implement continuous improvement initiatives across operational processes.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an experienced technical professional who thrives in fast-paced, high-availability environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering operations for critical infrastructure assets, ensuring reliability, safety, and performance.
• Manage preventive and corrective maintenance programmes across mechanical and electrical systems.
• Act as the HV authorised person for the site, maintaining full compliance with operational safety standards.
• Monitor asset performance, diagnose faults, and ensure timely resolution of issues to minimise downtime.
• Lead and support vendor and contractor management, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and SLAs.
• Drive energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across operations.
• Develop and implement operational procedures (SOPs, EOPs, MOPs) in accordance with industry best practices.
• Contribute to financial reporting, budget management, and procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, environmental, and health and safety requirements.
• Manage and develop the engineering team through training, mentoring, and performance reviews.
• Support incident response, root cause analysis, and service restoration efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, service quality, and client satisfaction.
• Provide operational reports and updates to clients and senior management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering (or related discipline).
• Proven experience managing engineering or facility operations within data centres or other mission-critical environments.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, including feeders, transformers, generators, UPS, ATS/STS, PDU, chillers, and fire suppression systems.
• Experience leading engineering teams and overseeing vendor performance.
• Hands-on experience with CMMS, BMS, and workflow management systems.
• Knowledge of safety codes, risk assessments, and ISO/FISMA audit processes.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness with experience managing budgets.
• Excellent communication skills in Japanese; business-level English advantageous.
• Chief Electrical Engineer License (電気主任技術者資格保有者) preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to work under pressure.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a global organisation at the forefront of data centre operations. You’ll lead engineering excellence within critical environments, manage a talented technical team, and contribute directly to the performance and reliability of facilities that power the digital world.