Principle Mechanical Design Engineer

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:
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

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