Director, Mechanical Engineering - Energy and Power

About the role

We are seeking a Director, Mechanical Engineering to help lead Nscale Energy and Power as we develop behind-the-meter and islanded microgrid generation assets that provide prime power for world-scale, mission-critical AI infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical basis of design across generation assets, balance of plant, mechanical packages, piping, and building services for behind-the-meter power generation facilities.
• Embed reliability, maintainability, and operability requirements into mechanical design standards, equipment specifications, and reliability analysis, including FMEA and RAM studies.
• Establish and maintain mechanical design standards and reference architectures that enable repeatable, rapid deployment across multiple installations.
• Drive technical alignment between OEMs, EPCs, owner's engineers, and internal project teams on mechanical scope.
• Own heat rejection strategy and design, including generator-level cooling, cycle-level heat rejection, cooling equipment, pumps, valves, and ancillary mechanical packages.
• Lead combustion air intake, exhaust, generator building ventilation, and broader site aerothermal design across the generation fleet.
• Direct external CFD studies for intake recirculation, exhaust plume dispersion, and site-wide aerothermal performance.
• Own the acoustic engineering case across generator buildings, radiators, stacks, and site boundary receptors.
• Coordinate with OEMs and permitting teams on emissions control system design and performance.
• Lead specification, selection, and technical evaluation of mechanical equipment packages and balance of plant scope.
• Provide engineering support through long-lead equipment procurement, submittals, RFIs, field changes, and issue resolution during construction.
• Lead mechanical aspects of factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and commissioning.
• Partner with operations and maintenance teams on operating procedures, maintenance access, and operator training for mechanical systems.
• Build and lead a high-performing mechanical engineering team, including hiring, mentoring, performance management, and career development.
• Partner cross-functionally with Power Systems, Construction, Commissioning, Operations, Procurement, and Permitting.
• Implement lessons learned from early deployments to improve reliability, maintainability, performance, and cost across the broader portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 15+ years of mechanical engineering experience in power generation, large industrial or process facilities, or comparable mission-critical infrastructure, with significant time in design.
• 5+ years of engineering leadership experience, including people leadership and/or leading large, multi-site engineering programmes.
• Deep understanding of mechanical systems for reciprocating engines, gas turbines, steam turbines, or similar large prime mover generation assets.
• Experience with HRSG design, heat rejection, lube oil systems, combustion air, exhaust systems, SCR integration, and related mechanical scope.
• Familiarity with external CFD analysis and acoustic modelling, with the ability to critically direct third-party consultants.
• Working knowledge of ASME B31.1/B31.3, NFPA, AHJ permitting, and EPA NSPS/NESHAP requirements as they relate to mechanical scope.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical execution across third-party design firms, OEMs, and EPC contractors on aggressive schedules.
• Strong presence, sound judgement, and a pragmatic, risk-based leadership style suited to fast-paced project environments.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, Nscale offices, and supplier offices as needed.