Lead Mechanical Engineer, Data Center Design

Role Scope

Define and own Fluidstack's mechanical cooling strategy across the portfolio, from chip-level thermal interfaces through CDU and coolant distribution, chilled water plants, and heat rejection.

Own the mechanical basis of design, master specs, standard drawings, and sequences of operation for every cooling system.

Drive the architectural calls: coolant chemistry, chiller topology (air-cooled vs. water-cooled centrifugal), CDU elimination, medium-voltage chiller integration, and free cooling for best-in-class PUE and WUE.

Define modular, prefabricated mechanical assemblies (containment cooling units, chiller skids, pump packages, piping modules) built for rapid deployment with minimal field interfaces.

Own mechanical design delivery across multiple concurrent programs from concept through IFC, enforcing quality at each milestone and coordinating external MEP consultants.

Build and manage the mechanical engineering team, and hold chiller, pump, and coolant vendors accountable on lead time, quality, and performance.

About the role

Lead the design, development, and execution of 50GW+ of data centers this decade.

Responsibilities

• Drive the next generation of liquid cooling and electrical distribution systems.
• Develop and scale first-of-a-kind modular data centers.
• Influence behind-the-meter designs and planning for multi-GW campuses.

Requirements

• You've owned mechanical cooling design for hyperscale or high-performance data centers, from basis of design through commissioning.
• You have deep command of chilled water systems, air- and water-cooled chillers, direct liquid cooling, and heat rejection plant design at high rack densities (75 to 150+ kW/rack).
• You've built and led a mechanical engineering team and directed external MEP consultants through a full design lifecycle.
• You've developed and enforced design standards and master specs across a multi-site portfolio, not just delivered a single building.
• You've worked owner/developer-side with direct accountability for system performance, not just consultant or EPC scope.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• PE license or Chartered Engineer preferred.
• Experience with CFD (6SigmaET, Ansys Icepak, Flotherm) and Revit/BIM.
• Experience with medium-voltage and 800VDC chiller applications.
• ASHRAE TC 9.9 certification preferred.

Skills

• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, including chilled water systems, air- and water-cooled chillers, direct liquid cooling, and heat rejection plant design.
• Experience with mechanical design and engineering, including master specs, standard drawings, and sequences of operation.
• Ability to define and enforce design standards across a multi-site portfolio.
• Experience leading a mechanical engineering team and directing external MEP consultants through a full design lifecycle.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE TC 9.9 and experience with CFD tools like 6SigmaET, Ansys Icepak, and Flotherm.
• Experience with medium-voltage and 800VDC chiller applications.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package (cash + equity).
• Retirement or pension plan, in line with local norms.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous PTO policy, in line with local norms.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $300,000 - $350,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

Schedule

Not specified.