Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centres

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centres

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
AECO

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead mechanical engineering projects for cutting-edge data centres and collaborate with diverse teams.
  • Company: Join AECOM, a leader in the data centre sector with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, competitive pay, and comprehensive well-being programs.
  • Other info: Be part of a growing team with opportunities for professional development and thought leadership.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech world while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Engineer or equivalent, with experience in leading complex data centre projects.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

As a technical leader and ambassador for AECOM's data centre practice, you'll represent our expertise across the EMEA region and contribute to our global network. You'll lead mechanical engineering projects within multidisciplinary teams, drawing on your proven experience delivering complex data centre facilities for leading technology clients. This is a strategic role created in response to our sustained growth in the Technology and Data Centre sector. You'll be instrumental in strengthening AECOM's position as a trusted partner in the Hyperscale and Co‑location markets, both regionally and globally. Your contributions will extend beyond project delivery to include thought leadership and shaping our sector's strategic direction.

The Opportunity

Working from either our London, Manchester, Belfast or Plymouth office on a hybrid basis, you'll join a dynamic team experiencing significant expansion. This role offers the chance to develop your career with a company that delivers both specialist and integrated multidisciplinary solutions to data centre clients.

We’re looking for someone with:

  • Extensive technical delivery experience on data centre projects for technology firms
  • A proven track record of successful project delivery as a Principal Engineer
  • The ability to lead technical teams and collaborate across geographies
  • Ambition to contribute to thought leadership and strategic growth

Qualifications

  • Chartered Engineer or Architect (or equivalent professional qualification).
  • Proven experience in leading multi‑disciplinary teams on complex data centre projects.
  • Strong understanding of permitting processes, building systems, regulations, and construction methodologies.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
  • Willingness to travel as required.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Working knowledge of Revit and digital design workflows.
  • A clear work history and proof of professional development and learning.
  • Degree in Architecture, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer or Accredited Tier Professional.

Benefits include a wide array of compensation, benefits and well‑being programs to support employees and their families. AECOM provides flexible workload options and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer. We will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition meeting the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Contact us to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centres employer: AECO

AECOM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and collaboration within the data centre sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, AECOM provides extensive benefits, flexible working options, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.

AECO

Contact Details:

AECO Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centres

Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events

Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like AECO.

Connect with Professors & Peers

Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!

Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience

When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like AECO love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of AECO and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centres

Technical Delivery Experience
Project Management
Leadership Skills
Collaboration Across Geographies
Thought Leadership
Understanding of Permitting Processes
Knowledge of Building Systems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!

Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.

Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!

Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for AECO and the Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centres role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at AECO

Brush Up on Your CAD Skills

Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at AECO.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!

Show Your Team Spirit

As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at AECO.

Discuss Your Future Goals

Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with AECO, making you a more appealing candidate.