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- Tasks: Design and deliver advanced mechanical systems for cutting-edge data centre projects across Europe.
- Company: Join CloudHQ, a rapidly growing leader in innovative data centre solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of mission-critical infrastructure and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in mechanical engineering with expertise in data centres and project management.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with travel opportunities across Europe and a focus on innovation.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Principal Mechanical Engineer – Development role at CloudHQ, LLC.
Who We Are
At CloudHQ, our mission is to deliver flexible, efficient, and resilient data centre solutions to businesses worldwide. Founded by a pioneer in data centre REITs, we are a rapidly growing organisation with state‑of‑the‑art data centre sites globally, with locations in Ashburn, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Osaka, São Paulo, and more.
Description
As we embark on an exciting phase of global growth, we are building a diverse and talented team to drive our success and help shape the future of mission‑critical infrastructure at CloudHQ.
Role Overview
The Principal Mechanical Engineer – Development will take ownership of the design, planning, execution, and delivery of advanced mechanical systems for developer‑led hyperscale data centre projects across Europe. This role combines technical expertise in designing, testing, and optimizing mechanical systems, including HVAC, cooling infrastructure, fire suppression systems, and thermal load management, with project‑management skills to ensure on‑time, within‑budget, and compliant delivery across all project phases. The successful candidate will act as a trusted technical advisor and project leader, collaborating with cross‑functional teams, external contractors, and tenants to deliver high‑performance, sustainable and mission‑critical mechanical infrastructure tailored to meet operational demands and evolving industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the subject‑matter expert for the design and delivery of mechanical systems that meet tiered reliability, scalability, and energy efficiency goals in hyperscale environments.
- Review detailed engineering specifications and calculations for HVAC systems, chilled water networks, air handling units, cooling towers, and fire suppression systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Optimise efficiency across mechanical systems to achieve maximum performance and minimise operating costs.
- Design redundant mechanical systems to support continuous operations during peak loads and maintenance windows.
Project Management & Lifecycle Oversight
- Lead mechanical scopes across all phases of development, including early‑stage development, design reviews, and tendering.
- Collaborate with wider development teams during pre‑construction planning, providing input on master plans, feasibility studies, and design risk mitigation.
- Support the construction team during construction process, acting as a design guardian and providing engineering support where necessary.
- Manage design consultants throughout the development process across multiple European jurisdictions.
Compliance & Sustainability Standards
- Ensure all designs comply with European building codes, ASHRAE standards (e.g., TC9.9 for data centres), and ISO directives.
- Incorporate energy optimisation technologies and carbon reduction strategies into designs, meeting enterprise sustainability objectives and achieving optimal PUE targets.
- Monitor adherence to environmental regulations, including waste management, material use, and emissions minimisation.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Integration
- Partner with structural and electrical engineers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with building designs and other infrastructure.
- Collaborate with tenant teams to address unique mechanical requirements, tailoring cooling solutions to their requirements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, vendors, and consultants, ensuring project milestones and performance deliverables are consistently met.
- Lead design team meetings, presenting technical insights and ensuring actionable outcomes for mechanical scopes.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Research emerging industry innovations, including liquid cooling, IoT‑controlled sensor technologies, and AI‑driven predictive maintenance tools, integrating them into CloudHQ projects where feasible.
- Develop and implement modular mechanical solutions, leveraging prefabrication strategies to reduce construction timelines and costs.
- Introduce advanced monitoring systems to enable operational visibility and real‑time performance tuning across mechanical systems.
Requirements
Technical Expertise
- Expertise in designing and delivering mechanical systems for data centres, including HVAC, cooling infrastructure (air‑cooled, water‑cooled, hybrid cooling), fire suppression systems, and air distribution networks such as AHUs and pressurised systems.
- Advanced knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat rejection strategies for large‑scale mission‑critical facilities.
- Proficiency in mechanical system modelling and software tools, including AutoCAD, Revit, BIM platforms for mechanical design, CFD modelling software (e.g., ANSYS, 6Sigma or OpenFOAM), and energy modelling systems for efficiency analysis and reporting.
Regulatory Knowledge
- Comprehensive understanding of EU environmental standards, EN & ASHRAE standards, ISO certifications, and local building codes for designing mechanical systems.
- Familiarity with sustainability frameworks and technologies for optimised performance.
Project Management Skills
- Proven ability to handle complex mechanical scopes across multiple simultaneous projects while maintaining strict adherence to schedules and budgets.
- Skilled in generating detailed documentation, reports, and technical reviews, ensuring compliance across all stages of development.
Soft Skills & Collaboration
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, capable of working across multidisciplinary teams and with external contractors.
- Leadership experience mentoring junior engineers and fostering technical collaboration within teams.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills for resolving on‑site challenges and maintaining project alignment.
Travel Flexibility
- Willingness to travel regularly within Europe (up to 50% travel based on project needs).
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.
- Certifications: Professional certifications such as LEED AP, ASHRAE Certification, or CIBSE/IMECHE Membership are highly desirable.
- Experience: Minimum 10+ years of technical and project management experience delivering mechanical systems for developer‑led data centre projects, industrial facilities, or similar mission‑critical environments.
- Languages: Fluency in English (required); fluency in German, French, or other European languages (preferred) to support regional collaboration.
At CloudHQ, we create cutting‑edge data centres that fuel the digital infrastructure of the future. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer– Development, you’ll work at the intersection of innovation, technology, and engineering excellence, helping build sustainable facilities in mission‑critical environments. Be part of a team that values collaboration, growth, and impact in the exciting world of hyperscale development. Apply today!
Visit our LinkedIn page or contact recruiting@cloudhq.com for more information.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Principal Mechanical Engineer – Development employer: CloudHQ, LLC
Contact Detail:
CloudHQ, LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer – Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CloudHQ and its projects. Show us that you understand our mission and how your skills as a Principal Mechanical Engineer can contribute to our success in developing cutting-edge data centres.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role. Highlight your project management skills and technical expertise in mechanical systems, especially in data centre environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at CloudHQ.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer – Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in mechanical systems, project management, and any relevant certifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about data centres and how your background makes you the perfect fit for CloudHQ. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Projects: Include examples of past projects where you've designed or managed mechanical systems. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don’t hold back on the details that demonstrate your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at CloudHQ, LLC
✨Know Your Mechanical Systems Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HVAC, cooling infrastructure, and fire suppression systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or optimised these systems, as this will show your technical expertise and hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage complex mechanical scopes across multiple projects. Discuss how you've ensured compliance with schedules and budgets, and be ready to explain your approach to stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance Standards
Understand the relevant EU environmental standards, ASHRAE guidelines, and local building codes. Be prepared to discuss how you've incorporated these into your designs in the past, as this will demonstrate your regulatory knowledge and commitment to sustainability.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't forget to highlight your communication and leadership abilities. Share experiences where you've mentored junior engineers or resolved on-site challenges, as this will showcase your collaborative spirit and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the role.
