At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for high-profile data centre projects and collaborate with a dynamic team.
- Company: Award-winning consultancy known for sustainable engineering solutions and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development support, and a diverse, inclusive work environment.
- Other info: Mentorship and training provided through our DC101 programme for new joiners.
- Why this job: Join a leading team and shape the future of data centres while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; consulting experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 44100 - 53900 £ per year.
The Team
We are a global, independent, multi-disciplinary consultancy delivering sustainable engineering and design solutions across the built environment. With over 1,200 engineers and designers across 29 locations, we apply our expertise to local market conditions to deliver resilient, low-carbon engineering solutions. We are 100% partner-owned and are proud to have been named Building Magazine’s Engineering Consultant of the Year in 2024, 2022, and 2021. As part of this role, you will be joining our dedicated data centre team. Established in 2006, we have delivered over 2,000MW of capacity for our clients worldwide. In 2025, we were named Data Centre Consultancy of the Year by Data Centre Review and were ranked in the Top 10 by Data Centre Magazine in 2023.
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced and client-focused Principal Engineer with mechanical design experience to join our data centre team. You will have excellent mechanical design and consulting experience, ideally from a highly technical background. Your previous project experience will demonstrate an ability to transition into our data centre sector. You do not need previous data centre experience to apply. Our data centre specialist designers will mentor you as you enter our internal DC101 programme. This will give all new joiners the skills, context, and mentors to successfully transition into the sector and grow your career in this exciting industry. You’ll play a leading role in some of the most high-profile data centre projects in the world. As part of our collaborative, multi-disciplinary team, you will drive the delivery of regional and global data centre projects. As part of the role, you’ll be engaging directly with clients, shaping technical strategies, as well as reviewing and developing designs for our projects. You’ll be trusted to take ownership of your work while being supported by a team of experienced engineers. As a Principal, you’ll also support the development of junior engineers, as well as contribute to project planning and fee proposals. In a leading role, you’ll help bring your technical expertise to the market and shape the direction of our growing team.
Responsibilities
Deliver accurate mechanical design solutions including HVAC air-conditioning, chilled water, ventilation, equipment selections, public health, and building management services systems.
Produce mechanical designs, including HVAC and public health and building management services systems.
Prepare technical specifications, schedules, calculations, project reports, and supporting documentation.
Conduct site inspections and surveys to inform design development.
Develop detailed and coordinated design solutions in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams.
Contribute to internal and external project meetings, providing mechanical expertise and updates.
Assist with fee proposals and business development activities as required.
Collaborate with colleagues across regional and international offices on project delivery.
The Skills
We’re looking for a qualified engineer educated to a degree level in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related technical discipline. You may be Chartered or working towards it, either way, we’ll support your career path. You’ll have gained experience in a consulting engineering role and now looking to take this into a new challenge with greater responsibility and impact. We value engineers who bring initiative, problem-solving, and a collaborative mindset to their work. You don’t need previous data centre experience. Our DC101 programme has been designed to provide in-depth technical training alongside your projects to ensure new joiners can succeed in the industry. This programme has led to multiple award wins and nominations for talent development across the data centre sector.
We know that to be the best at what we do we need a diverse workforce underpinned by an inclusive culture. Creating environments where everyone can find joy doing their best work is also great for everyone. That’s why we positively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our people.
Principal Mechanical Critical Systems Engineer in Holywood employer: Cundall
Cundall is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, situated in the vibrant heart of Central London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we offer opportunities to work on innovative global projects while being part of a supportive team that values diverse perspectives. Our commitment to excellence ensures that you will be engaged in meaningful work that not only challenges you but also contributes to your professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Critical Systems Engineer in Holywood
✨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 Cundall.
✨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 Cundall love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Cundall 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 Critical Systems Engineer in Holywood
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 Cundall and the Principal Mechanical Critical Systems Engineer 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 Cundall
✨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 Cundall.
✨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 Cundall.
✨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 Cundall, making you a more appealing candidate.
