Principal Due Diligence Project Lead and Mechanical SME - London

RED are an expanding international M&E consultancy, with a proven track record in low energy design, focused on providing excellent design solutions to clients. Through our market leading technical expertise, we enable the world’s digital infrastructure and develop the built environment whilst also helping clients realise ambitious plans for zero carbon-built environments. We cover the entire life cycle of any building project, with our broad capability offering saving our clients time, money, and effort. Our approach is centred around listening to our clients and interacting energetically with our fellow project stakeholders. We add value with our people, client service ethos, global delivery strategy, technical ability, and attitude.

We now seek a Principal Due Diligence Project Lead and Mechanical SME to be based out of our London office.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead due diligence projects for potential data centre sites across EMEA.
• Assess mechanical infrastructure risks, including cooling strategies, water availability, utility infrastructure, energy efficiency, environmental constraints, and data centre mechanical design requirements during site selection.
• Manage feasibility studies and provide strategic input on mechanical infrastructure solutions and site suitability.
• Evaluate site constraints impacting cooling systems, heat rejection solutions, fuel storage, water consumption, and sustainability targets.
• Review mechanical utility capacity and resilience requirements for hyperscale and colocation data centres.
• Develop project plans for all disciplines, timelines, and budgets for early-stage development.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams including environmental consultants, engineers, and planners.
• Ensure projects meet site acquisition objectives.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients during due diligence and planning phases.
• Communicate complex technical issues clearly to stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice to clients on connection agreements and TSO DSO risks.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (BEng or BSc) in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Energy Engineering, Thermal Engineering, HVAC Engineering (or similar).
• Knowledge of mechanical infrastructure requirements for mission-critical facilities and data centres.
• Excellent project management skills (budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation).
• Understanding of international mechanical codes, standards, and regulations affecting data centre development.
• Experience in HVAC and cooling system design.
• Knowledge of chilled water, direct expansion (DX), evaporative cooling, adiabatic cooling, and liquid cooling technologies.
• Understanding of heat rejection systems, cooling towers, dry coolers, and condenser water systems.
• Understanding of water demand, water treatment, and sustainability considerations.
• Knowledge of fuel storage and distribution systems for standby generation.
• Experience performing mechanical load calculations and capacity assessments.
• Understanding of energy efficiency metrics such as PUE and WUE.
• Ability to interpret technical reports and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Be working towards or willing to work towards Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Familiarity with data centre development processes and infrastructure planning.
• Experience leading mechanical design on complex projects.
• Responsibility for technical decision-making.
• Coordination with electrical, civil, structural, and controls disciplines, as well as clients, contractors, and regulators.
• Experience in Data Centre Design is preferred or large Industrial warehouse design.
• Act in an ethical manner and follows the principles of the ethics charter and ethics in practice guidelines.
• Background in consulting or construction preferred.
• Good understanding of international working and business operations of a global consultancy.

Benefits

RED offers a variety of benefits, including but not limited to:

• 23 days annual leave rising to 28 days annual leave over 5 years’ service.
• Holiday purchase and buy back scheme.
• Hybrid Working.
• Contributory company pension scheme.
• Healthcare Scheme (Company funded cover is dependant on level).
• Non-contractual bonus awards.
• Training sponsorship.
• Charity volunteering leave.
• Wellness days/initiatives.

Salary commensurate with experience. Our people work in friendly teams with a collaborative approach and mentoring support from talented leaders. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and are an equal opportunities employer.

*This role will ideally suit those with the right to live & work in the UK without restrictions.

RED is a company of Tractebel. Our organisation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer reasonable accommodations upon request for individuals with disabilities.