At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical upgrades in live data centres and manage retrofit projects.
- Company: Ethos, a dynamic consultancy focused on data centre and energy infrastructure.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, 25 days holiday, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear career progression and innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure while shaping a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 8 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
About Ethos
Ethos is a collaborative team of engineers, consultants, and creative thinkers designing and delivering data centre and energy infrastructure across the world's most dynamic markets.
As a multidisciplinary consultancy, we combine technical expertise, creativity, and integrated delivery to lead complex, mission‑critical projects.
Built on strong relationships, clear leadership, and a can‑do mindset, Ethos is entering an exciting phase of growth, expanding our capabilities and taking on increasingly high‑impact projects across EMEA and beyond.
Sustainability guides how we design, collaborate, and deliver creating innovative solutions and lasting value for our clients and communities — making Performance Made Possible.
About The Job
As a Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical, you will play a key role within Ethos’ Data Centre team, with a focus on retrofit projects across mission‑critical data centre environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of mechanical building services upgrades within live data centre environments, including M&E upgrades, capacity increases, technology refreshes, phased refurbishments, and lifecycle replacements.
- Develop and manage retrofit‑specific design strategies, including tie‑ins to live systems, redundancy planning, outage and staging strategies, and resilience design.
- Conduct or oversee technical due diligence of existing data centre facilities, including capacity unlock assessments (power, cooling, and white space).
- Prepare and review detailed design drawings, schematics, schedules, technical reports, and tender documentation.
- Manage project scope, budget, programme, and contracts — identifying and mitigating scope creep, risks, and live‑environment constraints.
- Liaise directly with clients (hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise operators), contractors, and vendors to ensure project goals are achieved with zero operational disruption.
- Drive quality assurance and governance across all assigned projects, adhering to WAP/PTW protocols in live environments.
- Mentor and support the development of junior engineers and graduate staff within the retrofit workstream.
- Support business development by contributing to proposals, client presentations, and technical strategies for retrofit opportunities across EMEA.
- Champion innovation in live‑environment engineering and contribute to the continuous improvement of Ethos’ retrofit delivery model.
- Lead phasing strategy for live cooling and HVAC upgrades, ensuring continuity of critical mechanical infrastructure throughout delivery.
About You
See the following qualifications and skills.
Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Minimum 8 years’ experience in building services engineering, with at least 3 years focused on data centre or mission‑critical projects.
- Demonstrable experience working in live, operational data centre environments — including brownfield upgrades, M&E replacements, or phased refurbishments.
- Chartered Engineer status (or actively working towards Chartership) with Engineers Ireland or equivalent.
- Proven track record managing multi‑million‑euro MEP projects from concept to completion.
- Strong understanding of Irish and EU building regulations; knowledge of LEED/BREEAM and the EU Energy Efficiency Directive is an advantage.
- Technical Skills
- Strong expertise in mechanical systems design for live data centre environments, including chilled water plant, CRAC/CRAH upgrades, air handling units, in‑row cooling, and fire suppression systems.
- Experience delivering M&E upgrades within operational facilities — including tie‑ins to live plant, outage management, and resilience planning.
- Proficient in Auto CAD, Revit MEP, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office; working knowledge of IES, HAP, or similar mechanical analysis tools is advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of CIBSE, ASHRAE, BS, IS, and EN standards applied in retrofit and live‑environment contexts.
- Understanding of PUE optimisation and cooling efficiency improvements to meet EU Energy Efficiency Directive targets and client ESG requirements.
- Familiarity with commissioning and integration of mechanical systems within live, mission‑critical facilities.
- Soft Skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence in client‑facing settings.
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving abilities, capable of managing multiple concurrent retrofit projects.
- Collaborative approach to working across multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical, sustainability, and BIM disciplines.
- Proactive, detail‑oriented mindset with a sharp focus on risk management and technical quality in live environments.
- Calm under pressure — able to make sound engineering decisions within constrained, operational environments.
Why Join Us?
- Join collaborative leaders – Work alongside experienced, approachable professionals who combine technical excellence with calm, supportive leadership.
- Make a real impact – Contribute to mission‑critical infrastructure projects that support the digital and energy transition across EMEA and beyond.
- Grow with us – As a rapidly growing consultancy, we offer opportunities to develop your skills, broaden your experience, and build your career.
- Shape a more sustainable future – Sustainability isn't an initiative—it's embedded in every project, every discipline, and every decision we make.
- We Offer
- Flexible Fridays and a 9‑day fortnight working schedule — enjoy every second Friday off to maintain work–life balance.
- A culture that values flexibility, learning, and teamwork, with clear progression pathways and support toward professional accreditation.
- Opportunities to work alongside some of the most experienced engineers in the industry, within a forward‑thinking, technology‑driven consultancy.
Benefits
- Flexible working times
- 25 Days holidays
- Pension Scheme
- Refer a Friend scheme
- Subsidised Health Insurance Allowance
- Working travel out‑of‑pocket expenses
- Regular training/mentoring / further college support
- Support for Chartership
- A Professional Subscription Fee paid by the company
- Paid Statutory Leaves
- Heavily subsidised social committee
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical U.K (Data Centre Retrofit) employer: Ethos
Ethos is an exceptional employer that prioritises both technical excellence and personal wellbeing, making it an ideal place for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to thrive. With a flexible working model, including Flexible Fridays and a 9-day fortnight, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while benefiting from clear progression pathways and opportunities for professional development. The Birmingham hub offers a collaborative environment where you can work alongside experienced engineers on cutting-edge data centre projects across the EMEA region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical U.K (Data Centre Retrofit)
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical U.K (Data Centre Retrofit) role you’re after at Ethos.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Ethos a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Ethos.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical U.K (Data Centre Retrofit) at Ethos, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical U.K (Data Centre Retrofit)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Project Engineer – Mechanical U.K (Data Centre Retrofit), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Ethos a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Ethos specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ethos
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Ethos, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Ethos want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
