At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for major data centre projects and mentor a growing team.
- Company: Fast-growing building services consultancy with a focus on technical excellence.
- Benefits: Annual bonus, hybrid working, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Other info: Genuine influence over team growth and delivery in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects and shape the future of the Mechanical team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years experience, and strong HVAC knowledge.
This is a genuinely rare opportunity to join a fast growing building services consultancy at a pivotal point in its growth, and help shape the future of its Mechanical capability within the Mission Critical sector. Our client works internationally with committed, high profile data centre clients who value long term relationships and technical excellence over anything transactional.
Reporting directly to the Technical Director / Board Director, you'll take the lead on the mechanical design of major data centre projects from initial concept through to completion. This isn't a role where you'll be one voice among many. You'll have genuine visibility, influence and the space to build something. Financial management, resourcing and technical leadership will all sit with you, alongside the mentoring and development of a growing team.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading conceptual and detailed mechanical design solutions in line with client briefs
- Overseeing and verifying mechanical design calculations using Hevacomp and IES software
- Managing CFD briefing and reviews with the supply chain
- Owning project financial management and profitability reporting
- Identifying and managing resources to meet project requirements
- Leading technical and quality reviews across allocated projects
- Representing the business at client, design team and industry meetings
- Supporting fee submissions and project bids
- Providing specialist technical advice and guidance at project and group level
- Supporting business development within the Mission Critical sector
What we're looking for:
- Degree qualified in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering
- Chartered Engineer, or working toward it, with CIBSE and IMechE membership
- 10+ years' experience within a recognised UK engineering consultancy
- 5+ years of dedicated data centre design experience
- Strong knowledge of HVAC and cooling systems for mission critical facilities, including large scale liquid cooling schemes
- Familiarity with BS EN 50600, ANSI/ASHRAE 90.4 and CIBSE guidance
- A solid understanding of design risk, redundancy, resiliency and data centre tier rating systems
- Familiarity with hyperscale, colocation and edge data centre requirements
- Strong Revit / BIM knowledge, ideally with ACC, BIM 360 and Navisworks experience
- A confident, client facing communicator, comfortable representing the business with clients and design teams
What's in it for you:
- Annual bonus
- Hybrid working, 2 to 3 days a week from London, Manchester, Leeds or Sunderland
- Genuine influence over how the Mechanical team grows and delivers
- The chance to work on landmark data centre projects with an expanding, well regarded multi disciplinary team
- A healthy work life balance in a business that values it
If you're ready for a role with real ownership, and want to help build something rather than simply deliver within it, we'd like to talk. Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation.
Mechanical Associate Director (Data Centres) in London employer: Harper Harrison
As a Senior Director of Operations at our client’s Italian data centre portfolio, you will join a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to operational excellence in one of Europe’s fastest-growing digital infrastructure platforms. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, offering competitive benefits such as a comprehensive welfare plan, healthcare assistance, and a pension scheme, all while providing opportunities for professional growth and leadership development in a mission-critical environment. With a commitment to safety, reliability, and client satisfaction, this role not only promises a rewarding career but also the chance to contribute to cutting-edge digital infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Associate Director (Data Centres) in London
✨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 Harper Harrison.
✨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 Harper Harrison love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Harper Harrison 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 Mechanical Associate Director (Data Centres) in London
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 Harper Harrison and the Mechanical Associate Director (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 Harper Harrison
✨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 Harper Harrison.
✨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 Harper Harrison.
✨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 Harper Harrison, making you a more appealing candidate.
