At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for data centres and mission-critical projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Join Hoare Lea, a human-centric engineering consultancy focused on sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, private medical cover, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving data centre sector while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in mechanical engineering with strong knowledge of HVAC and data centre systems.
The predicted salary is between 44100 - 53900 £ per year.
About us
Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield. We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves. We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality.
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working. Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Data Centre & Mission Critical (MCDC) team at Hoare Lea. Data centres are central to the modern economy and the technology that powers them is evolving rapidly. Our Mission Critical team helps clients navigate these changing requirements. At Hoare Lea you’ll gain a truly unique experience working across the full spectrum of the data-centre sector — from early-stage site appraisal, master planning and feasibility studies through detailed plant and HVAC design, live plant upgrades, test-fits, commissioning and operational optimisation. You’ll work across close-control environments, data halls, live plant replacement and refurbishment, critical engineering and due-diligence reviews of existing facilities. Projects span mainly in the UK, but also across Ireland and Europe. You will join a collaborative, knowledgeable and highly engaged team with a positive, supportive and flexible culture.
Working alongside the Project Leader, you will engage directly with clients, develop designs and produce reports, specifications and guidance, and support testing and commissioning activities to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes. In this key and varied role you will:
- Lead day-to-day mechanical design delivery for data centre and mission-critical projects.
- Act as a client-facing engineer, attending meetings, translating briefs and coordinating multidisciplinary inputs.
- Prepare and review mechanical design deliverables, specifications and technical reports.
- Support site appraisals, masterplanning, feasibility and test-fit studies.
- Oversee plant design, testing, commissioning and handover activities.
- Support monitoring of fees, resources and project delivery.
- Mentor and develop next-generation engineers.
About you
To be successful in this role you’ll need:
- Proven experience as a Mechanical Engineer delivering mission critical and data centre projects.
- Experience with Revit, BIM workflows and AutoCAD.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC, chilled water and refrigerant systems, cooling plant, air distribution, heat rejection and high-density / liquid cooling technologies.
- Excellent technical judgement and a collaborative mindset.
- Experience mentoring and supporting others.
Desired specialist experience:
- Mission-critical and data centre mechanical engineering across new-build, live operational upgrades, technical due diligence, feasibility studies and test-fits.
- Hyperscale, colocation and enterprise/research environments.
- Early-stage site appraisal, masterplanning and test-fit studies.
- Cooling infrastructure and heat-rejection options.
- Resilience and uptime design thinking.
- High-density and AI-ready cooling.
- Live operational environments and phased upgrades.
- Campus-scale developments and multidisciplinary coordination.
- Energy efficiency and sustainability in mission-critical design.
- Experience working across the UK; international experience is desirable.
Adjustments and accommodations
If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.
Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres and Mission Critical) employer: Hoare Lea
Hoare Lea is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a flexible and hybrid working environment tailored to support a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in the built environment, employees benefit from comprehensive medical cover, stock options, and a collaborative culture that fosters leadership and technical excellence. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering impactful engineering solutions while advancing your career in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres and Mission Critical)
✨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 Hoare Lea.
✨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 Hoare Lea love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Hoare Lea 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 Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres and Mission Critical)
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 Hoare Lea and the Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres and Mission Critical) 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 Hoare Lea
✨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 Hoare Lea.
✨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 Hoare Lea.
✨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 Hoare Lea, making you a more appealing candidate.
