Senior Mechanical Engineer (Modular Data Center) in London

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Modular Data Center) in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Orbital Industries

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and optimise advanced Modular Data Centers with innovative technology.
  • Company: Join Orbital, an AI-first industrial company leading a tech renaissance.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, flexible time off, and comprehensive health insurance.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable tech while working with cutting-edge innovations.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in mechanical engineering with expertise in data centre systems.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Orbital is an AI-first industrial company building hardware from the atoms up. Our goal is to lead an industrial renaissance to advance critical technologies and secure our planet for generations to come. We’re starting with critical hardware for AI data centers to make them more performant and sustainable. Every Orbital product is invented with our AI platform — uniting AI-automated hardware engineering with AI-designed material science to achieve breakthrough real-world performance. We have an ambitious mission and need excellent people in all our teams - AI research, operations, advanced materials, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and manufacturing. Working at Orbital means working in tightly integrated, vertically integrated teams. We’re looking for people who have a love of physical technology, curiosity in AI and a desire to learn.

Role Overview

Orbital is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and optimize advanced Modular Data Centers. This is a Senior role within the MDC function that combines strategic input and involves hands‑on participation in cutting‑edge research, including design and layout of mechanical systems for data center equipment and actively participating in and conducting lab experiments to verify the validity and performance of our modular data centers.

Key Responsibilities

  • A lead role within Orbital for Modular Data Center design, manufacturing and deployment. As a subject matter expert, you’ll interface with existing and potential clients configuring modular deployments to best suit their needs and suggest improvements.
  • Design for Modular Data Centers:
    • Selection of coils, heat exchangers, chillers, compressors, pumps and other supporting components.
    • Working with key stakeholders to recommend designs for performance, manufacturability, and ease of deployment.
    • Compare the impact on overall efficiency of the data center of different refrigerants for the ambient design condition.
    • Select compressors, expansion valves, and other supporting systems.
  • Coordination, Review and Approval of Technical Reports and Documentation:
    • Review internal engineering work as well as external contractors such as CFD and FEA analysis.
    • As the team continues to grow, this role will be responsible for the direction of intermediate engineers, drafters and designers from various disciplines that will be added to the MDC team.
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Participate in the evaluation and selection of potential contract manufacturers.
    • Assist in supporting internal and external manufacturing operations including integrating feedback from various stakeholders to continuously improve our modular products.
    • Lead role in bringing new and innovative ways to design and manufacture products.

What We’re Looking For

  • Professional engineering designation with 7+ years of experience in the design, selection, and/or manufacturing of mechanical and electrical systems for data centers, HVAC, and large‑scale cooling applications.
  • Deep understanding of modular data center architecture — including mechanical/electrical subsystems, applicable codes, data center tiers, and best practices for efficiency and reliability.
  • Expertise in chiller and refrigeration system selection, design and optimization.
  • Experience with simulation tools (e.g. CFD, FEA) for thermal and fluid dynamics, and hands‑on lab experience designing and executing experiments to validate mechanical system performance.
  • Ability to interpret experimental data and translate findings into actionable design improvements.

Why Join Orbital?

  • Competitive salary and equity package — the ability to own part of Orbital as we grow.
  • Flexible and generous paid time off.
  • Excellent health, dental and vision insurance plan.
  • Regular company off‑sites to the USA and beyond.
  • The experience of working in a cutting‑edge organisation dedicated to a better future.

Orbital is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Modular Data Center) in London employer: Orbital Industries

At Orbital, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you'll be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing sustainable technology in modular data centers, with ample opportunities for professional growth and hands-on experience in cutting-edge research. Our competitive salary, equity packages, and commitment to employee well-being make Orbital an exceptional place to build a meaningful career.

Orbital Industries

Contact Details:

Orbital Industries Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Engineer (Modular Data Center) 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 Orbital Industries.

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 Orbital Industries love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of Orbital Industries 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 Mechanical Engineer (Modular Data Center) in London

Mechanical System Design
Modular Data Center Architecture
HVAC Systems
Chiller and Refrigeration System Selection
CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
Thermal and Fluid Dynamics Simulation

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 Orbital Industries and the Senior Mechanical Engineer (Modular Data Center) 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 Orbital Industries

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 Orbital Industries.

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 Orbital Industries.

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 Orbital Industries, making you a more appealing candidate.