Senior Mechanical Engineer (Modular Data Center) in London

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, focusing on revolutionary two-phase direct-to-chip cooling applications leveraging Orbital's proprietary fluid discoveries and developing dual-use chiller systems for simultaneous data center cooling and carbon capture. This is a leading 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, novel cooling solutions and integrated carbon capture systems.

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 and Cooling Solutions.
• 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.
• Selection and performance analysis of cold plate 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.
• 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, with proficiency in thermodynamic analysis to maximize cooling performance and energy efficiency.
• 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 and cooling 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.