Director, Mechanical Engineering

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers designs, builds and operates resilient, sustainable digital infrastructure for the world’s leading technology companies with a relentless focus on our customers’ experience. Our vision is to be the leading hyperscale data center provider globally, making a positive and sustainable impact in the communities in which we operate. Our core values are Trust, Accountability, Respect and Agility.

Mission Critical Engineering (MCE) Team

As integral part of the EMEA CTO Group, the core objective of the MCE team is to drive design excellence, innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement to enable the delivery of cost-effective and high-quality infrastructure, delivered safely and always on time. Striving for operational excellence, we specialize in pioneering technical design solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Position Description

Vantage is looking for a Director, Mechanical Engineering, EMEA, to be part of the MCE team that leads design and engineering within the construction process and become engaged in all technical development. In this role, you will be responsible for leading a team of highly skilled mechanical engineers and Technical Leads focused on data center critical infrastructure systems, accountable for high-level schematic system design, specification development, submittal review, design document review, oversight of installation, participation in commissioning and transition to operations, act as SPOC for the rest of the organization and own the design output.. You will be responsible for the career development of all the engineers reporting to you, the recruitment of new members for the team, and the training and onboarding of all EMEA employees to the mechanical engineering standards of Vantage.

You will be as well the point of contact for the rest of the departments' leaders involved in the program development (Sales, Customer Solutions, Customer Centric, Design Management, Development, Finance, Legal, HR, Innovation CSA, Delivery, Automation & Controls, Security, IT, and Operations). Regular collaboration and coordination are required with the other managers and directors of the other Vantage development regions to ensure consistency of product delivery.

You and your team will be presented with complex engineering challenges and be asked to bring them to resolution with all the tools at your disposal. You and your team will ensure existing standards are executed and enhanced for each project. You and the team will evaluate designs and provide engineering analysis to balance CAPEX and OPEX costs.

You and the team will be required to participate, contribute and lead cross-functional initiatives to shape and drive the company long term vision

Essential Job Functions

Leadership and Strategy

• Provide visionary leadership and set the strategic direction for the Mechanical
• Engineering team in the EMEA region, aligning with Vantage's overall business goals and objectives.
• Drive innovation and best practices in mechanical engineering design and construction, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement long-term mechanical engineering plans and initiatives that support Vantage's expansion into new markets and ensure the organization remains at the forefront of the industry.

Team Management

• Build and lead a high-performing mechanical engineering team, ensuring they have the resources, tools, and support necessary to excel in their roles.
• Mentor and guide team members, promoting their professional growth and development.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages knowledge sharing and cross functional cooperation.

Project Coordination and Oversight

• Oversee the planning, design, and execution of multiple engineering projects across the EMEA region, ensuring they are completed within budget, on schedule, and in line with quality standards.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including facilities operations, sales, marketing, and subject matter experts, to ensure seamless project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Implement effective project management practices and tools to monitor progress, identify risks, and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, clients, contractors, and vendors, to build strong working relationships and ensure alignment on project objectives.
• Act as the key point of contact for mechanical engineering-related inquiries and foster open communication channels to address stakeholders' concerns and expectations effectively.

Continuous Improvement and Risk Management

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement within the mechanical engineering team, promoting the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
• Identify potential risks and challenges in engineering projects and develop risk management strategies to minimize their impact on project outcomes.
• Implement lessons learned from previous projects to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in future endeavors.

Travel and Emergency Response

• Be prepared for frequent travel across the EMEA region to oversee project sites, collaborate with teams, and engage with stakeholders in different locations.
• Develop and implement emergency response protocols to address potential crises or incidents related to engineering projects, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and assets.

Duties

• Manage mechanical engineering activities and provide engineering support from site adaptation through commissioning across Vantage's portfolio of expansion projects in EMEA.
• Drive mechanical engineering decisions to conclusion, including managing internal and external resources, project teams, contractors, and vendors.
• QA/QC work products of direct reports and confirm accuracy. Manage inputs and delivery of work products from internal team members to ensure that new data center spaces comply with all applicable requirements (OPR, specifications, code, lease, etc.).
• Own resource allocation and project workflow for direct reports and third-party contingent workforce.
• Statement of Work (SOW) creation and management for engineering design on VDC projects and customer builds.
• Support Corporate Development with technical due diligence reviews of existing or under development Data Center assets.
• Support sales in customer engagement during build-out and fulfillment of requirements tied to leases.
• Engineering vendor management including qualification and relationship building.
• Ensure lessons learned at a project level are documented and placed in the feedback loop for continuous improvement at a program level.
• Coordinate with site operations to confirm site adapt project requirements meet program standards and operations requirements as well as provide support for any issues that arise once the critical infrastructure is in operation.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, or similar technical field, from an accredited university or college
• Accredited engineering credentials preferred (Chartered / Professional Engineer)
• 10+ years of experience in data center mechanical engineering management or equivalent managerial positions required, 15 years preferred
• Data Center experience is required
• Experience in EMEA construction markets is required; experience in NA construction markets preferred
• Understanding of Revit, BIM, and Navisworks environments
• Working knowledge of critical cooling infrastructure and critical power infrastructure within a data center project
• Working knowledge of building and fire codes ordinances
• Excellent communication skills to effectively work with present information to executive management, operations, sales engineering, and finance
• National and international travel required is expected to be between 25% and 50% but may vary over time as the business evolves

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.