Senior Principal, Data Center Mechanical Engineering

Fleet Data Centers designs, builds and operates mega-scale data center campuses. Fleet provides its customers flexibility and predictability to meet their upside demand forecasts, addressing a key need in the market as traditional leased models are struggling to keep pace with the demand for new Cloud and AI infrastructure. Fleet is led by a team of industry veterans that have already made a lasting imprint on the evolution of global digital infrastructure and are committed and uniquely capable of upleveling data center development scale and operations in the face of rising demand. Fleet is well positioned to bring in-house design, engineering and operational capabilities to collaborate with customers on tailored solutions for campuses of 500MW+. This unique model enables Fleet to provide the world’s largest and most sophisticated customers a seamless extension of their own data center fleets with constant access to design innovation. Fleet is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with satellite offices in Seattle, WA and Arlington, VA.

Position Overview:
The Senior Principal, Data Center Mechanical Engineering will be responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge mechanical systems in highly efficient, scalable, and sustainable data centers. This role involves working with cross-functional teams to ensure best-in-class mechanical systems that support massive cloud operations across multiple regions.
The ideal candidate will be a technical expert in mechanical systems engineering, with a deep understanding of data center operations, sustainability initiatives, and reliability requirements. Knowledge of all aspects of mechanical engineering is required, including central utility plants, built-up mechanical rooms, packaged equipment, chilled water equipment and piping, DX systems, airside and water-side economization, humidity control, and value engineering as the relate to designing state-of-the-art data centers. Knowledge in the areas of plumbing, fire protection design and acoustic engineering for data centers is also required.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Mechanical System Design and Implementation

a. Direct customer interaction to translate server, storage, and network equipment performance needs into data center infrastructure specifications and system designs.
b. Lead the design and development of mechanical systems for large-scale data centers, including HVAC, cooling, chiller plants, rack-based cooling, and fire protection systems.
c. Provide mechanical design oversight throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to commissioning, ensuring all systems are energy-efficient and meet performance standards.
d. Develop innovative cooling solutions that reduce water and energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining high availability and reliability.
e. Drive sustainability initiatives, such as water conservation and heat reuse.

2. Project Management & Stakeholder Collaboration

a. Manage large-scale, multi-site projects across global regions, ensuring the on-time delivery of mechanical engineering systems and solutions.
b. Collaborate with electrical engineering, structural engineering, network, controls, and operations teams to integrate mechanical systems with other data center components.
c. Work closely with vendors and contractors to ensure all mechanical systems meet quality, safety, and operational standards, as well as company specifications.
d. Act as the main point of contact for all mechanical systems-related decisions and collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders.

3. Technical Leadership and Innovation

a. Stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations in data center mechanical engineering, with a focus on energy efficiency and future scalability.
b. Mentor and lead junior and mid-level mechanical engineers, ensuring team development and promoting a culture of continuous learning.
c. Oversee technical troubleshooting and optimization of existing mechanical systems to enhance performance and reduce energy consumption.
d. Develop and refine mechanical design standards and guidelines to ensure consistent and efficient mechanical systems across all data centers.

4. Compliance and Risk Management

a. Ensure all mechanical designs and systems comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including ASHRAE standards as required by customers, buildin