Mechanical Lead

Description

Job Type: Full-Time | Location: Sweetwater, TX | Department: Operations | Reporting to: Site & Construction Manager | Work Location Type: #onsite

IREN is a vertically integrated AI Cloud provider, delivering large-scale data centers and GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and power in renewable-rich regions across North America, Europe and APAC.

As a Mechanical Lead you will support the team responsible for operating and maintaining the Central Utility Plant (CUP) and critical cooling infrastructure serving both liquid-cooled and air-cooled data halls. You will monitor plant and building automation systems, complete operating rounds, respond to alarms, and coordinate with senior engineers and vendors to protect uptime, safety, and efficiency. 

With 100% renewable energy, we build, own and operate our data centers and take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable solutions for the ever-evolving applications of high-performance compute. We believe that human progress is invaluable, but it should be done in the right way – responsibly, sustainably and having a positive impact on the communities we operate in.

Responsibilities

• Experience supporting liquid-cooled HPC or data center infrastructure — CDUs, manifolds, pumps, filtration, and leak detection
• Proficiency with BMS, SCADA, and/or PLC systems for equipment monitoring, trending, and setpoint adjustments
• Demonstrated ability to perform thermal risk analysis, capacity modeling, and energy efficiency optimization
• Strong troubleshooting skills — able to diagnose root cause and execute corrective actions in a live, high-uptime environment
• Experience executing and managing preventative maintenance programs including contractor coordination and return-to-service documentation
• Familiarity with water treatment and chemistry programs for condenser water, glycol/hydronic loops, and liquid-cooling systems
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in adjusting plant operating strategies and equipment sequencing under changing load conditions
• Experience with reliability metrics and KPI reporting — uptime, energy efficiency (PUE/WUE), and maintenance backlog management
• Comfortable collaborating with Engineering, IT, and Leadership on capacity planning, infrastructure upgrades, and expansion projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills — able to document operational trends, incidents, and improvement recommendations clearly

Requirements

• Licensed/certified stationary or operating engineer credential (or equivalent) required; ability to maintain standing and meet site/authority requirements. 
• 3rd Class Power Engineer certificate required (or ability to obtain/maintain as required by site/authority).  
• 5+ years of experience operating and maintaining industrial or mission-critical utility systems (central utility plants, data centers, hospitals, heavy industrial, oil & gas processing, etc.), including demonstrated experience leading work on shift and coordinating resources during abnormal conditions.
• Central utility plant operations (chillers, condenser water systems, hydronic/glycol loops, pumps, heat exchangers, VFDs)

Benefits

At IREN, we offer a  comprehensive, market-competitive total rewards package designed to support employees’ well-being, career advancement, and financial wealth. Our offerings reflect our commitment to Proceed with Purpose while rewarding high performance and long-term growth. 
Compensation 

• Competitive wages based on experience starting at $36.75 / hour
• 15% night-shift premium for eligible roles, when applicable
• Overtime compensation for non-exempt workers for hours worked over 40 per week
• Relocation and Living-out-allowance (as applicable and based on successful candidate circumstances)

Health & Wellness 

• 100% company paid health insurance premiums(medical, dental, and vision)for employees, 75% company      paid coverage for dependents
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – when combined with the High-Deductible Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Retirement & Financial Wealth 

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid professional development and access to financial planning and legal services

Time Off & Leave Programs 

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

Growth & Development 

• Professional development to suppor