Lead Mechanical Engineer- Mission Critical (Data Centers)

Overview

With more than 14000 people around the globe, GHD is one of the world’s leading professional services companies operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Serving clients across five continents and the Pacific region, GHD people share a passion for exceeding the expectations of our clients and contributing to their success. Our Middle East operations have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our office in Abu Dhabi building services team About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Global Data Centre Design Team (Mission Critical), based in our UAE offices. This is a senior leadership position for a technically accomplished engineer with a strong track record in the design and delivery of complex data centre and mission critical projects. You will have the opportunity to lead the mechanical engineering design for some of the most advanced AI and hyperscale data centres in the world. These projects will include both standardized global reference designs and fully bespoke high-performance facilities that set new benchmarks for innovation, resilience, energy efficiency, and sustainability. You will play a central role in shaping mechanical engineering strategies for high-availability infrastructure, collaborating with clients, architects, and multi-disciplinary teams from early concept through to post-handover. Your work will directly influence the future of data centre design, while also mentoring the next generation of engineers in our fast-growing mission critical team. Key Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical design for mission critical facilities, covering HVAC, chilled water systems, air distribution, heat rejection systems, and integration with electrical and ICT systems. Develop high-quality designs, specifications, and technical reports in line with client requirements, local regulations, and international standards. Deliver thermal load assessments, capacity planning, redundancy and resilience strategies (e.g., N+1, 2N) for critical cooling systems. Integrate energy efficiency, free cooling, and sustainable technologies into design strategies to minimize operational costs and environmental impact. Coordinate closely with electrical, structural, public health, fire protection, and ICT teams to ensure fully integrated, clash-free, and optimized designs. Lead technical reviews, ensure quality control of design deliverables, and manage budgets, deliverables, and programme schedules. Maintain strong client relationships, presenting solutions, managing expectations, and acting as a trusted technical advisor from bid stage through to project completion. Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Contribute to the development, adaptation, and optimization of client standard designs, as well as bespoke engineering solutions. Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or Building Services Engineering (Master’s degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred). Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 3 years focused on mission critical and / or data centre projects. Proven expertise in cooling system design for high-availability environments, including CRAC / CRAH, chilled water, direct expansion, and adiabatic cooling solutions. Strong understanding of mechanical-electrical integration, controls / BMS strategies, and commissioning processes for data centres. Experience with hyperscale and AI data centre cooling design strategies is highly desirable. Proficiency in design tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, IES, CFD modelling, or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to produce technical designs, calculations, and specifications to a high standard. Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead discussions, influence outcomes, and work across multiple disciplines and geographies. Why Join Us?

Work on globally significant mission critical projects, influencing the next generation of AI and hyperscale data centre mechanical design. Be part of a globally recognised, fast-growing mission critical team delivering projects that combine technical excellence, sustainability, and commercial success. Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary, innovative environment where your work shapes both standardised and bespoke engineering solutions. Access continuous professional development, global career pathways, and opportunities to contribute to industry-leading innovation. Join a team that values knowledge sharing, client partnership, and engineering excellence. Take on some of the world's toughest challenges- with everyone at GHD backing you every step of the way. At GHD, we celebrate the power of a multicultural workforce and champion individual achievement. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing fair and inclusive employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees—regardless of background, identity, or experience. We believe that diversity drives innovation, and we welcome the unique perspectives that each team member brings to our organization.

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