Principal Mechanical Engineer, NA

Design Engineering Department 

The Design & Engineering (D&E) team drives the technology, innovation and new development of data center infrastructure across Vantage’s companywide portfolio. D&E evaluates new sites, drives cost and scheduling in line with corporate goals and serves as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning. The team collaborates with Sales, Operations and management along the way. D&E also works hand-in-hand with the Construction team to come up with a vertically integrated design and ensures new and existing standards and designs are executed effectively.  

At the heart of our vision is the creation of critical infrastructure that facilitates human connection, creativity, sharing, and collective aspirations. Our mission revolves around providing our Customers with consistently exceptional facilities swiftly and enjoying the process while doing so. This dedication extends to our Customers, Construction teams, and Site Operations teams.  

One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our technical staff are given the responsibility and authority to directly drive tangible results. Our team can align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals. This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and results. 

The Design Engineering team guides the development and operation of best-in-class data centers for hyperscale customers by providing business-minding Design and Engineering expertise. 

Position Overview 

This is a remote position based anywhere in the US. #LI-Remote

Vantage is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to be part of the design engineering team, steering innovative design and engineering solution for our data center projects. In this role, as a subject matter expert, you will be focussing on program improvement initiative as well as supporting the deployment of new data center from land acquisition to Operation hand-off. These functions collaborate closely with construction, automation, innovation, and engineering to fully deliver large-scale data centers. As an engineering leader, you will also work closely with other company stakeholders, such as sales, equipment procurement, new site development, and leadership. 

You will be presented with complex engineering challenges and will work with teams to bring them to resolution. You will ensure engineering standards are developed, executed, and enhanced for projects. You will evaluate design to meet customer requirements while providing a balance of CAPEX and OPEX costs, engineering innovation, and site application requirements. There will also be some focus on special projects that support data center renovations, troubleshooting, and remediation activities. These projects tend to be more focused in scope and typically require detailed attention since they can involve a live facility. 

Knowledge of built-up mechanical rooms, packaged equipment, chilled water equipment and piping, DX systems, central utility plants, airside and water-side economization, humidity control, and value engineering as they relate to designing state-of-the-art datacenters is required. Familiarity in the areas of plumbing, controls, and fire protection design for data centers is preferred. 

Essential Job Functions 

Design Leadership: 

• Lead design initiatives that align with the company's strategic direction and goals. 

• Drive the development and implementation of processes, equipment, and standards for data center projects. 

• Lead Mechanical Design review efforts for deployment of new Data Centers, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and customer requirements. 

Project Execution: 

• Participate in all phases of project execution, including conceptual design, basis of design, scope of work, development of construction documents, and commissioning. 

• Provide project leadership for mechanical design consultants and contractors, ensuring that tasks and milestones are completed on time and within budget. 

• Attend project design team meetings and on-site job walks to ensure that the constructed product meets engineering standards and specifications. 

Technical Expertise: 

• Conduct value engineering analyses and provide system recommendations based on return on investment (ROI) and internal rate of return (IRR) analysis. 

• Responsible for the review of technical drawings, such as schematic drawings, design and construction documents, main submittals, sequence of operations, commissioning scripts 

• Support Site Operations by troubleshooting and tuning existing systems to optimize performance. 

Collaboration and Coordination: 

• Coordinate heavily with internal engineering teams across all disciplines to ensure products delivered to Operations are streamlined and optimized to meet the needs of the business across all functions. 

• Work closely with Operations to balance cost-effective solutions with long-term operational sustainability. 

• Provide technical support to Sales during site tours, RFP responses, and customer Build To Suit (BTS) Data Center solutions. 

Research and Development: 

• Participate in product development process flow from idea to implementing the company’s Intellectual Property (IP) initiatives. 

• Engage in continuous professional development through training, participation in professional societies, associations, and continuing education. 

Engineering Analysis: 

• Review engineering studies, including: 

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies. 

• Rack layout optimization. 

• Psychrometrics. 

• ASHRAE extreme annual design day temperatures and their impact on supply air temperatures 

• Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) calculations 

Additional Duties: 

• Handle additional duties as assigned by Management. 

Job Requirements 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 

• Registration as a US-based Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred. 

Experience: 

• 10 years of experience in mechanical design and construction required, 15+ years preferred 

• Data Center and/or mission critical experience is required. 

• Experience with NA construction markets is required. 

• Experience with mechanical design in California (Title 24, seismic, etc.) preferred. 

Skills: 

• Strong organizational and project management skills. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office. Understanding of AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, Navisworks and CFD modeling software environments 

• Solid understanding of critical mechanical infrastructure within a data center is required. 

• Well versed with all building codes and ordinances, including ASHRAE. 

• Plumbing and fire protection infrastructure background within a data center preferred. 

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement. 

• High level of integrity and professionalism. 

• Travel required is expected to be up to 15% but may increase over time as the business evolves. 

Physical Demands and Special Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Additional Details 

• Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations) 

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits. 

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. #LI-AP2