Data Center Cooling Lead - Principal Mechanical Engineer

Ramboll; Dubai; On-site; AED 280,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramboll in Dubai seeks a Principal Engineer Mechanical to lead the cooling strategy for mission‑critical data centre projects. You will own end‑to‑end HVAC design, coordinate multi‑discipline teams, and drive performance through rigorous validation and commissioning.

The role requires 8+ years in mechanical engineering with data centre experience, strong expertise in chilled water plants and direct liquid cooling, and a hands‑on approach to CFD, BIM (Revit/AutoCAD), and design governance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with at least 5 years focused on data centre or mission‑critical cooling systems.
• Strong track record in chilled water plant design: chillers, pumping configurations, cooling towers, dry coolers, and hydraulic modelling.
• Hands‑on experience designing direct liquid cooling systems: CDU specification, secondary fluid networks, glycol systems (PG‑25).
• Deep understanding of high‑density AI cooling: 40 kW/rack and above, AI cluster thermal management, liquid/air hybrid architecture.
• Knowledge of UAE regulatory landscape: DEWA ZLD compliance, Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI (PUE < 1.2), district cooling integration.

Responsibilities

• Act as a technical lead and subject matter expert for mission‑critical Data Center projects, responsible for end‑to‑end HVAC design, engineering, coordination, and commissioning support.
• Own complete lifecycle ownership, from concept definition and cooling strategy to detailed design, construction support, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Advise on AI deployment options and examine potential impact on design by leading cross‑discipline conversations, integrating electrical, structural, architectural, DC operations & maintenance requirements, and commissioning procedures.
• Prepare design strategy documents and technical narratives: Basis of Design (BOD), Design Basis Reports (DBR), technical presentations.
• Lead technical discussions on design intent, risks, and trade‑offs; engage with client SMEs and multidisciplinary teams.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination across Electrical, Structural, Architectural, Fire Protection, and BIM teams; support procurement and site inspections.

Skills

Data center cooling

HVAC design

Chilled water plant design

Direct liquid cooling

High-density AI cooling

CFD studies

BIM coordination

Mentoring engineers

Education

BE / BTech / ME / MTech in Mechanical Engineering

Professional registration as Mechanical Engineer

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Ramboll in Dubai seeks a Principal Engineer Mechanical to lead the cooling strategy for mission‑critical data centre projects. You will own end‑to‑end HVAC design, coordinate multi‑discipline teams, and drive performance through rigorous validation and commissioning.

The role requires 8+ years in mechanical engineering with data centre experience, strong expertise in chilled water plants and direct liquid cooling, and a hands‑on approach to CFD, BIM (Revit/AutoCAD), and design governance.