Lead Mechanical Engineer Mission Critical (Data Centres)

GHD; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD is seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Global Data Centre Design Team in Abu Dhabi, UAE. You will lead the mechanical design for mission-critical facilities, including HVAC and cooling systems, while coordinating with electrical, ICT and structural teams to deliver integrated, high-availability solutions.

You will develop designs, specifications and technical reports, perform thermal load assessments and drive energy efficiency initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' relevant experience, with 3+ years in mission-critical or data centre projects.
• Proven cooling system design expertise for high-availability environments (CRAC/CRAH, chilled water, DX, adiabatic).
• Strong mechanical-electrical integration, controls/BMS, and commissioning knowledge for data centres.
• Familiarity with hyperscale data centres and AI cooling design strategies desirable.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, IES and CFD modelling; strong technical documentation skills.
• Excellent leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration; able to mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for mission-critical facilities including HVAC, chilled water, air distribution.
• Develop designs, specs, and reports per regulations and standards.
• Perform thermal load assessments and redundancy/resilience strategies.
• Integrate energy efficiency and sustainable tech to reduce costs.
• Coordinate with electrical, structural, fire protection, ICT teams for integrated designs.
• Lead technical reviews, QC, budgets, schedules.
• Maintain client relationships, manage expectations, act as advisor from bid to project.
• mentor junior engineers and foster culture of excellence.
• Contribute to development of standard and bespoke client designs.

Skills

Mechanical design

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering

Master's degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

IES

CFD modelling

Job description

Who We Are

GHD is a leading multidisciplinary professional services company delivering engineering, design and advisory solutions across water, energy, resources, environment, property & buildings and transportation sectors.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Global Data Centre Design Team in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This senior leadership position involves designing and delivering complex data centre and mission‑critical projects, including advanced AI and hyperscale facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for mission‑critical facilities, covering HVAC, chilled water systems, air distribution, heat rejection systems and integration with electrical & 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 to minimise operational costs and environmental impact.
• Co‑ordinate closely with electrical, structural, fire protection, ICT and other multidisciplinary teams to ensure fully integrated, clash‑free and optimised designs.
• Lead technical reviews, ensure quality control of deliverables, manage budgets, deliverables and programme schedules.
• Maintain strong client relationships, presenting solutions, managing expectations and acting as a trusted technical advisor from bid 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 optimisation of client standard designs as well as bespoke engineering solutions.

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 highly desirable.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, IES and CFD modelling.
• 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 projects influencing the next generation of AI and hyperscale data centre design. Be part of a globally recognised, fast‑growing mission‑critical team delivering projects that blend technical excellence, sustainability and commercial success. Collaborate in a multi‑disciplinary, innovative environment where your input shapes both standardised and bespoke solutions. Join a team that values knowledge‑sharing, mentorship and professional excellence. Experience a workplace that combines collaboration, flexibility and connection. Join us in the office three days per week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.