Principal Engineer Mechanical - Data Center - Dubai

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

Principal Engineer Mechanical - Data Center - Dubai

Full-time

Role Overview

Cooling is the defining engineering challenge of the AI era. Rack power densities that were theoretical five years ago are now standard in every sovereign AI and hyperscale project launching in the UAE. Ramboll is building its MENA data centre practice from the ground up with 450+ dedicated data centre MEP engineers globally. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will be the cooling authority at the heart of the regional team, working on mission‑critical data centre projects.

Key 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.
• Client Engagement & Technical Leadership
  • Primary cooling and mechanical technical contact for clients – leading design reviews, strategy presentations, and bid discussions with senior engineering teams.
  • Engage with client‑side SMEs, global stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Lead technical discussions on design intent, risks, and trade‑offs.
  • Prepare design strategy documents and technical narratives: Basis of Design (BOD), Design Basis Reports (DBR), technical presentations.
  • Participate in proposals drafting and responses to RFP and TQR.
• Design Leadership & Engineering Ownership
  • Own the complete mechanical design – chilled water plant, direct liquid cooling (DLC), CDU systems, hybrid architectures, heat rejection, ventilation, and fuel systems.
  • Design systems for hyperscale and colocation facilities in the 10–100 MW IT load range (from concept through to IFC).
  • Handle high‑density AI cooling: 40–142 kW per rack, CDU sizing, secondary fluid networks, glycol specification.
  • Ensure compliance with UAE‑specific requirements: ZLD heat rejection, PUE < 1.4 under Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI, high‑temperature DLC for desert free cooling.
  • Lead design of air‑cooled & water‑cooled chilled water systems (CRAH / CRAC / AHU), define airflow strategies (Hot aisle / cold aisle containment), and establish resilience strategies (N, N+1, N+2, 2N) aligned with Uptime Tier.
• Engineering Calculations & Technical Validation
  • Perform and direct thermal load calculations, hydraulic modelling, and CFD studies for density validation and retrofit assessment.
  • Validate control philosophy and BMS/EMS integration requirements.
  • Review all mechanical engineering calculations and ensure alignment with ASHRAE, TIA‑942, and Uptime Institute guidelines.
• Detailed Design & BIM Coordination
  • Lead development of concept, schematic, and detailed design (IFC level) documentation.
  • Review and approve AutoCAD & BIM (Revit) models at LOD350 with coordinated multi‑discipline integration.
  • Spot and resolve cross‑discipline conflicts at concept stage (electrical, ELV, fire, structural).
• Project Delivery & Construction Support
  • Lead multidisciplinary coordination across Electrical, Structural, Architectural, Fire Protection, and BIM teams.
  • Support procurement: technical specifications, BOQs, and vendor evaluations.
  • Provide technical support during construction, site inspections, and commissioning phases.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building
  • Develop internal design guidelines and lead the DC Mechanical team.
  • Mentor mechanical and HVAC engineers.
  • Establish design standards and best practices.
  • Contribute to the DC Academy and regional thought leadership programme.
  • Drive design quality, risk management, and technical issue resolution across the team.

Mandatory Skills & Experience

• 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.

Tools & Digital Capability

• CFD experience: ability to direct or personally run studies for density validation and retrofit assessment.
• BIM delivery using Revit at LOD350 and coordinated multi‑discipline modelling.
• AutoCAD proficiency for detailed mechanical drawings and coordination.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication in English – confidence to lead technical discussions at senior level.
• Ability to mentor engineers and establish design culture and standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• BE / BTech / ME / MTech in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional registration as a Mechanical Engineer or equivalent.

Good to Have

• Uptime Institute ATD or ATS certification.
• Experience with immersion cooling systems (single‑phase or two‑phase) and their commissioning.
• Familiarity with high‑temperature DLC (30–40°C coolant supply) and free cooling integration in hot climates.
• LEED AP M+E or equivalent sustainability qualification.
• Experience with KSA regulatory landscape and Vision 2030 data centre programme.

What we can offer you

• Investment in your development.
• Leaders you can count on, guided by our Leadership Principles.
• Be valued for the unique person you are.
• Never be short of inspiration from colleagues, clients, and projects.
• The long‑term thinking of a foundation‑owned company.

What we offer

• A challenging and interesting workday characterized by continuous learning, in an environment where you have many to spar with and learn from.
• Opportunity to work with varied work tasks, across the organization.
• Opportunity to develop and influence your own area of responsibility.

Work at the heart of sustainable change

Ramboll is a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company. We believe that the purpose of sustainable change is to create a thriving world for both nature and people. So, that’s where we start – and how we work. At Ramboll, our core strength is our people, and our history is rooted in a clear vision of how a responsible company should act. Being open and curious is a cornerstone of our culture. We embrace an inclusive mindset that looks for fresh, diverse, and innovative perspectives. We respect, embrace, and invite diversity in all forms to actively cultivate an environment where everyone can flourish and realize their full potential.