Principal Mechanical Engineer

AESG; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

AESG is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead data centre and mission-critical facilities design across the GCC/EMEA. You will drive full design delivery, technical advisory, and construction support while guiding multi-disciplinary teams.

The role requires deep expertise in mechanical systems, client relationship management, and business development, with hands-on involvement from concept through commissioning and handover.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering design for data centres and mission-critical facilities.
• Expertise in data centre mechanical systems including chilled water, HVAC and energy efficiency metrics.
• Strong load calculations, thermal modelling, pipe sizing, hydraulic calculations, and system balancing.
• Proven track record delivering projects for data centre owners/operators with multiple delivery models.
• Experience in GCC/EMEA region with knowledge of regional codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical systems design for data centre and mission-critical projects across delivery models from full design to advisory and construction support.
• Serve as a senior client-facing technical lead, managing relationships with owners, operators, developers, and contractors.
• Provide technical advisory services during procurement, design review, and construction phases, including RFIs and submittal reviews.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination across mechanical, electrical, architectural, and structural disciplines.
• Mentor and develop engineering teams; support business development through proposals and client engagement.

Skills

Data centre design

Project leadership

Client management

Business development

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

CEng/PE status preferred

Job description

Job Description:

AESG is seeking an accomplished Principal Mechanical Engineer with deep expertise in mission-critical facility design to join our growing Mission Critical department.

Reporting directly to the Head of Mission Critical, this senior role offers significant career progression opportunities and the chance to lead diverse data center projects across the EMEA region, spanning full design delivery, technical advisory services, and contractor support during construction phases.

The ideal candidate will combine technical excellence in mechanical systems design with proven client management skills, business development acumen, and the political savvy to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

This is a leadership role for someone ready to take the next step in their career while maintaining hands-on involvement across the full project lifecycle—from early-stage advisory through design development to construction oversight and commissioning support.

Qualification And Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering design, with significant focus on data centre and mission-critical facilities
• Demonstrated expertise in data centre mechanical systems, including chilled water plant design (chillers, pumps, distribution systems), air handling and distribution (CRAH/CRAC units, ducting, containment strategies), high-density cooling solutions (direct liquid cooling, rear-door heat exchangers), fire suppression systems (clean agent, water-based), and energy-efficient HVAC design incorporating economizers and free cooling strategies
• Strong technical foundation in load calculations, thermal modelling, pipe sizing, hydraulic calculations, and system balancing for mission-critical environments
• Proven track record delivering projects for major data centre owners, operators, or developers, with experience across multiple project delivery models, including design-build, design-bid-build, and advisory engagements
• Significant experience with projects in the GCC and broader EMEA region, with an understanding of regional codes, standards, and stakeholder dynamics
• Working knowledge of relevant mechanical engineering standards including ASHRAE (90.1, TC 9.9), NFPA codes, and energy efficiency metrics (PUE, DCiE)
• Strong client relationship management skills with demonstrated ability to independently manage senior-level client interactions and build lasting partnerships
• Business development experience, including proposal leadership, technical presentations, scope definition, and fee negotiation
• Demonstrated political acumen and ability to navigate complex organizational environments, manage competing stakeholder interests, and operate effectively in matrix structures
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline; Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Professional Engineer (PE) status strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical systems design for data centre and mission-critical projects across various delivery models—from full design responsibility to technical advisory services and construction phase support—including cooling infrastructure (air-cooled, liquid-cooled, hybrid systems), HVAC, fire suppression, and plumbing systems
• Act as a senior client-facing technical lead, managing relationships with data centre owners, operators, developers, and construction contractors throughout project lifecycles
• Provide technical advisory services to clients during procurement, design review, and construction phases, including contractor submittal reviews, RFI resolution, and technical assurance for project delivery
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination efforts, ensuring seamless integration between mechanical, electrical, architectural, structural, and other design disciplines
• Supervise, mentor, and develop engineering teams, providing technical guidance and fostering professional growth among junior and mid-level engineers
• Support business development initiatives, including proposal preparation, technical presentations, fee negotiations, and strategic client engagement