Associate/Associate Director - Mechanical (Critical Systems)

Cundall; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cundall is seeking an experienced Associate to join their data centre team in Melbourne. In this role, you will lead the mechanical design and delivery of advanced data centre projects. Key responsibilities include managing engineering teams, developing system designs, and ensuring client satisfaction. The ideal candidate possesses a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has significant consulting experience, and displays strong project management skills. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable engineering in Australia.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer with significant experience in consulting engineering, preferably in the data centre sector.
• Ability to manage multiple medium to large-scale projects and less senior engineers effectively.
• Proven skills in producing schematic diagrams and preparing specifications and project reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and delivery of hyperscale data centres.
• Develop mechanical system designs including HVAC and ventilation systems.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers.
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients.

Skills

Mechanical design expertise

Project management

Client relationship management

HVAC system design

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering

Job description

The Team

We are a global, independent, multi-disciplinary consultancy delivering sustainable engineering and design solutions across the built environment. With over 1,200 engineers and designers across 29 locations, we apply our expertise to local market conditions to deliver resilient, low-carbon engineering solutions. We are 100% partner-owned and are proud to have been named Building Magazine’s Engineering Consultant of the Year in 2024, 2022, and 2021.

Our data centre team has been leading mission‑critical design since 2006, delivering over 2,000MW of capacity globally. With a reputation for engineering excellence and sustainability, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s most high‑profile clients to create energy‑efficient, low‑emission data centres that set new standards for resilience and innovation. Recognised as Data Centre Consultancy of the Year in 2025, our team continues to push boundaries in design and delivery.

In Australia, our specialist data centre team has been growing steadily across our Sydney and Melbourne offices, forming a key part of our wider APAC and global network. Working collaboratively with our integrated architectural and localisation partners, we offer an engineering‑led approach that supports clients within their global frameworks. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that’s shaping the future of data centre design in Australia and beyond.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and client‑focused Associate with mechanical experience to join our data centre team in our Melbourne office. You will play a leading role in ensuring the successful deliver of our design solutions on some of the most notable and large‑scale data centre projects in the world. You will collaborate within our data centre team and work closely with colleagues of various disciplines to help drive and manage the delivery of technically excellent projects. The role will include you managing engineers to deliver designs and ensure the production of project deliverables. You will monitor budgets and programme, check designs, and communicate with the wider project and client team. You will develop new and nurture existing client relationships that maximise satisfaction and ensure repeat business and will use your wealth of expertise and determination to manage, motivate, and inspire junior engineers.

You will support and be supported by senior management staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and delivery of hyperscale and enterprise‑level data centres.
• Develop mechanical system designs including HVAC, chilled water, direct‑to‑chip immersive cooling, and ventilation systems.
• Produce and review mechanical schematics, reports, specifications, and equipment layouts.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, overseeing design quality, performance, and development.
• Coordinate closely with other disciplines to delivery fully integrated and efficient design solutions.
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients, building long‑term relationships and repeat business.
• Review and approve designs to ensure compliance with relevant standards, regulations, and client specifications.
• Contribute to and support internal project management processes including fee tracking, progress monitoring, and programme delivery.
• Provide strategic input on design direction, energy efficiency, and sustainability measures including waste heat recovery and free cooling.
• Participate in site inspections, technical meetings, commissioning activities, and post‑occupancy reviews.

The Skills

A Chartered Engineer, educated to degree level in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering. You will have gained significant experience in a consulting engineering role within your engineering field, preferably in the data centre sector. In your most recent position, you have consistently demonstrated your ability to manage multiple medium to large‑scale projects and less senior engineers to deliver to, and exceed, client expectations. You have proven ability in producing schematic diagrams, preparing specifications and project reports, carrying out site inspections and surveys, detailed design development as well as lead project meetings. Through this experience, you can support your project teams to design and develop detailed and accurate designs.

We know that to be the best at what we do we need a diverse workforce underpinned by an inclusive culture. Creating environments where everyone can find joy doing their best work is also great for everyone. That’s why we positively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our people.