Principal Mechanical Engineer

Black & White Engineering; Frankfurt; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Principal/Associate Engineer in Mechanical Engineering in Frankfurt, Hesse. This role involves overseeing the mechanical design lifecycle for data centres, ensuring compliance with European standards, and guiding a team of engineers. Candidates should have extensive experience with HVAC systems and relevant software tools. Chartered status is desirable. Join a culture prioritizing continuous development and play a key role in shaping the future of data centre design across Germany and Europe.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex, mission-critical projects in mechanical engineering.
• Proven background in HVAC systems and chilled water networks.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full mechanical design lifecycle.
• Guide senior engineers and manage major client accounts.
• Ensure alignment with European and German engineering standards.

Skills

Revit

AutoCAD

IES VE

CFD tools

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Energy modelling

Education

Chartered status or EUR ING

Job description

At Black & White Engineering, we are not simply designing mechanical systems. We are shaping the infrastructure that supports Europe’s growing digital economy. As a Principal/Associate Engineer in Mechanical Engineering, you will hold a senior leadership position with direct influence over design strategy, project delivery, team performance, and client relationships across the European and German Rechenzentrum markets.

In this role, you will oversee the full mechanical design lifecycle. This includes early strategic planning, concept development, detailed engineering, construction-stage support, and commissioning oversight. Your remit will span HVAC systems, chilled water networks, CRAC and CRAH technologies, ventilation strategies, and fire protection systems, all engineered to meet the stringent demands of hyperscale and colocation data centres. You will ensure alignment with Uptime Institute Tier standards, ASHRAE guidelines, and European requirements, including important German frameworks such as DIN and VDI. Energy efficiency, operational resilience, and quality assurance will be central to your work.

As an Associate Director you will play a key leadership role. You will guide senior engineers, lead multidisciplinary coordination, manage major client accounts, and provide strategic direction on large-scale and mission-critical projects. Your ability to communicate complex technical concepts with clarity and confidence will be essential to maintaining strong relationships and shaping long-term partnerships. You will also be responsible for coaching and developing rising engineers, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring consistent delivery across projects.

You will be fully supported by our UK leadership team and our global engineering design centre, providing access to specialist expertise, advanced digital tools, and a collaborative environment. Our culture prioritises continuous development through CPD, technical knowledge sharing, and structured leadership pathways. As an Associate Director you will have clear visibility on progression to take on broader business responsibilities.

We are seeking an experienced mechanical building services engineer with a proven background in leading complex, mission-critical projects. You should be confident with Revit, AutoCAD, IES VE, CFD tools, and have a strong grounding in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and energy modelling. Chartered status or recognised equivalents such as EUR ING are highly desirable for this senior position.

At Black & White, your leadership will be recognised, your technical influence will shape European data centre design, and your career will continue to progress. Join us and play a leading role in developing the next generation of high-performance data centres across Germany and Europe.