Mechanical Design Engineer – Critical Infrastructure

Sudlows; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sudlows is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design of data centre mechanical systems and drive tender design through design, construction and commissioning stages.

You will engage with clients and specialist suppliers, develop drawings and specifications, and prepare cost estimates to support robust bid responses. This role is office-based with some site visits and collaboration within the Critical Infrastructures team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in M&E engineering, preferably from critical infrastructure.
• Experience with data centre systems and resilience (N+1, etc.) is advantageous.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, ASTA Power Project, and Microsoft Project would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Produce designs for data centre mechanical systems including chilled water and high efficiency cooling.
• Create mechanical schematics for sales documentation and build drawings.
• Develop specifications for mechanical installations.
• Carry out site surveys and coordinate with subcontractors.
• Develop the mechanical system drawings, technical submissions, calculations and operation descriptions to construction standards.
• Liaise with sub-contractors and ensure drawings include all required information.
• Check and approve material submittals with respect to Technical Design.
• Study tender documents and contribute to technical responses and quotations.
• Prepare and participate in review of technical and commercial responses to tender documents.

Skills

M&E engineering

Data centre design

Analytical skills

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Office software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ASTA Power Project

Microsoft Project

Job description

Sudlows are a global specialist in the design, build and maintenance of energy efficient and sustainable Critical Infrastructure (CI) environments. Employing over 220 staff, we specialise in the design, installation, and commissioning of critical power and cooling systems, as well as architectural and structural works for critical environments. Our projects span across various sectors including Data Centres (which is the main core of our business), telecoms, healthcare, and education, amongst others, where reliability, and resilience are imperative. We are committed to delivering innovative, sustainable, and robust solutions that meet the most stringent demands of our clients' critical operations.

Job Summary

The Mechanical Design Engineer will be expected to utilise a sound knowledge of developing mechanical infrastructure design and engineering to suit the needs of the relevant project. The candidate will be responsible for tender design proposals as well as secured projects that are being developed for construction. The designs would be progressed through all RIBA stages, and the successful candidate would assume the role of lead designer on Mechanically biased projects.

Alongside carrying out engineering on the project, the candidate should have a good customer manner and be able to proactively engage with the client and expand on his requirements. Additionally, development of the Sudlows network with specialist suppliers, contractors, system integrators and other consultants.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and technical engineer to join our Critical Infrastructures team and contribute greatly towards the continued growth and success of our upcoming projects.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• To produce designs for data centre mechanical systems including chilled water and high efficiency cooling systems.
• To produce mechanical schematics both for sales documentation and for build drawings.
• To produce specifications for critical part of mechanical installations.
• Create and issue mechanical specifications to contractors.
• Carry out site surveys.
• To develop the mechanical systems including developing all necessary drawings, technical submissions, calculations and descriptions of operation to construction standard.
• To liaise with all sub–contractors and ensure that all drawings are issued with all required information.
• To check and approve material submittals with respect to Technical Design.
• Study tender documents and understand client requirements to be able to put together the technical response to tender bids, proposal and quotations.
• Accurate cost estimation for consultancy.
• Evaluate client enquiries, specification and drawings.
• Contribute to bid/no bid decision.
• Formulate technical and commercial response with assistance and guidance from other departments as required.
• Prepare and participate in the review of and submit Technical and part of the Commercial responses to the highest standards of accuracy, presentation, and punctuality and in accordance with company standards and client requirements.
• Prepare and participate in the review of and in the submission of technical and commercial clarifications and revised bid documents as required through the tendering process.
• Maintain a full and accurate record during and after the bid submission.
• Attend client, supplier and third–party meetings on and offsite as necessary.
• Understanding / knowledge of mechanical equipment s, financial aspects and technical risk.
• Follow up after tender submission involving tender correspondence and coordination with clients.
• Conduct site surveys to put together the reports.
• Following on site consultancy, prepare reports, present findings and provide a road map for change (appropriately detailing level of risk and opportunity for improvement).

Experience with Data Centre Design, Installation & Testing & Commissioning preferable but not essential.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Qualification (bachelor s degree, HNC/HND etc.) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in M&E engineering (Electrical Bias Preferred) ideally coming from a critical infrastructure / industrial background.
• Familiarity with various M&E systems specific to critical environments (e.g. redundancy/resilience (N+1 etc.), concurrent maintainability).
• Experience with relevant software tools (e.g. AutoCAD, ASTA Power Project, Microsoft Project) would be beneficial.

Skills and Competencies

• Technical knowledge of M&E systems, design principles, and installation practices.
• Strong analytical and problem–solving abilities, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

This role is primarily office–based at our Chadderton office, Oldham, Manchester with occasional travel to sites, project locations, and subcontractor facilities as required.