Mechanical Technical Expert – Data Centres

Deerns France; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

We have an opportunity available for a talented and innovative Mechanical Technical Expert to be a part of an established and expanding office in London, United Kingdom. Deerns is an independent mechanical and electrical engineering consultancy firm with a global presence, specialising in data centre projects across the UK, Mainland Europe, India, and the Middle East. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for our clients in the data centre industry, including collocation providers and Hyperscale data centres. Our team comprises talented individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of MEP design in data centre projects.

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Technical Expert with expertise in Critical Cooling, Ventilation and Fuel systems to join our dynamic team in London. The ideal candidate will have a minimum bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent, with a strong background as a project lead.

Role responsibilities include:

1. Have detailed, top-level design knowledge and high-quality project delivery experience in the Data Centre construction sector.
2. Provide technical leadership on Deerns UK projects and guide strategic direction for the Mechanical systems proposals across all projects within our business unit.
3. Ensure strategic direction is followed diligently throughout RIBA design stages 1 to 5 in line with agreed scope, leading, implementing and driving structured Quality Assurance, keeping appropriate records and highlighting/addressing issues early and before Client team reviews.
4. Be an industry leader in the Mechanical design strategies applied to modern Data Centre projects. This must include Critical Systems design expertise, system resilience strategies and their implementation and optimisation for spatial, commercial, practical and operational efficiency/effectiveness.
5. Be an authority in Mechanical systems design for Data Centre projects, representing this internally for our Mechanical Engineers and externally for our Clients on delivery of our project work.
6. Attend and/or lead Client, Design team, Professional teams, and Contractor’s team meetings.
7. Develop concept and detailed design of mechanical services and associated controls.
8. Produce Schematics, specifications, calculations, equipment schedules and reports to meet required robust industry and legal standards.
9. Coordinate your designs with the other disciplines.
10. Maintain a commercial awareness of projects, track hours versus agreed fees.
11. Agree any variations or changes to the design prior to allocating additional hours.
12. Responsible for technical content and accuracy of Trainee, Graduates and Engineers.
13. Carrying out technical reviews of contractor’s technical submissions, working drawings and samples.
14. Monitor the quality of the contractor's mechanical installations, ensuring they meet the client's requirements and local standards/regulations.
15. Carrying out validation reviews of contractor’s designs and specifications.
16. Experience with large scale cooling and HVAC systems.
17. Ability to carry out problem solving on site.
18. Carry out QA/QC inspections on site and produce associated reports.
19. Attend witness testing activities on site and produce associates' reports.
20. Drive to achieve sustainable and energy efficient engineered solutions.
21. The role will involve some site attendances (UK and International).
22. Be capable of taking the lead on projects with minimal input from management team.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent; degree/diploma in Engineering or similar preferred.
2. Chartered engineer with IET or CIBSE or equivalent UK body.
3. Extensive experience as a project lead, and as a technical authority within the Data Centre construction design industry.
4. Extensive mission critical design experience in the Data Centre sector working for consulting engineers.
5. Extensive design experience for resilience in critical cooling, fuel systems and related strategies.
6. Up-to-date knowledge of Data Centre specific terminology, typical design practices and related options available based on Client requirements.
7. Previous experience seeing projects through from concept through construction, including commissioning phases.
8. Willingness to support growth/mentor other team members.
9. Ability to work to schedule (tight deadlines) and budget.
10. Ability to prioritise own workload and that of their team.
11. Experience of being technical lead on project.
12. Familiarity with UK & EU regulations.
13. UK design experience necessary with deep knowledge of CIBSE, IEC, BS, ISO and EN Standards.
14. An excellent and proactive communicator.
15. Ability to use IES would be advantageous.
16. Proven ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet project deadlines.

What we’re offering:

1. Competitive salary.
2. Hybrid work (3 days from our London office + 2 days from home).
3. 25 days annual leave + UK bank holidays (option to purchase 5 extra days).
4. Referral scheme.
5. Life Insurance and long-term sickness coverage.
6. Up to 10% bonus.
7. Pension (6% employer contribution).
8. Company social events.
9. Cycle to Work scheme.
10. Perkbox (a wide range of deals and discounts including health and fitness, entertainment, tech, and electronics).
11. Collaborative and supportive work environment.
12. Exposure to diverse, challenging and unique projects.
13. International networking opportunities within the Deerns global group.