Principal Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres)

Vertical Recruitment Limited; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer to lead the technical design of mission-critical Data Centre projects. Located in Bristol, this hybrid role demands a strong background in Mechanical Engineering and project leadership. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and chartered status. The position offers opportunities to work on advanced projects and emphasizes technical development and sustainability.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Access to technical development training

Opportunities for leadership training

Qualifications

• Solid experience delivering mechanical building services design, ideally in Data Centres.
• Experience leading complex projects and providing technical guidance.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; client engagement is key.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical design for mechanical systems in Data Centre projects.
• Take ownership of mechanical engineering from concept to completion.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage project resources effectively.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Building Services Engineering

Project Leadership

Client Engagement

Technical Guidance

Design Software Proficiency

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Chartered status (CIBSE, IMechE or equivalent)

Tools

Relevant design software

Job description

Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer - Data Centres

Bristol (Hybrid) | £50,000 - £60,000 + Bonus

(Global, top-tier engineering consultancy - widely recognised for technical excellence)

About the Opportunity

A world-renowned engineering consultancy—celebrated for its innovation, sustainability leadership and influence across major global projects is looking to strengthen its Data Centre division with a Principal Mechanical Engineer in Bristol.

This organisation consistently shapes some of the most complex, high-value and environmentally progressive engineering schemes across the world. Data Centres have become a cornerstone of modern infrastructure, and this role offers the chance to take a senior technical position within a sector that demands the very best in reliability, energy performance and whole-life design.

If you want to operate in a high-performing environment where ideas, collaboration and engineering rigour truly matter, this is an exceptional opportunity.

The Role

As a Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer, you will act as the technical lead for mechanical design across a portfolio of mission‑critical Data Centre projects—both in the UK and internationally.

You will:

• Lead the planning, delivery and technical direction of mechanical design packages on complex, large-scale projects.
• Take ownership of mechanical engineering from concept through detailed design, installation stages and commissioning support.
• Provide discipline leadership within a multi-disciplinary environment—working alongside electrical, structural, sustainability, digital, and other specialist teams.
• Collaborate closely with major Data Centre clients, ensuring their operational, resilience and sustainability priorities are met.
• Produce and review high-quality reports, concept studies, calculations and technical presentations.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, supporting their progression in both technical and professional competencies.
• Manage resources, budgets and programme requirements to deliver projects efficiently and to the highest standards.
• Contribute to the team's growth in areas such as sustainable design, digital innovation and advanced engineering solutions for mission‑critical facilities.

This is a senior‑level position for someone who thrives on responsibility, technical challenge and the satisfaction of delivering world‑class engineering outcomes.

What They're Looking For

A strong candidate will bring:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline (Master's preferred).
• Chartered status (CIBSE, IMechE or equivalent).
• Solid experience delivering mechanical building services design, ideally with exposure to Data Centres or other mission‑critical environments.
• Demonstrable experience leading complex projects and providing technical guidance to teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills—comfortable engaging with clients, partners and internal teams.
• Competency with relevant design software and engineering tools.
• The drive to take ownership of projects from concept to completion, delivering exceptional results in fast‑paced, highly technical settings.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to deepen their expertise in Data Centres while taking on greater leadership and design responsibility.

Why Join This Consultancy?

Joining this organisation means working with one of the most respected engineering collectives in the industry. Their culture emphasises long‑term thinking, social value and technical integrity. You can expect:

• Opportunities to work on some of the world's most advanced Data Centre projects.
• Access to outstanding learning, technical development and leadership training.
• A culture focused on collaboration, inclusivity and engineering excellence.
• A comprehensive benefits package that supports wellbeing, flexibility and personal growth.
• The chance to be part of a consultancy that is genuinely committed to sustainability and shaping a low‑carbon future.

For engineers who value meaningful work, innovation and global impact, this is a standout opportunity.