Senior Mechanical Engineer / Principal Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres)

-; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in London is seeking a Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead projects in data centres and critical facilities. The role involves managing mechanical designs, coordinating teams, and mentoring junior engineers. Applicants should be Chartered Engineers or on track to achieve this within months, with experience in data centre projects and proficiency in energy modelling software like Revit. This position offers significant growth opportunities with a focus on innovation and collaboration in a diverse environment.

Benefits

Competitive pay package

Private medical insurance

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Experience with data centre project development during all design stages.
• Ability to manage financial targets through resource planning.
• Mentoring junior colleagues and focusing on professional development.

Responsibilities

• Manage mechanical design concepts for low energy data centres.
• Coordinate design analysis and optimize systems.
• Produce models, reports, and specifications.
• Supervise team work and coordination with other disciplines.
• Develop leadership skills within a global network.

Skills

Chartered Engineer status

Client and contractor interaction

Energy modelling software proficiency

Strong commercial awareness

Inquisitive nature

Education

Chartered status (CIBSE / IMechE)

Tools

Revit

IES

6Sigma CFD software

Job description

Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres)

Location: London

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach guide how we shape a better world. As an independent firm owned in trust by our employees, we choose projects that make a positive difference, fostering a culture built on collaboration, innovation and long‑term thinking. Global career opportunities across 140 countries, access to international expertise and a supportive environment encourage personal and professional growth.

Data Centre and Critical Facilities Team

Our globally recognised Data Centre and Critical Facilities team delivers comprehensive services across the full lifecycle of projects. From initial site due diligence and master planning to integrated ACSMEP and specialist system design—including security, telecoms and other critical infrastructure—we provide solutions that meet evolving industry demands. We enhance operational performance and sustainability through energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives, offer whole‑lifecycle carbon analysis and support strategic growth through advisory services, project, programme and cost management.

The Opportunity

This role offers a pathway to a leadership position with support and mentoring from a large and expanding team. You will develop client leadership, lead small projects and deepen multi‑disciplinary knowledge within a global network of architects, engineers and specialists. Opportunities extend beyond data centre projects to other critical facilities such as healthcare and TV/Film studios. Our London team delivers projects across the UK, Europe, India and Africa, employing a built‑in delivery model that co‑locates architects, engineers and specialists for improved collaboration and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Manage mechanical design concepts that incorporate low energy/water data centre design, resilience, commissioning and maintenance.
• Coordinate design analysis and work with the team to optimise systems.
• Produce models, drawings, reports and specifications.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of others and coordinate with engineers of other disciplines including in‑house specialists.
• Mentor and develop junior colleagues and continue your own professional development.

Is this role right for you?

• Is a Chartered Engineer, or on track to achieve Chartered status (CIBSE / IMechE) within 6‑12 months, in the field of Building Services.
• Has experience working on the development of data centre projects throughout all stages of design and construction and has direct client and contractor interaction on topics such as cooling solutions, PUE/WUE calculations, tier levels of resilience and business continuity, testing and commissioning.
• Has strong commercial awareness and experience predicting, planning and managing resource requirements to achieve financial targets.
• Is proficient in energy modelling software (ideally IES) and experienced in Revit. Familiarity with 6Sigma CFD software in the context of data centre projects is desirable.
• Has an inquisitive nature, strong interest in researching new opportunities and technologies that enhance our critical systems offering, and is committed to developing the data centre business through industry events, conferences and relationships with industry partners.

Not ready to apply just yet, or have a few questions? Contact Louise Raisbeck ([e-mail]). To remain GDPR compliant, please do not send your CV directly to us via this email.

What we offer you

Arup provides a competitive pay package, a career that supports belonging, growth and thriving, a wide range of learning opportunities, health and well‑being benefits, and profit sharing that enables members to share in collective rewards. We also provide private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection cover, alongside flexible benefits that support your wellbeing and give you freedom to find the best solutions for you, your family and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas, driving our excellence. We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit our recruitment process and be safe online—Arup will never ask for payment or your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Recruitment agencies: We have a preferred supplier list of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Closing date: 8th February 2026. We may close the role earlier than the advertised date if we receive a large number of applications, so please apply early.