Mechanical Design Project Manager

GRIT Search Singapore Pte Ltd.; Malaysia; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital infrastructure firm in Malaysia is seeking a Data Centre Design Engineering Project Manager to lead large-scale data centre projects. This pivotal role includes overseeing the entire project lifecycle, ensuring quality, budget compliance, and adherence to international standards. The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of experience in hyperscale infrastructure, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in delivering large data centre projects. The position requires excellent stakeholder management and technical expertise in electrical and mechanical systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in data centre construction or hyperscale infrastructure.
• Proven track record delivering Tier III+ / hyperscale data centres (50MW+).
• Experience across Southeast Asia with large campus-scale developments.

Responsibilities

• Lead full project lifecycle including planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Review and approve designs across electrical, mechanical, HVAC, fire protection, security, and IT infrastructure.
• Monitor CAPEX budgets, cost forecasts, and financial controls.

Skills

Project Management

Technical Oversight

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Education

Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Overview

Our client is a globally recognised leader in digital infrastructure, delivering mission-critical data centre solutions to hyperscale, cloud, and enterprise customers. With significant investment across Asia-Pacific, the business is at the forefront of enabling the next generation of digital growth. Known for delivering high-performance, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure, they are expanding rapidly and seeking top-tier engineering talent to support large-scale developments across the region.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Data Centre Design Engineering Project Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of large-scale, mission-critical data centre projects. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle from design and procurement through to construction, commissioning, and operational handover. You will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational performance. Working across hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise environments, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams spanning MEP, civil, IT infrastructure, security, and operations—bridging engineering, commercial, and operational priorities.

Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Execution

• Lead full project lifecycle including planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, energisation, and handover
• Develop and manage master schedules, budgets, and resource plans
• Establish governance frameworks, reporting structures, and executive dashboards
• Identify and mitigate risks, managing escalation where required
• Oversee contract administration, variation orders, and commercial negotiations
• Manage long-lead equipment procurement (e.g. transformers, generators, UPS, chillers)

Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Review and approve designs across electrical, mechanical, HVAC, fire protection, security, and IT infrastructure
• Validate redundancy models (N+1, 2N, etc.) and ensure uptime reliability
• Ensure compliance with international standards (Uptime Tier III/IV, NFPA, IEC, TIA, ISO) and local regulations
• Oversee HV/MV infrastructure delivery, grid connection, and energisation strategy
• Lead testing & commissioning (Levels 1–5), including IST, FMEA, and reliability validation

Commercial & Cost Management

• Monitor CAPEX budgets, cost forecasts, and financial controls
• Track procurement schedules and mitigate supply chain risks
• Review contractor claims, progress payments, and performance obligations

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead multidisciplinary teams including contractors, consultants, and internal engineers
• Act as the primary interface between clients, suppliers, utilities, and internal stakeholders
• Mentor and develop engineering talent within the team
• Support senior leadership with strategic planning and reporting

Compliance, Quality & Handover

• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, QA/QC, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Drive EHS initiatives and ensure environmental compliance
• Oversee operational handover including SOPs, MOPs, EOPs, and asset documentation
• Ensure operational readiness, uptime SLA compliance, and performance metrics (PUE, WUE)

Qualifications

Requirements

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in data centre construction, commissioning, or hyperscale infrastructure
• Proven track record delivering Tier III+ / hyperscale data centres (50MW+)
• Experience across Southeast Asia, with exposure to large campus-scale developments
• Strong background managing EPC, Design & Build, or Construction Management delivery models

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems including UPS, generators, HVAC (CRAH/CRAC), chillers, and MV/LV distribution
• Experience with commissioning, reliability testing, and operational readiness
• Familiarity with Uptime Institute, NFPA, IEC, TIA, and ISO standards
• Experience with tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent

Education & Certifications

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering
• Preferred certifications: PMP, CDCP, ATD

Leadership & Attributes

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities
• Commercially aware with the ability to balance technical and financial priorities
• Hands-on, solutions-driven approach in high-pressure environments
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills