Director – Design, Mechanical Engineering | Hyperscale Data Centers – North America

Hunter Philips Executive Search; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Full benefits package

ESOP

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Hunter Philips Executive Search is seeking a Senior Director - Design, Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical design vision for hyperscale data center campuses in the United States. You will set strategy, standards, and innovation across multi-gigawatt developments, directing HVAC, cooling systems, and prototype programs from concept through commissioning.

You will recruit and mentor a high-performing mechanical design team, collaborate across disciplines, and drive performance,

Qualifications

• 5-10 years' experience in mechanical engineering within hyperscale, mission-critical, or large industrial projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licence strongly preferred; LEED accreditation a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design strategy for hyperscale campuses.
• Develop and execute a 3-5 year mechanical design strategy aligned with growth and technology evolution.
• Serve as the senior mechanical SME from concept through design, construction, and commissioning.
• Define and maintain mechanical design standards, prototypes, and performance benchmarks.
• Direct HVAC, chilled water, economisation, and advanced cooling system designs to meet performance and sustainability goals.
• Oversee consultant and contractor performance for quality, schedule, and scalability.
• Recruit, lead, and manage a high-performing mechanical design team; mentor engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

HVAC systems

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

$Excellent + Bonus + Long-Term Incentives + Full Benefits Package

Are you ready to lead the mechanical design vision for the next generation of hyperscale and AI data centre campuses? Do you want to set strategy, standards, and innovation across multi-gigawatt developments that power the world's most advanced compute environments?

The Company

An international data center infrastructure platform expanding its presence across the United States.

The business is developing large-scale digital infrastructure for increasingly power-intensive customer requirements, combining development, engineering, construction, and operational capability.

The Role

As Senior Director - Design, Mechanical Engineering, you will:

• Lead the mechanical design strategy for hyperscale campuses
• Develop and execute a 3-5 year mechanical design strategy, aligning with business growth objectives, technology evolution, and global delivery goals.
• Serve as the senior mechanical SME from concept through detailed design, construction, and commissioning.
• Define and maintain mechanical design standards, prototypes, and performance benchmarks.
• Direct HVAC, chilled water, economisation, and advanced cooling system designs to meet performance and sustainability goals.
• Oversee consultant and contractor performance, ensuring technical quality, schedule, and scalability.
• Recruit, lead, and manage a high-performing mechanical design team - driving collaboration, accountability, and delivery excellence.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent to ensure capability growth and long-term team success.
• Champion next-generation cooling innovation, including liquid-to-chip, modular, and prefabricated solutions.
• Collaborate across disciplines to align mechanical design solutions with commercial, operational, and sustainability targets.

The Person

• 5-10 years' experience in mechanical engineering within hyperscale, mission-critical, or large industrial projects.
• Proven leadership of large-scale MEP design programmes and prototype development.
• Expertise in HVAC, chilled water, and heat rejection systems; advanced cooling experience preferred.
• Strong grounding in design management, system optimisation, and innovation delivery.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) licence strongly preferred; LEED accreditation a plus.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to drive outcomes in a fast-growing environment.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary with a performance-based bonus program
• 401(k) with 4% employer match, fully vested upon enrollment
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and sick leave
• Equity participation (ESOP) providing ownership in company growth and long-term value creation
• Executive-level progression and development opportunities within a rapidly scaling organisation