Mechanical Design Manager - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; United States; On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in the United States is seeking a Mechanical Design Manager to lead mechanical design and engineering for data center construction projects. You will partner with project leadership, coordinate design teams, and drive technical excellence across disciplines.

The role requires a strong PM background, 8+ years in large-scale construction, and a track record delivering mission-critical facilities. On-site leadership, client liaison, and cost-conscious design are key.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, architecture, engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in project management on large-scale construction projects, preferably data centers.
• Experience leading mechanical design and engineering teams.
• Strong client management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Support and report to Project Manager/Director; frequent interaction with Owner/Client, consultants, design professionals, and contractors.
• Lead mechanical and electrical design leadership across design and construction phases.
• Ensure client services are delivered at the highest level with guidance on power and mechanical systems.
• Prepare and maintain project documents and manage project information in management software.
• Coordinate meetings and maintain project documentation and design standards.

Skills

Mechanical design leadership

Project management

Client account management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Mechanical Design Manager - Data Center Construction

• Full-time

Who is Turner & Townsend?

All over the world people are using buildings, infrastructure, and assets we helped to deliver. It could be the hospital they work in, the railway they travel on every day, the fuel that powers their car or the data centre they depend on at work. For more than 75 years we’ve been helping to deliver transformational programmes across the real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors, making a difference to people’s lives and ensuring a return on investment for our clients and their investors.

Our purpose:

Transforming performance for a green, inclusive, and productive world.

The world is changing and we have a responsibility to support that change, helping drive it and be part of it. Through the commitment, capability and care our team brings, we build trust between clients, suppliers, governments and society. Delivering better outcomes that have a positive impact on the world around us. We work smarter to face the challenges of the future; bringing the clarity that helps teams realise their full potential across the real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors. It’s how we’ve made the difference for more than 75 years.

Our values:

Love a challenge:We love a challenge and we work hard to make change happen and see things through. We don’t stand still, challenging ourselves and others to do better every day. And we are trusted to do the right thing, raising standards all the time.

Stronger together:We’re stronger together by connecting people in diverse teams, so that we can all collaborate to deliver our best work. We focus on what matters and use our influence to build a better world for everyone.

Bring out the best in everyone:We bring out the best in everyone. We help each other to make the most of our potential, always learning from our experience. We treat each other with care and respect and make time to give everyone a voice

Turner & Townsendis seeking aMechanicalDesign Managerto work with our team and partner with our client, supporting design leadership for new and existing construction builds, with a focus on data centre development.

The Design Project Manager should have a strong background in mechanical and electrical systems, with deep experience in mechanical design, engineering leadership, and data centre infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Provides support and reports to the assigned Project Manager(s) or Project Director. This position has frequent interaction with the Owner/Client, consultants, design professionals, and contractors.
• Directly assist the Project Manager(s) in managing, coordinating, and administering the project through all phases of design and construction, with an emphasis on electrical and mechanical system design leadership.
• Responsible for ensuring all aspects of client services are delivered at the highest level to ensure the client’s needs are addressed, including technical guidance on concurrently maintainable electrical power and mechanical systems.
• Aids in the preparation of documents (reports, schedules, invoices, RFI’s, submittals, meeting minutes/agendas, daily reports, change orders, inspections, closeout, and client presentations) for programming, design, and construction, and will assist in maintaining information in project management software.
• Coordinate to schedule meetings with the project team as directed by the Project Manager(s).
• Communicate conceptual designs and create/maintain project documentation before, during, and after construction, including mechanicaldesign standards, basis of design updates, and OFCI equipment specifications.
• Maintenance of Basis of Design, prototype design, and template specifications for electrical and mechanical systems, ensuring alignment with evolving business and operational requirements.
• Review and inform design RFPs, including scope development for mechanical engineering services.
• Manage external design consultants through the design and construction process, ensuring mechanical contract documents are completed on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with company standards.
• Effectively communicate design standards to internal and external project partners, including engineering and operations teams.
• Manage multiple fast‑paced projects simultaneously, providing strategic technical leadership across electrical and mechanical design activities.
• Think outside of the box to find innovative solutions prior to and during the construction process to reduce costs without negative impacts on quality, reliability, or energy efficiency.
• Support procurement through vendor submittal reviews, factory witness testing, and evaluation of OFCI equipment.
• Identify and implement innovative technologies to enhance energy efficiency, system resilience, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Stay current with industry advancements and apply best practices to strengthen functional operations and project outcomes.
• Communicate and enforce engineering and design policies across the organization.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering or field related to construction.
• Experience working in Project Management on large‑scale construction programs, including data centre or mission‑critical facilities.
• Experienced in mechanical designand engineering leadership.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience working in a project management role in the construction industry.
• Experience managing client accounts effectively and efficiently.
• Experience managing teams of individual project managers and supporting staff.
• Relevant consulting experience.
• Strong knowledge of local construction market
• Strong understanding of all aspects of the construction project life cycle.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal team members, clients, and cross‑functional team members.
• Business development experience with existing and new clients, including cross‑selling opportunities.
• Relevant technical and leadership experience overseeing major construction projects or programs.
• Demonstrates excellent presentation, verbal, written, organizational and communication skills

The salary range for this full-time role is $170K-$210K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.*

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

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