Mechanical Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

AECOM; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 140,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer for the Data Center and Mission Critical team for our east region. The ideal candidate should be familiar with the tech sector, mission‑critical and data center industry, understanding the requirements of scale, speed, and consistency in data centers.

This position offers the flexibility of a remote work schedule and can be based from a variety of locations in the US where AECOM has an office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• PE registration is required.
• Experience in data center mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Knowledge of data center standards and energy management.

Responsibilities

• Data Center Heat Rejection and HVAC system design for data centers.
• Cooling system selection including CRAHs, chillers, DX and containment.
• CFD analysis to optimize airflow and identify hotspots.
• Redundancy and fault-tolerant HVAC design and monitoring.
• Heat load calculations and capacity planning for growth.
• Energy efficiency strategies like economizers and VSDs.
• Air quality and filtration design and monitoring.
• Coordination with electrical and other trades for integration.

Skills

HVAC design

CFD analysis

Heat load calculations

Redundancy design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

P.E. registration

Master's degree in HVAC or energy management

Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

• Full-time
• Business Group: DCS
• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places
• Work Location Model: Remote
• Primary Location: US - Arlington, VA - 3101 Wilson Blv
• Compensation: USD 140,000 - USD 185,000 - yearly

Work with Us. Change the World.

AECOM is seeking to hire a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer for the Data Center and Mission Critical team for our east region. The ideal candidate should be familiar with the tech sector, mission‑critical and data center industry, understanding the requirements of scale, speed, and consistency in data centers.

This position offers the flexibility of a remote work schedule and can be based from a variety of locations in the US where AECOM has an office.

Although the position is primarily remote periodic travel may be required for client meetings, key project milestones, onsite collaboration sessions, or other business‑critical activities. Travel is expected to be occasional and scheduled in advance.

Responsibilities:

• Data Center Heat Rejection and HVAC System Design: Developing and designing Heat Rejection and HVAC systems tailored for data centers, considering cooling requirements, future flexibility, phased construction, airflow management, humidity control, system redundancy, energy efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
• Cooling System Selection: Selecting appropriate air/water side cooling systems such as Fan wall units, computer room air handlers (CRAHs), chilled water systems, DX systems, CRAC units, in‑row cooling, and containment solutions based on specific cooling requirements and equipment criticality.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis: Conducting internal CFD simulations to optimize airflow distribution, identify hotspots, and ensure efficient cooling. Conducting external CFD on individual buildings or campus‑wide to evaluate interactions of electrical and mechanical components, preparing models, analyzing results, recommending design modifications, and coordinating changes with other trades.
• Redundancy and Fault Tolerance: Designing HVAC systems with redundancy and fault‑tolerant features to maintain continuous operation during equipment failure or maintenance, including backup cooling, automatic switchover mechanisms, and monitoring systems.
• Heat Load Calculation and Capacity Planning: Performing heat load calculations for IT equipment, power density, anticipated growth, and phasing to determine cooling requirements; conducting capacity planning to accommodate future expansions and upgrades; performing HVAC loads for administrative and common areas.
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Implementing energy‑efficient design strategies such as economizers, variable speed drives, energy recovery, and airflow management to minimize consumption and support sustainability initiatives.
• Air Quality and Filtration: Designing filtration systems and monitoring mechanisms to maintain optimal air quality, address particulate matter, humidity, and contaminant removal, protecting sensitive IT equipment.
• Coordination with Electrical and Mechanical Systems: Collaborating with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate heat rejection and HVAC with electrical infrastructure, UPS, emergency power, fire suppression, and other critical infrastructure components.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree with 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience in data center mechanical and electrical equipment installation and operation.
• Professional Engineer (P. E.) registration required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, or a related field; master's degree or advanced coursework in HVAC systems or energy management preferred.
• Knowledge of data center TER Standard Topology per Uptime Institute, TIA 942, ANSI/BICSI 002.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP), or LEED accreditation advantageous.

Additional Information:

• Relocation not available for this position.
• Sponsorship not available for this position.

All newly hired employees are required to attend an in‑person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well‑being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.