Mechanical Engineering Lead, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

AECOM; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to act as the Data Center Mechanical Engineer Lead for hyperscale data center projects. The role combines design, coordination, and leadership, managing HVAC, piping, and fire protection systems. Primary location is Arlington, VA, with remote work options and occasional travel.

You will be the client-facing lead, developing specifications, ensuring schedule adherence, and guiding a mechanical team to optimize energy use and reduce operating costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering plus 10 years in mechanical design/engineering for data center infrastructure.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering efforts for hyperscale data center projects.
• Oversee HVAC, piping, and fire protection system design and construction.
• Coordinate with electrical and other disciplines to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery.
• Develop detailed specs for mechanical equipment (pumps, fans, AHUs).
• Support construction phase with RFIs and site visits.

Skills

Client relationship

Project leadership

HVAC system design

Piping and fire protection

CAD/BIM software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

BIM

Revit

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Lead, 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 Blvd
• Compensation: USD 200,000 – USD 240,000 per year

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with experience on Hyperscale Data Center projects to act as Data Center Mechanical Engineer Lead. The incumbent will design and oversee the construction of mechanical systems for hyperscale data centers, including HVAC, piping, and fire suppression systems. The position is based in Arlington, VA, but may be open to other AECOM office locations and remote work under certain circumstances.

It offers 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.

Job Summary

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, responding to their inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regularly communicating with them to understand their needs and expectations
• Coordinating with multiple disciplines and acting as lead mechanical engineer to ensure that projects are delivered within budget and on schedule while managing the mechanical team including HVAC, fire protection, plumbing
• Develop detailed specifications for mechanical equipment, including pumps, fans, and air handling units
• Write reports for internal and external purposes based on findings
• Ensure discipline plans that are created to meet overall project team requirements for project scope and schedule
• Stay current on codes and technologies appropriate to the mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems related to hyperscale data centers
• Analyze and evaluate mechanical system performance, identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations for upgrades
• Provide technical support during the construction phase, responding to RFIs and addressing any issues that arise
• Attend job site visits, project meetings, and commissioning activities as needed
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and regulations
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment to enhance system performance and reduce operational costs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical and mechanical engineers, to ensure seamless integration of the chiller systems with other data center infrastructure
• Analyze energy usage, identifying opportunities for optimization and cost savings

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering plus ten (10) years of relevant experience in mechanical design and/or mechanical engineering, with a focus on data center infrastructure, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Professional Engineer License (P.E.) is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering plus twelve (12) years of relevant experience in mechanical design and/or mechanical engineering, with a focus on data center infrastructure, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Extensive experience in mechanical engineering for data centers or other critical facilities
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, and fire suppression systems design and construction
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients
• Ability to think creatively and identify opportunities to enhance the client experience
• Experience working with computer‑aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) software
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with data center design and construction, including design criteria and industry standards
• Relocation is not available for this position
• Sponsorship is available for this position

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, 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.