Mechanical HVAC Engineer SME - AI Data Centers

Jacobs; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 169,500 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited Paid Time Off (PPTO)

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a seasoned HVAC/Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead technical excellence across our global data center portfolio. The ideal candidate will be an innovative leader responsible for setting direction, mentoring emerging talent, and shaping the future of mission-critical infrastructure. This position requires 20+ years of experience in mechanical engineering and deep expertise in cooling technologies. Benefits include medical coverage, a 401(k), and unlimited PTO. The base salary range is $169,500 to $233,000.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with 15+ years in mission-critical/data center environments.
• Proven expertise in chilled water systems, CRAC/CRAH units, and liquid cooling.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and multi-tasking skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide internal technical leadership across HVAC/mechanical disciplines.
• Champion innovation in cooling technologies and sustainable design.
• Mentor and coach engineers within the HVAC/mechanical discipline.

Skills

Chilled water systems

Airflow management

Leadership

Technical innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master’s preferred

Tools

CFD modeling

BMS systems

Energy modeling tools

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

This job opportunity is available at ANY location in the United States. Ideally, selected candidates will be near a JACOBS U.S. based office, but we intend to hire the "best" candidates.

Jacobs is seeking a seasoned HVAC/Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead technical excellence across our global data center portfolio. This role blends deep technical expertise with strategic influence, serving as both an internal leader and external ambassador of Jacobs’ engineering capabilities. The SME will drive innovation, mentor emerging talent, and help shape the future of mission‑critical infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Provide internal technical leadership across HVAC/mechanical disciplines, setting direction and elevating standards.
• Set design strategy with clients with up front planning. Optimization of mechanical systems for hyperscale and enterprise data centers.
• Champion innovation in cooling technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable design.
• Develop and maintain Jacobs’ mechanical standards, specifications, and best practices.

Strategic Impact & Business Development

• Act as the external face of Jacobs’ technical knowledge in client engagements, industry forums, and strategic pursuits.
• Partner with sales teams to win our most complex and high‑value data center projects.
• Participate in sales calls, client workshops, and proposal development to shape winning strategies.
• Support business strategy through thought leadership, technical differentiation, and delivery excellence.

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor and coach engineers and designers within the HVAC/mechanical discipline.
• Publish technical papers and contribute to Jacobs’ knowledge base.
• Present at industry conferences and represent Jacobs in professional associations.

Execution & Multi‑Tasking

• Balance strategic initiatives with hands‑on project execution, managing multiple priorities in parallel.
• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and lifecycle performance of mechanical systems.
• Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts across global sites.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 20+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with 15+ years in mission‑critical/data center environments.
• Proven expertise in chilled water systems, economizers, CRAC/CRAH units, airflow management, and liquid cooling.
• Strong familiarity with ASHRAE guidelines, building codes, and environmental regulations.
• Experience with CFD modeling, BMS systems, and energy modeling tools.
• Proven record of technical innovation solving client’s challenges.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and multi‑tasking skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center clients.
• Involvement in sustainability and energy‑efficient telecom design.
• Vendor management and contract negotiation experience.
• Hands‑on commissioning and retro‑commissioning expertise.

Work Environment

• Primarily office‑based with occasional travel to data center sites and client locations.
• Travel up to 25% based on project and business needs.
• On‑call availability for critical incident support.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $169,500.00 to $233,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on May 07, 2025. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.