MEP Engineering Lead - Design

DataX Connect; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Job summary

DataX Connect, a high-growth startup data center developer headquartered in Austin, is seeking an MEP Engineering Lead to join its development team as it breaks ground on multiple large-scale projects across Central Texas. This role offers early involvement and direct collaboration with executive leadership to shape design, delivery, and scale.

As the owner for MEP engineering, you will manage third-party design teams, align with commercial objectives, and oversee design development through

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience within mission critical, data center, or complex infrastructure environments
• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge with the ability to lead design development
• Experience reviewing and managing third-party engineering and consultant deliverables
• Understanding of hyperscale, enterprise, or high-density data center infrastructure
• Exposure to liquid cooling, direct-to-chip cooling, or next-generation thermal management technologies
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• A hands-on approach combined with the ability to lead and influence project teams

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and managing consultant design packages through all project stages
• Driving design optimisation, constructability, and technical decision-making
• Coordinating with general contractors, engineering consultants, utilities, and equipment vendors
• Supporting the implementation of advanced cooling technologies, including liquid cooling and direct-to-chip solutions
• Acting as the technical bridge between design, construction, and development teams
• Helping establish engineering standards and best practices as the platform continues to grow

Job description

A high-growth startup data center developer headquartered in Austin is seeking an MEP Engineering Lead to join its expanding development team as it prepares to break ground on multiple large-scale projects across Central Texas.

With over 80MW currently under development and a substantial pipeline of future opportunities, the company is entering a critical phase of growth.

This role offers the chance to join early, work directly alongside executive leadership, and have a genuine influence on how projects are designed, delivered, and scaled.

This is not a role buried within a large corporate structure.

The successful candidate will become a key technical leader within the organisation, helping shape engineering standards, drive design decisions, and support the delivery of next‑generation infrastructure designed for AI, cloud, and high‑performance computing workloads.

The Opportunity

As the owner for MEP engineering, you will take responsibility for managing and challenging third‑party design teams while ensuring projects remain aligned with commercial objectives, construction requirements, and customer expectations.

You will be involved throughout the project lifecycle, from design development and procurement through construction and commissioning, working closely with development, construction, consultant, and vendor teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and managing consultant design packages through all project stages
• Driving design optimisation, constructability, and technical decision‑making
• Coordinating with general contractors, engineering consultants, utilities, and equipment vendors
• Supporting the implementation of advanced cooling technologies, including liquid cooling and direct‑to‑chip solutions
• Acting as the technical bridge between design, construction, and development teams
• Helping establish engineering standards and best practices as the platform continues to grow

What We’re Looking For

We are open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including:

• Data center developers and owners/operators
• Design management teams

Successful candidates will typically possess:

• 5+ years of experience within mission critical, data center, or complex infrastructure environments
• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge with the ability to lead design development
• Experience reviewing and managing third‑party engineering and consultant deliverables
• Understanding of hyperscale, enterprise, or high‑density data center infrastructure
• Exposure to liquid cooling, direct‑to‑chip cooling, or next‑generation thermal management technologies
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• A hands‑on approach combined with the ability to lead and influence project teams

Candidates currently working in Design Manager or Owner's Representative positions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Location

Candidates located elsewhere in Texas or neighboring states will be considered. Travel to project sites across Central Texas required. 401(k).

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a chance to join a developer at the beginning of a significant growth journey, where your work will directly influence the delivery of major data center developments rather than a small component of a much larger organisation.

For engineers and design leaders who enjoy ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to build something from the ground up, few opportunities offer this level of impact.