Senior Mechanical Engineer-Data Centers

LVI Associates; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

LVI Associates is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in San Francisco to lead HVAC design for cutting-edge data centers. In this role, you’ll manage full project lifecycles and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams while engaging directly with clients.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of mechanical engineering experience and deep expertise in HVAC systems for mission-critical environments. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $180,000 to $250,000, plus performance-based bonuses.

Qualifications

• 10 or more years of mechanical engineering experience.
• 5 or more years on hyperscale or mission critical projects.
• Strong expertise in HVAC system design.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of HVAC and mechanical systems.
• Manage projects from concept through construction.
• Serve as primary client contact and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

HVAC system design expertise

Project leadership

Client engagement

Proficiency in Revit

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Education

10+ years of mechanical engineering experience

PE license preferred

Job description

An industry-leading global engineering platform is expanding its mission critical practice and is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to help deliver cutting-edge hyperscale data center and high-performance infrastructure projects. This organization blends the resources and stability of a global consultancy with the flexibility and innovation of specialized design teams, offering a unique environment where engineers can take ownership, work directly with top-tier clients, and play a key role in shaping complex, high-impact projects. It is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys both technical leadership and client engagement within a rapidly growing, future-focused sector driven by AI and digital infrastructure.

What you will be doing

• Lead the design and delivery of HVAC and mechanical systems for hyperscale data centers and mission critical facilities
• Manage projects from concept through construction, ensuring alignment with schedule, budget, and quality standards
• Perform and oversee engineering tasks including:
• Load calculations
• System sizing and equipment selection
• Development of mechanical layouts and construction documentation
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across electrical, structural, and architectural disciplines
• Serve as a primary client contact, leading meetings and presenting technical solutions
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, participating in client presentations, and identifying growth opportunities
• Mentor and guide junior engineers while helping build a high-performing team
• Ensure all designs meet strict reliability, redundancy, and uptime requirements associated with mission critical environments

What you bring

• 10 or more years of mechanical engineering experience
• 5 or more years working on hyperscale or mission critical data center projects
• Strong expertise in HVAC system design for critical facilities
• Proven experience leading projects and engaging directly with clients
• Exposure to business development, pursuits, or client relationship management
• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD
• PE license preferred or ability to obtain

Key strengths

• Deep understanding of data center cooling strategies, including air and liquid systems
• Knowledge of redundancy models such as N, N+1, and 2N
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to balance technical execution with client-facing responsibilities
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Compensation and opportunity

• Base salary ranging from $180,000 to $250,000 plus performance-based bonus
• Opportunity to work on some of the most advanced hyperscale and AI-driven data center projects in the industry
• Direct exposure to major clients and a clear path into technical and commercial leadership roles

This role offers the chance to step into a highly visible position within a growing practice, where you can make a tangible impact on complex projects while accelerating your career in one of the most in-demand sectors in engineering.