Head of Mechanical Engineering

We are seeking a Head of Mechanical Engineering with extensive data centre experience to work in our Global Design & Engineering Team. In this global role, you will drive standards, consistency, and continuous improvement of critical Mechanical Systems whilst providing support to multiple functions. You will report to the Global Director of Design & Engineering, part of the Real Estate Team in Colt DCS.

You will function as the Global Lead and Technical Authority of the Mechanical Engineering discipline, driving standardised design, availability & consistency across our growing portfolio of Data Centres, providing guidance to internal & external stakeholders ensuring design adherence to the Colt DCS Global Reference Design (GRD). You will collaborate with delivery teams to evaluate OFCI equipment offerings ensuring both a Commercial & Technical approach.

You will track innovative technologies (with targeted R&D activities) and new design architectures, identifying, evaluating, and implementing the most efficient ones into our GRD and OFCI equipment technical selection to improve speed to market, while reducing costs of all new data centres.

The role will require to work with multiple functions including Development, Design Management, Project Management, Procurement and Commercial teams, providing assistance on all matters relating to Mechanical Engineering.

Outcomes

The Head of Mechanical Engineering will be accountable for consistency and adherence with Colt DCS Employer’s Requirements and specific Customers requirements on multiple projects glo
bally. Additionally, the Head of Mechanical Engineering will be accountable for the development and maintenance of global technical documentation including design guides, standards & specifications to drive consistency across our estate, implementing lessons learnt and compliance with corporate ESG targets and initiatives.

The Team

The Global Design & Engineering Team reports to the Chief Real Estate Officer, and is formed of subject matter experts (Mechanical, Electrical, Civils, Structural, Architecture, Automation Systems, BIM and Technical Sales), with the main responsibility of owning and maintaining the GRD, technical selection & governance of OFCI equipment, ensuring at each stage that the projects are compliant with our standardised delivery plan. Regional Engineering Teams consisting of Design Managers and Specialists (BMS, Security etc) have Design Authority at a project level and interface or elevate technical challenges to the Global Engineering Team for technical direction and guidance.

Expertise they will bring

• Expert knowledge of hyperscale data centre cooling systems, including chilled water, DX, and liquid cooling (direct-to-chip, immersion)
• Advanced understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics for high-density and AI/HPC workloads
• Proven capability in design and optimisation of mission-critical HVAC systems (CRAH/CRAC, in-row, heat rejection, hydronics)
• Strong experience with CFD modelling and airflow management to optimise data hall performance
• Deep knowledge of energy efficiency and sustainability metrics (PUE, WUE) and low-carbon cooling strategies
• Expertise in redundancy and resilience design (N, N+1, 2N architectures) and Tier I–IV requirements
• Familiarity with BMS, DCIM, and controls strategies for automated, optimised system performance
• Comprehensive understanding of global codes, standards, and guidelines (ASHRAE, CIBSE, ISO, IEC)
• Experience integrating mechanical systems with electrical, IT, and modular infrastructure designs
• Proficiency in digital engineering tools and methods (BIM, CFD, energy modelling) and data-driven design approaches

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering
• HNC / HNC in Mechanical Engineering
• Chartered or Professional Registered Engineer