How to apply for Mechanical Engineering Lead, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure firm that provides consulting, design, engineering, and construction management services. It has a large data center practice with teams in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The company focuses on sustainable legacies through innovative infrastructure and environmental solutions.

About the role

This role leads the mechanical engineering design and construction oversight for hyperscale data centers. You will be responsible for HVAC, piping, and fire suppression systems. The position ensures the reliability, efficiency, and safety of data center infrastructure. It is primarily remote with occasional travel for client meetings and project milestones.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing mechanical designs for a hyperscale data center, coordinating with remote team members and clients, and overseeing construction progress via reports or virtual meetings. You may also travel occasionally to project sites for key milestones or onsite collaboration. The role requires balancing design work, construction oversight, and client communication.

Who AECOM is looking for

• Senior mechanical engineer with direct experience on hyperscale data center projects.
• Strong background in designing HVAC, piping, and fire suppression systems for high-density data centers.
• Experience overseeing construction and ensuring reliability, efficiency, and safety.
• Ability to work remotely and travel occasionally for client meetings and onsite collaboration.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific hyperscale data center projects you have worked on, including scale (MW) and systems designed.
• Emphasize your experience with HVAC, piping, and fire suppression systems in high-density environments.
• Mention your ability to work remotely and willingness to travel for client meetings and milestones.
• Tailor your resume to show leadership in mechanical engineering for data centers, not just general mechanical engineering.
• Reference AECOM's global data center practice and any experience you have working with international teams.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your hands-on experience with hyperscale data center mechanical systems, including HVAC, piping, and fire suppression.', 'Your track record of leading mechanical engineering design and construction oversight for data centers.', 'Your understanding of reliability, efficiency, and safety requirements in high-density data centers.', 'Your ability to work remotely and travel as needed for client meetings and project milestones.']

Research before applying

• AECOM's data center projects and their global footprint in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
• Recent hyperscale data center trends, especially in mechanical system design for high-density environments.
• AECOM's sustainability and environmental solutions initiatives, as they relate to data center infrastructure.
• The specific office locations AECOM has in the US and how remote work is structured for this role.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a hyperscale data center project you led from design through construction. What were the key mechanical challenges?
• How do you ensure reliability and efficiency in HVAC systems for high-density data centers?
• What is your experience with fire suppression systems in data centers, and how do you integrate them with other mechanical systems?
• How do you manage remote collaboration with global teams and clients?
• What steps do you take to oversee construction and ensure safety and quality on data center projects?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without demonstrating specific experience on hyperscale data center projects.
• Focusing only on general mechanical engineering without linking it to data center HVAC, piping, and fire suppression.
• Ignoring the remote nature of the role and failing to address willingness to travel for client meetings and milestones.