Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: London | Birmingham | Manchester | Leeds | Newcastle | Bicester | Other UK locations considered Salary: Up to £85,000 + Comprehensive Benefits Package Shape the future of Data Centre engineering.The UK's Data Centre market continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. As demand grows for resilient, sustainable and technically sophisticated digital infrastructure, leading Building Services Design Consultancies are seeking experienced Principal Mechanical Engineers who can provide technical leadership on some of the industry's most prestigious projects. At Eligo Recruitment, we partner with consultancies delivering hyperscale campuses, co-location facilities, enterprise data centres and mission critical infrastructure for some of the world's largest technology organisations. If you're looking for a position where your technical expertise genuinely influences project success, this could be your next career move. The Opportunity As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll be recognised as one of the technical leaders within the mechanical engineering team. You'll take ownership of the most complex engineering challenges, provide technical assurance across multiple projects and support the development of both engineers and clients through your specialist knowledge. Rather than simply delivering calculations, you'll influence design strategy, establish engineering standards and ensure exceptional quality throughout every stage of project delivery. This role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, allowing you to remain close to the design whilst helping shape the future direction of major Data Centre developments. Key Responsibilities • Lead the mechanical design strategy on large-scale hyperscale and mission critical Data Centre developments. • Act as the technical authority for complex mechanical engineering solutions. • Review, challenge and approve engineering designs before issue. • Deliver technically robust HVAC, chilled water, condenser water, ventilation and cooling system designs. • Provide design assurance and quality control across multiple projects. • Lead multidisciplinary design coordination meetings. • Mentor Senior Engineers and support the development of future technical leaders. • Work closely with Associates and Directors to establish engineering best practice. • Present technical solutions directly to clients, contractors and project stakeholders. • Support bids, fee proposals and technical submissions. • Identify opportunities for innovation, energy efficiency and value engineering. • Ensure projects comply with all relevant British Standards, Building Regulations and industry guidance. About You You'll already be recognised as a highly capable Mechanical Building Services Engineer with extensive experience delivering technically demanding Data Centre projects. You'll enjoy solving complex engineering challenges and have the confidence to guide project teams through difficult design decisions while maintaining exceptional technical standards. We're particularly interested in professionals with experience in: • Data Centre Building Services Design • Mission Critical Engineering • Hyperscale Developments • Advanced HVAC Design • Chilled Water Systems • Cooling Plant Design • Mechanical Infrastructure • Technical Design Reviews • Client Technical Presentations • Engineering Quality Management Essential RequirementsTo be considered for these opportunities, you'll typically have: • Significant experience within a Building Services Design Consultancy. • Proven delivery of Data Centre or Mission Critical projects. • Strong knowledge of mechanical building services design principles. • Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. • A collaborative approach to technical leadership. Please note: Previous Data Centre Building Services Design Consultancy experience is essential for these opportunities. Why This Role? Moving into a Principal Mechanical Engineer position gives you the opportunity to influence projects at a strategic level while remaining closely involved in technical engineering. You'll have the opportunity to: • Lead the design of nationally significant Data Centre developments. • Influence engineering standards across multiple projects. • Mentor and develop the next generation of engineers. • Work alongside recognised experts within Building Services Engineering. • Solve technically demanding engineering challenges every day. • Progress towards Associate and Technical Director positions. We're also keen to hear from engineers based elsewhere in the UK. If you have the right Data Centre consultancy experience, we'd be pleased to discuss opportunities in your preferred location. Why Eligo Recruitment? At Eligo Recruitment, we specialise exclusively in connecting engineering professionals with some of the UK's leading Building Services Design Consultancies operating within the Data Centre and Mission Critical sectors. Apply Today If you're ready to use your technical expertise to help deliver some of the UK's most advanced Data Centre projects, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today Eligo Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Eligo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive and equitable environment for employees and applicants. We actively celebrate and embrace differences, including but not limited to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, and disability. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and all will be considered for employment without discrimination. At Eligo Recruitment diversity, equity and inclusion is integral to achieving our mission to ensure every workplace reflects the richness of human diversity.