Lead Mechanical Design Engineer 

Sector: Data Centres / Mission Critical
Our client is an international design and design management consultancy specialising in data centre and mission-critical environments. They deliver end-to-end design solutions across Mechanical, Electrical, and CSA / Architectural disciplines for some of the world’s leading technology clients.
They are now seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to join the team on a new mega data centre project in Portugal for a top-5 global tech giant. This is a high-profile role offering the opportunity to lead the mechanical design of a technically complex, mission-critical facility from concept through to delivery.

The Role
Reporting to the Design Manager / Project Director, the Lead Mechanical Design Engineer will take responsibility for all aspects of mechanical design across the project, ensuring compliance with client requirements, international standards, and best practice in mission-critical environments. Key responsibilities include:
•    Leading and delivering mechanical design packages for mission-critical systems, including HVAC, chilled water, cooling, and redundancy systems
•    Coordinating with electrical, CSA, and architectural design teams to ensure seamless integration and clash-free designs
•    Reviewing and approving design calculations, drawings, and specifications
•    Leading value engineering, design optimisation, and buildability reviews
•    Liaising with clients, contractors, and consultants to ensure design intent and quality standards are maintained
•    Mentoring and guiding junior mechanical design engineers on the team
•    Ensuring all designs comply with health, safety, environmental, and sustainability requirements
•    Supporting construction stage queries and site design coordination as required

Requirements
•    Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
•    Extensive experience designing mechanical systems for data centres or other mission-critical environments
•    Strong understanding of cooling, HVAC, chilled water, and high-reliability systems
•    Proven experience leading mechanical design teams and delivering large-scale, technically complex projects
•    Familiarity with BIM and other digital design coordination tools
•    Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills
•    Fluency in English; additional European languages (Portuguese) advantageous
•    Willingness to be based in Portugal for the duration of the project

What’s on Offer
•    Competitive salary and benefits package
•    Opportunity to work on a mega data centre build for a top-5 Tech Giant
•    Exposure to cutting-edge mission-critical design projects
•    Leadership role with responsibility for mentoring junior engineers
•    International career progression with a leading design consultancy
•    Collaborative and innovative working environment

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineer to take a lead design role on one of Europe’s largest and most high-profile data centre projects.