Mechanical SME - Data Centre

Job Description

1. Position Summary

The Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Mechanical Subject Manager is responsible for providing technical leadership, governance, and delivery assurance for all mechanical systems on data center construction projects delivered under a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) model.

Acting as the clients technical representative for mechanical disciplines, this role ensures that mechanical design, construction, testing, commissioning, and handover activities meet mission-critical performance requirements, applicable standards, and client operational objectives. The position works in close collaboration with Project Managers, Project Directors, consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure coordinated, compliant, and high-quality delivery across one or multiple data center projects.

2. Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Scope Leadership

• Lead and manage all mechanical aspects of data center projects from design development through construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Provide technical governance and assurance to ensure alignment with client standards, operational requirements, and project objectives.
• Act as the primary technical authority for mechanical systems within the PMC delivery team.

Design Review & Technical Approvals

• Review and provide technical input on mechanical designs, specifications, calculations, layouts, and schematics.
• Review and comment on shop drawings, material submittals, method statements, and installation procedures.
• Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and data center best practices.
• Support resolution of design queries and technical clarifications during construction.

Contractor & Consultant Coordination

• Coordinate closely with mechanical contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and multidisciplinary consultants.
• Provide on-site technical oversight to ensure works are executed in accordance with approved designs and quality standards.
• Participate in technical workshops, coordination meetings, and site progress reviews.
• Manage interfaces between mechanical systems and other disciplines including electrical, ICT, controls, fire protection, and civil works.
• Support timely resolution of construction, technical, and interface-related issues.

Construction Oversight, Testing & Commissioning

• Monitor mechanical installation, testing, and commissioning activities on site.
• Review and approve inspection and test plans (ITPs), factory acceptance tests (FATs), site acceptance tests (SATs), and commissioning procedures.
• Support integrated systems testing (IST), including full-load and resilience testing where applicable.
• Verify mechanical system performance against redundancy, reliability, and operational criteria.
• Support readiness-for-operations activities and transition to facilities and operations teams.

Risk, Quality & Safety Support

• Identify mechanical-related risks and support development of mitigation measures.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance processes, safety requirements, and statutory regulations.
• Participate in safety reviews, audits, and incident investigations related to mechanical works.
• Support close-out of non-conformances, defects, and punch list items prior to handover.

3. Technical Expertise (Data Center Focus)

• Data center and mission-critical mechanical systems delivery.
• Cooling technologies including CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water systems, DX systems, free cooling, and liquid cooling solutions.
• HVAC systems, airflow management, and hot aisle / cold aisle containment strategies.
• Mechanical redundancy architectures (N, N+1, 2N, distributed systems).
• Heat rejection systems including cooling towers, dry coolers, and adiabatic systems.
• Interface with fire protection and life safety systems.
• Compliance with Uptime Institute Tier I–IV standards.
• Knowledge of relevant codes and standards including ASHRAE, NFPA, and applicable local regulations.

4. Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline.

Experience

• 15-20 years of overall experience in mechanical engineering or mechanical systems delivery.
• Direct experience on data center or mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience supporting full lifecycle delivery from design through commissioning and handover.

Professional Certifications (Preferred)

• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Professional Engineer (PE), or equivalent.
• Data center–specific certifications (e.g., Uptime Institute ATD, CDCP).
• Commissioning or HVAC-related certifications are an advantage.

5. Core Competencies

• Strong technical judgment and attention to detail.
• Effective contractor coordination and interface management skills.
• Clear and confident communication with clients and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Practical problem-solving and technical decision-support capability.
• Ability to perform effectively in fast-paced, high-risk, mission-critical delivery environments.
• Proactive, collaborative, and delivery-focused mindset.