Principal Mechanical Engineer, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Position Overview
Vantage is seeking a Principal Engineer, Mechanical Engineering to serve as a senior technical leader within the Design Engineering Department, driving innovation, quality, and performance across hyperscale data center projects. This individual contributor role is responsible for setting engineering direction, solving complex technical challenges, and influencing cross-functional initiatives. The Principal Engineer will act as a trusted advisor across teams, mentor other engineers, and represent the mechanical discipline in strategic planning and customer engagements.

Essential Job Functions

Technical Strategy & Leadership:

• Define and drive mechanical engineering strategy across North American data center projects.
• Lead complex technical problem-solving and provide expert guidance on design, construction, and operations.
• Influence engineering standards, design principles, and long-term planning across the organization.

Project & Initiative Oversight:

• Provide technical leadership on major projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Review and approve critical design decisions, submittals, and change management actions.
• Support commissioning, turnover, and operational readiness activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with internal teams including electrical, architectural, operations, and innovation engineering to ensure integrated solutions.
• Represent mechanical engineering in Centers of Excellence (CoE), strategic forums, and executive-level discussions.
• Support customer-facing engagements, including RFP responses, technical presentations, and post-lease coordination.

Mentorship & Technical Development:

• Mentor and support engineers across all levels, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to onboarding, training, and development of mechanical engineering talent.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies, applying insights to improve system performance and efficiency.
• Lead efforts to refine Vantage’s mechanical design standards and best practices.
• Conduct forensic analysis and root cause investigations for operational issues and failures.

Additional Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5-8 years of experience in mechanical design, construction, and operations, with data center or mission-critical experience required.
• Proven track record of leading complex technical initiatives and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in design and documentation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, CFD modeling) and reporting platforms (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of building codes, standards, and industry best practices (e.g., ASHRAE).
• Travel is expected to be up to 15–25% but may increase as the business evolves.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!