Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Center

Overview

What You’ll Do

• Lead the mechanical design for data center projects across concept, schematic, and detailed design stages with regional and international teams.
• Develop and review mechanical systems including HVAC, chilled water systems, CRAC/CRAH units, DX systems, ventilation, and thermal management strategies.
• Ensure designs meet Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, TIA, LEED and local authority requirements, as well as Jacobs’ internal quality and sustainability standards.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination with electrical, structural, architecture, fire protection, and ICT teams to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Represent Jacobs in client meetings, design reviews, and technical workshops, providing clear technical leadership and direction.
• Mentor and guide mechanical engineers, supporting capability development and knowledge sharing across the team.
• Support tender evaluations, technical reports, and design‑build contractor submissions.
• Drive innovation, digital delivery, and continuous improvement within the mechanical discipline.
• Here's what you'll need
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 12+ years of mechanical design experience, including significant experience in data center projects.
• Strong understanding of data center cooling systems, redundancy strategies, energy efficiency, and mission‑critical design principles.
• Experience delivering projects in the KSA, UAE or wider GCC region.
• Proficiency in design tools such as HAP, TRACE, Revit, AutoCAD, and digital engineering workflows.
• Strong knowledge of international standards (ASHRAE, NFPA, IEC, ISO).
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing design teams or major project packages.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with hyperscale or colocation data center clients.
• Familiarity with BIM workflows and global delivery models.
• Experience in sustainability‑driven design, energy modeling, or low‑carbon cooling strategies.
• From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we’re committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you.
• Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally - and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength.
• We collaborate and share!
• By supporting one another, we all succeed.
• With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential.
• You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.
• No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.
• We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery.
• We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
• Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better.
• If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.