Mechanical Engineering Lead, NA

Vantage is committed to being a workplace of inclusion, equity, respect and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another’s experience.

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.

Design Engineering Department

The Design & Engineering (D&E) team drives the technology, innovation and new development of data center infrastructure across Vantage’s companywide portfolio. D&E evaluates new sites, drives cost and scheduling in line with corporate goals and serves as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning. The team collaborates with Sales, Operations and management along the way. D&E also works hand-in-hand with the Construction team to come up with a vertically integrated design and ensures new and existing standards and designs are executed effectively.

At the heart of our vision is the creation of critical infrastructure that facilitates human connection, creativity, sharing, and collective aspirations. Our mission revolves around providing our Customers with consistently exceptional facilities swiftly and enjoying the process while doing so. This dedication extends to our Customers, Construction teams, and Site Operations teams.

One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our technical staff are given the responsibility and authority to directly drive tangible results. Our team can align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals. This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and results.

The Design Engineering team guides the development and operation of best-in-class data centers for hyperscale customers by providing business-minding Design and Engineering expertise.

Position Overview

This role can be based remotely anywhere in the US. #LI-Remote

The Mechanical Engineering lead guides the team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) that are in-discipline and are part of the Design & Engineering department in North America (NA). The Design Engineering (DE NA) team has experience and expertise across all MEP, CSA, and other specialty disciplines, and gives direction to external consultants and Engineers of Record (EOR) to deliver industry leading hyperscale data centers across Vantage’s North American projects. This role leads a team of Engineers from a technical perspective, aligning the SMEs on engineering opinions, best practices, expectations for capabilities, and growth opportunities. While this role is not a people manager, they are instrumental in guiding growth and progression, and for setting appropriate expectations for performance and capabilities, of the SMEs on the team. The Mechanical Engineering lead is expected to exemplify what it means to be a thought leader, a Subject Matter Expert, and a cross-functional collaborator on the owner-side of hyperscale data center development.

Essential Job Functions

Technical Leadership:

• Lead regional Design Engineering activities, in discipline.

• Align the SME team on engineering opinions, expectations, and best practices.

• Guide and influence team results on all engineering projects and initiatives including performance, budget, schedule, and coordination with internal and external project stakeholders..

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Collaborate closely with Director-level team leads/people managers to develop team goals, expectations, growth opportunities, budgets, and priorities; assess performance of team against same and provide feedback as necessary.

• Act as the primary Point of Contact (POC) for cross-functional teams on in-discipline technical matters; delegate tasks to balance SME team workload, expertise, and opportunities for growth appropriately.

• Represent the mechanical engineering discipline in Centers of Excellence (CoE) collaborations and maintain strong connections with cross-functional teams, including Innovation Engineering, Global.

Thought Leadership:

• Exemplify thought leadership and empower SMEs to develop and share their expertise.

• Stay up to date with industry trends and innovations, ensuring the team remains at the forefront of mechanical engineering practices.

Project and Initiative Management:

• Provide guidance and support for all mechanical engineering projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with project goals and company objectives.

• Support customer-facing discussions and presentations, representing the mechanical discipline.

Team Development and Support:

• Onboard, develop and support SMEs, setting clear expectations for performance and growth.

• Lead discipline team meetings, share information and updates with the SME team in a close-to-real-time as possible; ensuring transparency and communication is maintained in a two-way manner.

• Develop and manage content for team learning and onboarding of SMEs.

Operational Support:

• Provide support for operational facilities and participate in forensic analysis for any failures.

• Act as the main POC for emergency events in NA requiring SME support and delegate tasks appropriately.

Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and modify Vantage’s technical design standards in collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Innovation Engineering, Global.

Select Projects and Initiatives provide Standard Individual Contributor (IC) SME Duties (as needed):

• Coordinate inputs and delivery of work products to ensure new data center spaces comply with all applicable requirements (OPR, BOD, specifications, code, lease, etc.).

• Ensure design engineering lessons learned are documented and used to drive continuous improvement.

• Ensure change management processes are followed, and provide technical input for same

• Support commissioning activities through project turnover

• Report design and CX status of all projects (risks, schedule, quality and budget) to management

• Prepare reports and presentations to drive action from engineering and cost optimization analysis

• Support project management team to establish project budgets, analyze design impacts on build costs and submit approval packages to executive team

• Coordinate with site operations to define project requirements and design criteria and provide support for any issues that arise once critical infrastructure is in operation

• Support sales during RFP and post-lease technical customer engagement

Additional Duties:

• Handle additional duties as assigned by Management.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Registration as a US-based Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred.

Experience:

• 10 years of experience in mechanical design and construction required, 15+ years preferred

• Data Center and/or mission critical experience is required.

• Extensive experience in leading technical design teams including:

  • Cross-discipline knowledge and understanding, including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural, and other critical data center trades

  • Strong understanding of the design, construction, commissioning, and operations processes for North American development projects

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Strong analytical skills with demonstrated problem solving ability

Skills:

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office. Understanding of AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, Navisworks and CFD modeling software environments

• Well versed with all building codes and ordinances, including ASHRAE.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

• High level of integrity and professionalism.

• Travel required is expected to be up to 15-25% but may increase over time as the business evolves.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $175,000 - $190,000 (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. #LI-AP2

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.