Mechanical Engineering Lead, NA

About Vantage

Vantage 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 (DE) team drives the technology, innovation and new development of data center infrastructure across Vantage’s companywide portfolio. DE 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 and operation. The team collaborates with Sales, Operations and management along the way. DE 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-minded Design and Engineering expertise.

Position Overview

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

The Mechanical Engineering Lead serves as a strategic technical authority, guiding a team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within the Design Engineering department for North America. Leveraging deep expertise across all MEP, CSA, and specialty disciplines, this role sets the direction for both internal teams and external consultants, ensuring the delivery of industry-leading hyperscale data centers across Vantage’s North American portfolio. Operating at the highest organizational level, the Mechanical Engineering Lead aligns SMEs on engineering vision, best practices, and technical standards, while driving innovation and shaping expectations for capabilities and professional growth. Although not a direct people manager, this leader is instrumental in mentoring, setting performance benchmarks, and fostering the progression of SMEs. As a thought leader and cross-functional collaborator, the Mechanical Engineering Lead exemplifies strategic influence, technical excellence, and organizational impact in owner-side hyperscale data center development.

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Leadership & Influence

Drive organization-wide critical decisions in mechanical engineering, establishing standards and leading transformative innovation that shapes the company’s future.

Serve as a thought leader and key resource for Mechanical engineering, directly influencing organizational strategy and collaborating at department Leadership levels.

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

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

Influence & Collaboration

Collaborate across all levels of the organization, including department leadership, to align engineering vision, best practices, and strategic priorities.

Represent the mechanical engineering discipline in Centers of Excellence (CoE) and maintaining influential relationships with cross-functional and global teams.

Collaborate closely with department leadership team to develop team goals, expectations, growth opportunities, budgets, and priorities; assess performance of team against same and provide feedback as necessary.

Autonomy & Decision-Making

Exercise autonomy in making pivotal critical technical decisions and guiding the direction of mechanical engineering initiatives.

Managerial Capacity

Operate with no direct supervisory responsibility but provide strategic guidance and technical leadership to SMEs and project team, mentoring and developing future leaders.

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.

Skill/Nature of Work

Lead work of strategic importance, solving highly complex, multi-disciplinary problems and driving continuous improvement in technical design standards.

Remain at the forefront of industry trends and innovations, ensuring the organization maintains best-in-class mechanical engineering practices.

Additional Responsibilities

Guide and influence results on all engineering projects and initiatives, including performance, budget, schedule, and coordination with stakeholders.

Act as the primary Point of Contact for cross-functional technical matters, delegating tasks to optimize SME workload and growth opportunities.

Support operational facilities, participate in forensic analysis for failures, and act as the main POC for emergency events requiring SME support.

Develop and manage content for team learning and onboarding, promoting transparency and two-way communication across the organization.

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 -15 + years of experience in mechanical design and construction required

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 -