Associate Director – Mechanical Design (Data Centres)

• Ensure all design outputs align with international standards and client requirements.
• Conduct site surveys and develop detailed reports and recommendations.
• Drive innovation in mechanical systems and controls with a focus on energy efficiency and reliability.
• Maintain rigorous QA/QC on all technical documentation and design deliverables.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and handover processes to ensure systems meet performance criteria.
• Lead the delivery of major mechanical engineering packages for hyperscale and co-location data centre projects.
• Represent the business in client and stakeholder meetings, providing clear and confident technical leadership.
• Mentor and support junior engineering team members.
• Deliver comprehensive mechanical design packages including equipment sizing, layouts, and system integration.
• Coordinate design inputs with internal teams and external consultants.
• Serve as the technical lead across mechanical design, coordination, and project execution.
• Provide expert-level guidance on HVAC, piping, BMS, and mechanical controls systems.

This role is for professionals who are experts in mechanical design for mission-critical ICT and data centre facilities. We are specifically looking for individuals with a deep technical skillset, proven delivery experience, and the ability to operate confidently in both design and field engineering roles.

This is a hybrid position — ideal for candidates based in Ireland or Europe — requiring on-site presence in Amsterdam three days per week, with the remainder of the week worked remotely.

Dillon Engineering Services, on behalf of our client, are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer / Associate Director to support a major Data Centre project based in Amsterdam.

This role is ideal for a professional with a strong background in data centre design, field engineering, and lifecycle project delivery. The successful candidate must bring extensive technical and mechanical design expertise and be able to confidently lead the engineering delivery of complex, fast-paced projects in critical infrastructure environments.

• Proficient in software such as Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, HAP, Trace 700, and equipment sizing tools.
• Proven ability to independently produce full mechanical design packages including detailed calculations and specifications.
• Chartered Engineer status (or actively working toward).
• A minimum of 8–10 years’ mechanical engineering experience, with at least 5 years dedicated to data centre projects.
• Ability to manage multiple project interfaces in a high-pressure, client-facing environment.
• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Exceptional technical and mechanical design knowledge—this is essential.
• Strong understanding of international design codes and standards (ASHRAE, ISO, ISPE, NFPA, BS-EN, etc.).
• Solid experience in both office-based design and site-based technical support roles.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and team leadership skills.

Flexibility: Hybrid

Salary/Rate: €130k - €140k / €70p/h - €75p/h (DOE)

Employment Type: Permanent staff or long-term contract options available

• Hybrid working option.
• 23 days annual leave, increasing with service (up to 28 days).
• Pension scheme with company contributions.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Continuous professional development support.