Mechanical Engineering Lead, NA

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: $190,000 - $210,000 + (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations). Pending experience
• 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-TS1

#LI-Remote

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Vantage 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.

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!