Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Center

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Your impact

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer – Design with a strong background in data center projects to be based in Dubai. In this role, you will play a key role in shaping the next generation of data centers across the region. You will also lead the delivery of high‑performance, resilient, and energy‑efficient mechanical systems for data center projects across the region. In addition, you will collaborate with global experts, mentor future talent, and help shape the next generation of digital infrastructure.

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 .

Locations

City State Country
Bur Dubai	All AE Regions	United Arab Emirates