Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centre Cooling

About the role

Ramboll is building its MENA data centre practice from the ground up and is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer in Dubai to act as the cooling authority for mission-critical data centre projects. The role covers end-to-end HVAC design, engineering, coordination and commissioning support, from cooling strategy through to performance validation, and advises on AI deployment options.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the primary cooling and mechanical technical contact for clients, leading design reviews, strategy presentations, bid discussions and proposal responses (RFP, TQR)
• Own the mechanical design of chilled water plants, direct liquid cooling (CDU), hybrid architectures, heat rejection, ventilation and fuel systems for 10-100 MW facilities, including high-density AI cooling (40-142 kW per rack)
• Ensure compliance with UAE requirements such as ZLD heat rejection, PUE below 1.4 under the Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI and high-temperature DLC
• Perform thermal load calculations, hydraulic modelling and CFD studies, and validate control philosophy and BMS/EMS integration
• Lead concept, schematic and detailed design (IFC) documentation, review and approve Revit models at LOD350, and resolve cross-discipline conflicts
• Support procurement (technical specs, BOQs, vendor evaluation), construction and commissioning, and lead the DC mechanical team and its design guidelines

Required profile

• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with at least 5 years in data centre or mission-critical cooling systems
• Strong track record in chilled water plant design and hands-on experience with direct liquid cooling systems (CDU, glycol systems)
• Knowledge of UAE regulations (DEWA ZLD, Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI) and good to know KSA regulations and Vision 2030
• BE/BTech/ME/MTech in Mechanical Engineering and professional registration as a Mechanical Engineer
• Exceptional English communication and ability to mentor engineers

Required skills

• CFD studies and hydraulic modelling
• BIM with Revit at LOD350 and AutoCAD
• Preferred: Uptime Institute ATD/ATS, LEED AP M+E, immersion cooling experience, Arabic