Senior / Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer (Data Centres)

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Data Centres are increasingly becoming a core component of our vital infrastructure. Their operators must therefore ensure the longevity of their sites, optimise them for mission critical tasks and equip them with the latest hardware. At the same time, it is important to ensure cost efficiency and sustainability. From solutions to make better use of existing infrastructure to designing new 'energy efficient' structures, we have successfully helped our clients achieve these goals.

Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of designers, advisors and experts working globally. Founded to be humane and excellent, we collaborate with our clients and partners using imagination, technology, and rigor to shape a better world. Our vision is to transition to a zero-carbon economy, ensuring that Data Centres make a positive contribution to the world. We are looking for a skilled Principal Mechanical Engineer who is excited by the opportunity to lead designs and projects in the Data Centre space.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer ready to take on the challenge of leading the mechanical discipline within our data centre sector and joining our supportive, creative Building Engineering Team. In this role, you’ll guide mechanical design packages from initial brief through detailed design, installation and commissioning, while providing technical leadership across data centre projects and supporting the development of junior colleagues. You’ll have access to tailored career development through Arup University and opportunities to grow as a future leader, with exposure to sustainable, innovative and digital approaches in the data centre industry and collaboration with major global clients.

Key responsibilities include leading and delivering mechanical work packages on complex projects, ensuring high quality design outputs, working closely with clients, presenting technical information clearly, contributing to conceptual design work, mentoring junior team members, managing budgets and resources, and collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

We Are Seeking a Candidate Who

• Is degree qualified in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering (preferably to master's level) with Chartership status (CIBSE / IMechE)
• Is an accomplished engineer who is interested in further developing their design and project management skills on fast‑paced, highly technical projects, working collaboratively to lead multi‑disciplinary design teams, and who seeks to take responsibility for managing projects from inception to completion to achieve outstanding results.
• Is experienced in data centre &/or other mission‑critical systems and facilities.
• Has demonstrable experience of successfully leading complex mechanical engineering projects with a strong ability to communicate with the team and clients through sketching, drawing and writing
• Is competent in designing software packages

Not ready to apply just yet, or have a few questions? Contact – please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.

What We Offer You

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‑cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit

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Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.

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