Data Center Mechanical Engineer, Lead Consultant

WSP•Houston, TX

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Data Center Mechanical Engineer, Lead Consultant for Houston or Dallas, Texas, with Austin and San Antonio also listed as locations. The Data Center Center of Excellence focuses exclusively on data centers and supports leading AI and cloud infrastructure companies. In this role, you will design complex cooling and HVAC systems—including air distribution systems, chiller plants, and alternative energy solutions—while leading projects and a team of mechanical engineers. You will contribute to projects addressing data center development challenges such as site selection, power and water access, and responsible community integration. The position involves producing technical deliverables, designing air distribution and hydronic systems, developing building automation controls and specifications, and preparing drawings and specifications with multidisciplinary teams. You will lead client discussions, coordinate with internal teams and external vendors, direct project teams, mentor engineers, and perform project management activities. Additional duties include coordinating technical development and schedules, surveying existing conditions, resolving design issues, and performing construction administration. The role may require travel to client sites and flexibility to meet business needs.

Requirements

Proven history in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering with an emphasis on mechanical building systems.
At least 7 years of experience designing mechanical systems for high-performing commercial, industrial, or mission-critical/data center buildings.
Experience mentoring and training others in the field.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to interact well with others and contribute to high-quality technical and professional deliverables for projects and proposals.
Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems and codes.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Flexibility to work varied schedules to meet business needs, prioritize responsibilities, and adapt quickly to change in a pressure work environment.
Willingness to travel to client sites; occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Registered Professional Engineer (PE).
Experience with analysis of interior and exterior Computational Fluid Dynamics of airflow.
Mission-critical/data center experience.
Experience with international projects and knowledge of international codes and standards.

Responsibilities

Produce high-quality technical and professional deliverables for projects and proposals.
Design complex air distribution systems, including supply, return, and exhaust, and hydronic systems, including chilled and heating water.
Design automatic building automation control systems and specifications for large air distribution and heat rejection systems.
Work with multidisciplinary project teams to develop drawings and specifications for architects, contractors, and building owners.
Attend client meetings and lead discussions.
Communicate complex mechanical engineering concepts and decisions to clients and stakeholders.
Direct complex mechanical engineering requirements and integrate them into facility designs.
Coordinate with internal project discipline team members and external equipment vendors and manufacturers.
Serve as lead mechanical engineer on projects and direct the project team.
Lead and mentor a team of engineers.
Perform project management activities, including writing proposals, establishing budgets, and managing client interactions.
Coordinate technical development, scheduling, and resolution of engineering design issues.
Survey and evaluate existing conditions.
Perform construction administration.