Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Related Digital

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as the technical authority for mechanical infrastructure systems within our hyperscale data center environments. This role is responsible for the reliability, performance, and efficiency of cooling systems and associated mechanical infrastructure across the site and broader portfolio. The SME acts as both a hands-on mechanical expert and strategic advisor, supporting real-time operations while influencing cooling system design, energy strategy, and global mechanical standards. Related Digital is a leading vertically integrated data center development and investment platform. We deliver digital infrastructure solutions to hyperscale technology companies so they can accelerate artificial intelligence and cloud computing ambitions. Founded by Related Companies, one of the most prominent, privately-owned real estate development firms in the United States, Related Digital uniquely combines Related’s 50-year+ history of executing complex real estate and infrastructure projects with its track record in real estate investing and clean energy solutions. With a multi-billion-dollar, near-term development pipeline in the U.S., Related Digital has the expert capabilities, depth of expertise and national scale to help hyperscale companies significantly grow their data center capacity on a rapid timeframe. Strategic Advantage: Related Digital harnesses expertise across real estate development and investment, data center development, complex infrastructure construction and clean energy development to bring differentiated solutions to hyperscale technology companies. National Footprint: Related Digital is based in New York and Dallas with operations across the United States. Related Companies has offices in gateway cities across the U.S. and London, and developments in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and boasts 4,000 employees.

Requirements

10+ years of relevant mechanical industry experience or trade experience
Bachelor’s degree or trade certification in a related field (or equivalent experience)
Strong expertise in: HVAC and cooling systems in critical environments Chilled water systems and refrigeration cycles Psychrometrics and thermal performance
Experience supporting maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and/or construction of mechanical systems
Working knowledge of electrical, controls, and fire/life safety systems
Ability to interpret: P&IDs Mechanical drawings and specifications Equipment shop drawings

Nice To Haves

Experience in hyperscale or colocation data center environments
Familiarity with ASHRAE standards and data center cooling guidelines
Trade certification or state HVAC/mechanical license
Experience with commissioning and integrated systems testing (IST)
Background with OEMs, contractors, or field service engineering
Experience with energy modeling, CFD, or system optimization tools
Professional Engineer (PE) license

Responsibilities

Serve as the onsite technical authority for mechanical infrastructure systems, with an emphasis on practical field operation
Oversee and support systems including: Chiller plants and chilled water systems Evaporative (future) and DX cooling systems Cooling towers (future) and heat rejection systems CRAH/CRAC units and Fan Wall air distribution Water distribution and treatment systems Fire suppression and life safety systems
Perform or oversee hands-on troubleshooting, repair, retrofit, and maintenance of mechanical equipment
Analyze system performance and operating data to identify inefficiencies and optimization opportunities
Develop, review, and approve SOPs, MOPs, and EOPs for mechanical systems
Contribute to and support site mechanical safety programs, including risk mitigation for personnel and critical systems
Plan and approve work procedures for maintenance, troubleshooting, and retrofit activities
Lead or participate in incident response and root cause analysis (RCA) for mechanical failures
Ensure compliance with ASHRAE standards, local codes, and safety requirements
Provide oversight from basis of design (BOD) through commissioning and operations
Review mechanical system designs, equipment selections, and sequences of operation
Provide QA/QC oversight of construction and retrofit activities
Oversee system configurations and component upgrades, ensuring compliance with change management processes
Participate in commissioning, testing, and factory witness activities
Validate system performance for redundancy, failover, and thermal stability
Provide feedback on global mechanical maintenance strategies and system design improvements
Drive improvements in cooling efficiency, water usage, and system resilience
Optimize system performance to support energy efficiency (PUE/WUE targets)
Support development of scalable, repeatable hyperscale cooling system designs
Support long-term planning for capacity, retrofits, and emerging cooling technologies
Collaborate across electrical, controls, and operations teams
Interface with OEMs, vendors, contractors, and service providers
Manage vendor relationships for maintenance, upgrades, and retrofit work
Provide training to Critical Facility Operators and cross-functional teams on mechanical systems and procedures