Sr Data Center HVAC Engineer

Job Title: Construction Mechanical MEP EngineerJob Description

This role leads mechanical and MEP activities for mission-critical data center construction projects, ensuring safe, high-quality delivery that aligns with established data center development guidelines and standards. The Construction Mechanical MEP Engineer provides technical leadership on mechanical and electrical systems, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and resolves design and field issues to keep projects on schedule and within scope. The position requires deep expertise in data center mechanical systems, building automation integration, and a strong focus on safety, quality, schedule adherence, and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Lead all field-related mechanical and MEP mission-critical activities for data center construction projects and act as the primary mechanical point of contact for assigned sites.
• Ensure each project complies with Data Center Development guidelines, standards, and evolving best practices, incorporating lessons learned from previous projects.
• Coordinate with Data Center Development project managers, data center engineering teams, and subcontractors to ensure proper execution of mechanical and MEP scope.
• Research, design, develop, and test tools, engines, machines, and other MEP devices to support project and operational requirements.
• Review and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to determine technical feasibility, time requirements, and cost implications.
• Investigate equipment failures and operational difficulties, diagnose faulty operations, and provide clear recommendations to maintenance and construction teams.
• Assist drafters and designers in developing structural and mechanical designs using appropriate tools, equipment, and engineering software.
• Coordinate site conflicts and queries regarding design drawings and specifications by preparing and managing RFIs (Requests for Information) with the design team to unblock project schedules.
• Align team objectives, business processes, vendor management strategies, and cross-group collaboration with the broader data center development project strategy.
• Serve as a strong advocate for a safe worksite, promoting and enforcing safety practices as a core pillar alongside quality, schedule adherence, and cost management.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, legal, project planning, and risk management teams, to maintain alignment with corporate project vision and goals.
• Support ongoing builds from a mechanical engineering perspective by coordinating with engineering and development teams on mechanical design questions and RFIs to the engineer of record.
• Inspect installed mechanical systems for compliance with drawings, specifications, and project standards, and document findings and corrective actions as needed.
• Work closely with general contractors and owners to resolve unclear drawings or specifications in a timely manner to avoid schedule impacts.
• Contribute to successful commissioning of data centers through thorough mechanical quality inspections and verification of system performance.

Essential Skills

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to coordinate effectively with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to self-direct work in a complex, fast-paced construction environment.
• Deep experience and expertise in electrical and mechanical systems, particularly in mission-critical or data center environments.
• Strong background in data center design, engineering, controls, and operational requirements.
• Creativity and analytical problem-solving skills to address design challenges, equipment issues, and field conflicts.
• Ability to produce sketches, engineering drawings, and perform common engineering computations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Previous experience using computer applications and engineering software such as Computer Aided Design (CAD).
• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in construction, building automation, and mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• 5 years of HVAC and cooling expertise.
• 5 years of experience with mechanical integration into Building Automation Systems.
• 3 years of experience specifically in mechanical integration with building automation systems in complex facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work with general contractors and owners to resolve unclear drawings or specifications promptly.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality mechanical installations that support successful commissioning of facilities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a mechanical engineer supporting data center projects.
• Experience with liquid cooling systems in data centers or similar mission-critical facilities.
• Experience acting as an owner's representative on construction projects, particularly for mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam software for reviewing and marking up drawings and documents.
• Experience with P6 (Primavera) scheduling software is beneficial for candidates who have used it previously.
• Ability to coordinate RFIs with engineers of record and design teams to resolve design questions efficiently.
• Strong client relationship management skills and the ability to collaborate across multiple internal groups.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, incorporating lessons learned and evolving best practices into project execution.

Work Environment

This role is based in Des Moines and typically operates on a full-time schedule of approximately 40 hours per week. The position supports active data center construction sites and requires frequent presence in the field to inspect mechanical installations, coordinate with contractors, and address site issues. The environment includes working around heavy equipment, mechanical systems, and active construction activities, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols. The role uses engineering and construction technologies such as CAD tools, Bluebeam for document review, and potentially P6 scheduling software for candidates with relevant experience. The position requires the use of specific personal protective equipment, including a monitor, keyboard, headset, and mouse for office-related tasks, as well as a Class 2 safety helmet, Class 2 or higher safety vest, cut and impact-resistant gloves, ANSI Z87.1 or higher safety glasses or visor, composite toe work boots made of leather or leather alternative that extend a minimum of 4 inches above the ankle, and a Class 2 or higher reflective jacket suitable for cold and wet weather when on site. The work environment emphasizes a strong safety culture, high quality standards, schedule adherence, and cost-effective project delivery within mission-critical data center facilities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of WDM, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $100.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in WDM,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.