Associate / Senior Associate Mechanical Engineer (Data Centres and Mission Critical)

About us

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.

Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate / Senior Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our Data Centre & Mission Critical (MCDC) team at Hoare Lea.

Data centres are central to the modern economy and the technology that powers them is evolving rapidly. Our Mission Critical team helps clients navigate these changing requirements. At Hoare Lea you’ll gain a truly unique experience working across the full spectrum of the data-centre sector — from early-stage site appraisal, master planning and feasibility studies through detailed plant and HVAC design, live plant upgrades, test-fits, commissioning and operational optimisation.

You’ll work across close-control environments, data halls, live plant replacement and refurbishment, critical engineering and due-diligence reviews of existing facilities. Projects span mainly in UK, but also across Ireland and Europe.

You will join a collaborative, knowledgeable and highly engaged team with a positive, supportive and flexible culture. Working alongside the Project Leader, you will engage directly with clients, develop designs and produce reports, specifications and guidance, and support testing and commissioning activities to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes.

In this key and varied role you will:

• Lead mechanical design delivery for data centre and mission-critical projects.
• Act as a senior client-facing engineer across design teams and stakeholders.
• Prepare and review specifications, reports and technical deliverables.
• Support strategic site appraisals, feasibility, masterplanning and test-fit studies.
• Oversee plant design, commissioning, handover and operational optimisation.
• Support fee, resource and project delivery management.
• Mentor and develop engineers, apprentices and graduates.

About you

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• Proven experience delivering mission critical and data centre projects.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, chilled water and refrigerant systems, cooling plant, air distribution and heat rejection.
• Experience with Revit, BIM workflows and AutoCAD.
• Strong client-facing consultancy experience.
• Excellent technical judgement and a collaborative mindset.
• Experience mentoring and supporting others.

Desired specialist experience:

• Mission-critical and data centre mechanical engineering across new-build, live operational upgrades, technical due diligence, feasibility studies and test-fits.
• Large-scale, multi-megawatt data centre developments.
• Hyperscale, colocation and enterprise/research environments.
• Early-stage site appraisal, masterplanning and test-fit studies.
• Cooling infrastructure and heat-rejection options.
• Resilience and uptime design thinking.
• High-density and AI-ready cooling.
• Live operational environments and phased upgrades.
• Campus-scale developments and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Energy efficiency and sustainability in mission-critical design.
• Experience working across the UK; international experience is desirable.

How to apply

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact

If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices. We aim to provide feedback at each stage of the process.

Adjustments and accommodations

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.

Data privacy

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Recruitment agencies

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

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