Principal Mechanical Engineer - Data Centers

Basic Function

SB Energy is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to be part of the Data Center Design & Engineering team that leads the standardization of products across SB Energy’s companywide portfolio.

In this role, you will be responsible for the design development of large-scale industrial chiller plants and the development of associated standards and specifications to enable the establishment of a procurement program. 

Regular collaboration and coordination will be required with architects, other engineering disciplines, procurement, and facility operations teams. You will work with regional design and execution teams to ensure that new standards are established, existing standards are implemented, and any required enhancements are incorporated into standard designs and specifications. Knowledge of all aspects of mechanical engineering is required, including central utility plants, built-up mechanical rooms, packaged equipment, chilled water equipment and piping, DX systems, airside and water-side economization, humidity control, raised access floor plenums, and value engineering as they relate to designing state-of-the-art data centers. Knowledge in plumbing and fire protection design for data centers is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the new product development process from inception to implementation and apply for and obtain patents to retain company IP.
• Research and evaluate new vendors and products to achieve operational improvements, reduce project cost, and improve schedule.
• Review and approve OFCI equipment submittals to ensure compliance with company specifications and coordinate details with other teams.
• Coordinate with regional design execution teams to understand OPR deviations and lessons learned from projects.
• Analyze whether OPR deviations and lessons learned from site-adapted projects can improve SB Energy standards and specifications.
• Participate in creating and standardizing mechanical sequences of operations (SOOs) in coordination with internal automation teams.
• Conduct value engineering analyses and provide system recommendations based on ROI and IRR analysis.
• Identify and create tools and templates that add value to delivered products.
• Standardize commissioning documentation for global application.
• Work closely with Operations to balance cost-effective solutions and operational sustainability.
• Optimize designs to meet company sustainability targets.
• Utilize engineering analysis programs and professional judgment to analyze:
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies and rack layout optimization.
  • Psychrometric chart evaluations and ASHRAE extreme design day temperature impacts.
  • Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) calculations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in large-scale industrial chiller plant system design and construction required (8–12 years preferred).
• Data center and/or mission-critical experience required.
• Experience with North American or European construction markets required.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Excel, and Word, and CFD modeling software; familiarity with Revit, BIM, and Navisworks.
• Solid understanding of critical cooling infrastructure within data centers.
• Well-versed in building codes and ordinances.
• Plumbing and fire protection infrastructure background within data centers preferred.
• National and international travel required, typically 10–15%, but may increase as business evolves.

Location: On-site near Temple, TX

Base Pay - $100,000 - $165,000

The pay range mentioned above is a guideline. We tailor each offer based on your unique skills, experience, location, and market benchmarks—while ensuring internal parity across our teams. In addition to competitive base pay, total compensation may include a discretionary annual bonus and a market leading comprehensive health and wellness benefits package. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process.

Our Health & Wellness Benefits

At SB Energy, we invest in our people and their families with benefits designed for flexibility, support, and peace of mind. Full-time employees enjoy:

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
• Device Purchase Support

At SB Energy, the success of our projects is driven by a desire to see our projects benefit as many people as possible. We work to serve local communities through volunteering, fundraising, and much more. For example, we’re proud to support access and opportunity in engineering and clean energy through impactful mentorship programs and workforce training. When you join SB Energy, you can become a part of these efforts, collaborating with team members who share a vision of building a better future now! 

SB Energy is built on a foundation of collaboration and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.

To learn more about us, visit www.sbenergy.com.

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