# Data Center Mechanical Engineer

**Company:** [Anthropic](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/anthropic)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA, New York, NY
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** Mechanical Engineering, Data Centers, Chilled-Water Systems, Liquid Cooling, Direct-To-Chip Cooling, Cooling Distribution Units, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Prefabrication, Modular Construction, P&Ids, Ashrae, Nfpa 13, Revit Mep, Autocad Mep
**Posted:** 2026-08-19

> Leads mechanical design direction and technical oversight for cooling, plumbing, fire protection, and modular infrastructure across U.S. data center projects. Requires 10+ years of mission-critical mechanical design experience, strong knowledge of U.S. codes, and expertise spanning design, construction, and commissioning.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

### Design Direction & Review
- Drive mechanical design concepts for data center cooling plants, chilled-water distribution, liquid cooling (direct-to-chip and CDUs), plumbing, and fire protection systems.
- Review and direct design drawings, specifications, and construction documentation from external engineering firms.
- Evaluate design submittals, shop drawings, and equipment selections; respond to RFIs with technical direction.
- Identify and resolve conflicts across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.
- Maintain and evolve internal mechanical design standards and reference configurations.

### Prefabrication & Modular Delivery
- Drive prefabricated and modular mechanical strategies, including cooling skids, piping and pump assemblies, and offsite manufacture.
- Standardize modular mechanical designs across sites while accommodating site constraints and hardware changes.

### External Partner & Vendor Coordination
- Serve as the primary mechanical engineering contact for external developers, design engineers, and construction partners across the U.S. portfolio.
- Develop scopes of work, equipment specifications, and bid packages.
- Perform technical due diligence on third-party and colocation facilities.
- Coordinate cooling-system procurement with equipment vendors, manufacturers, and supply chain partners.

### Construction & Commissioning
- Monitor mechanical installation for compliance with design intent, U.S. codes and standards, and industry best practices.
- Conduct site visits, resolve field issues, and validate construction quality.
- Support testing and commissioning; analyze data and troubleshoot issues.
- Travel to data center sites as needed, up to approximately 30%.

## Requirements

- 10+ years designing building mechanical systems for data centers or mission-critical facilities across concept design, construction, commissioning, and handover.
- Deep familiarity with U.S. mechanical, plumbing, and fire codes and standards, including IMC, IPC, IECC, IBC, NFPA 13, ASME B31, applicable state and local amendments, and ASHRAE guidance including TC 9.9.
- Strong knowledge of chilled-water systems, air-cooled cooling plants, direct-to-chip liquid cooling, CDUs, and redundant piping configurations.
- Hands-on experience with prefabricated and modular mechanical infrastructure.
- Experience directing and reviewing external consultants' mechanical design work.
- Proficiency reading and marking up construction drawings, P&IDs, and single-line diagrams.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent relevant education, training, and experience.
- Clear communication and ability to drive technical decisions across internal teams and external partners.

## Nice-to-Haves

- 15+ years designing mechanical systems for data centers or mission-critical facilities.
- Data center delivery experience across multiple U.S. markets, including Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Arizona, or Oregon.
- Experience with AFT Fathom, Cadence 6SigmaET, ANSYS, CFD modeling, or energy analysis.
- Familiarity with controls/BAS systems and cooling-plant sequences of operation.
- Experience preparing SOWs, facility audits, and TCO analyses.
- Experience developing modular prefabricated data center products and designs for offsite manufacturing.
- Proficiency with Revit MEP or AutoCAD MEP.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility.

## Compensation & Benefits

- Annual salary: $1–$2 USD.
- Hybrid policy: Staff are expected to work from an office at least 25% of the time; some roles may require more office time.
- Visa sponsorship may be available.

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