Remote Lead Data Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

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AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with experience on Hyperscale Data Center projects to act as Data Center Mechanical Engineer Lead. The job incumbent will be responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of mechanical systems for hyperscale data centers, including HVAC, piping and fire suppression systems.  This position is based in Arlington, VA, however, is open to other AECOM office locations and remote work under certain circumstances.  

The Mechanical Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of our data center infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering and experience working with high-density data centers.

This position offers the flexibility of a remote work schedule and can be based from a variety of locations in the US where AECOM has an office.

Although the position is primarily remote periodic travel may be required for client meetings, key project milestones, onsite collaboration sessions, or other business‑critical activities. Travel is expected to be occasional and scheduled in advance

AECOM is a leader in the global data center consulting industry with robust teams in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.  In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with our teams around the world on high-profile, fast-paced data center projects for global clients.  This is a hands-on, client-facing role with an opportunity for upward career mobility.  

JOB SUMMARY:

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, responding to their inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regularly communicating with them to understand their needs and expectations
• Coordinating with multiple disciplines and acting as lead mechanical engineer to ensure that projects are delivered within budget and on schedule while managing the mechanical team including HVAC, fire protection, plumbing
• Develop detailed specifications for mechanical equipment, including pumps, fans, and air handling units.
• Writing reports for internal and external purposes based on findings
• Ensures discipline plans that are created to meet overall project team requirements for project scope and schedule
• Stays current on codes and technologies appropriate to the mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems related to hyperscale data centers
• Analyze and evaluate mechanical system performance, identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations for upgrades
• Provide technical support during the construction phase, responding to RFIs and addressing any issues that arise
• Attend job site visits, project meetings, and commissioning activities as needed
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and regulations
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment to enhance system performance and reduce operational costs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical and mechanical engineers, to ensure seamless integration of the chiller systems with other data center infrastructure
• Analyze energy usage, identifying opportunities for optimization and cost savings

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering plus ten (10) years of relevant experience in mechanical design and/or mechanical engineering, with a focus on data center infrastructure, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Professional Engineer License (P.E.) is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering plus twelve (12) years of relevant experience in mechanical design and/or mechanical engineering, with a focus on data center infrastructure, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Extensive experience in mechanical engineering for data centers or other critical facilities.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, and fire suppression systems design and construction.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients
• Ability to think creatively and identify opportunities to enhance the client experience.
• Experience working with computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) software
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with data center design and construction, including design criteria and industry standards

• Relocation is not available for this position
• Sponsorship is available for this position
• THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY NOVEMBER 9, 2026.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.