Director, Data Center Mechanical Engineering

Careers at Keel  

Keel Infrastructure is a publicly traded energy and digital infrastructure company that develops and owns data centers and power assets across North America. 

At Keel, you're not just joining a company, you're helping build the infrastructure behind the future of compute. 

Why Keel 

We're at the intersection of energy and technology, two industries transforming in real time. 

The work is complex. The pace is fast. The impact is real. 

You'll be part of a team that values: 

• Ownership — we take responsibility and follow through 

• Collaboration — we work across teams, functions, and borders 

• Curiosity — we ask questions and keep learning 

• Endurance — we build for the long term 

What It Feels Like to Work Here 

• Fast-moving, high-growth, and hands-on 

• Smart, driven people solving real challenges together 

• Work that directly supports AI and next-generation infrastructure 

• Room to grow, stretch, and take on more 

What We Offer 

• Competitive salary, bonus and equity opportunities 

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits 

• Retirement savings with company contribution 

• Employee referral program 

Interested? This is a great opportunity to work for a young and dynamic company!

We are currently looking for a Director, Data Center Mechanical Engineering to join our team!

Purpose of the Role

The Director of Data Center Mechanical Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for defining, owning, and continuously advancing the company's mechanical engineering standards across all dta center development projects. This individual will serve as the internal authority on cooling, airflow management, and mechanical plant design, ensuring that every facility we develop is built to the highest standards of performance, reliability and energy efficiency.

This role partners with engineering, construction, operations and procurement teams to drive informed design decisions from concept through commissioning and establishes the frameworks that govern how our portfolio is engineered for today and scaled for tomorrow.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & Standards

• Develop and own the company's mechanical engineering design standards, specifications, and basis-of-design documentation for all new data center development.
• Establish and enforce mechanical engineering criteria for critical systems including chilled water plants, technology cooling systems, DX/CRAC systems, air handling, and containment strategies.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and standardization of mechanical systems and equipment across the portfolio.
• Drive continuous improvement of PUE performance targets through innovative mechanical design strategies.
• Define KPIs and portfolio analytics for executive leadership and the Board.
• Ensure alignment between construction, finance, engineering, procurement, and operations functions.

Project Execution

• Provide mechanical engineering leadership and technical review across all phases of development — from site feasibility and schematic design through design development, construction documents, and commissioning.
• Review and approve mechanical design packages from external engineers of record (EORs), ensuring compliance with company standards and best practices.
• Lead value engineering efforts for mechanical systems, balancing first cost, lifecycle cost, reliability, and schedule.
• Support RFP development, bid evaluation, and contractor/vendor selection for mechanical scopes of work.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Build, mentor, and lead an internal mechanical engineering team as the company's portfolio grows.
• Manage relationships with external engineering consultants, equipment manufacturers, and specialty subcontractors.
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure designs are optimized for long-term maintainability and operator efficiency.
• Present mechanical design strategies and investment recommendations to executive leadership and investment committees.

Innovation & Technology Roadmap

• Evaluate and pilot emerging cooling technologies including direct-to-chip solutions and rear-door heat exchangers for high-density AI/HPC workloads.
• Benchmark company designs against industry best practices and competitive peers; identify and close gaps.
• Participate in industry organizations (ASHRAE, 7x24 Exchange, The Green Grid) and contribute to thought leadership.

Requirements

Experience & Background

• 12+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading mechanical design on hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data center projects (50MW+ preferred).
• Experience as a technical owner or discipline lead, not just a contributor, on large capital projects.
• Prior experience managing or mentoring engineering staff and external consultants.

Technical Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of data center cooling architectures: air-side economization, water-side economization, chilled water systems, DX systems, evaporative cooling, and hybrid approaches.
• Proficiency in mechanical system modeling and simulation tools (e.g., CFD for airflow, EnergyPlus, Trane TRACE, or similar).
• Strong working knowledge of ASHRAE Standards 55, 90.1, TC9.9, and relevant TIA/EIA and Uptime Institute standards.
• Familiarity with high-density and liquid-cooled deployments for AI/ML and HPC environments.
• Experience with mechanical commissioning (Cx) and integrated systems testing (IST) protocols.

Leadership & Competencies

• Ability to translate complex mechanical engineering concepts for non-technical audiences including executives and investors.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; experience authoring design standards and technical specifications.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working cross-functionally in fast-paced development environments.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• Professional certifications (CDCDP, PMP, ATD, LEED AP, DCEP, or similar) are a significant asset.

Compensation & Benefits 

This is a Director-level position offering competitive compensation commensurate with experience.  

A few more relevant details:

We have an office in Pittsburgh.  Our typical work schedule is Monday-Thursday in office, Friday remote.