Lead Mechanical Engineer – Major Data Centre Project (Milan)
Location: Milan, Italy
If you’re a Mechanical Engineer who likes being at the centre of the project — not just completing tasks but shaping how the whole engineering and commissioning process runs — this role might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
We’re delivering a large‑scale data centre in Milan. It’s complex, high‑stakes, and the kind of environment where leadership, clarity and technical competence genuinely matter. That’s why we’re looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer who can manage the engineering function end‑to‑end, mentor the team, and keep the project moving in the right direction.
What You’ll Own
As Lead Mechanical Engineer, you’ll plan, manage, and coordinate all mechanical engineering and commissioning activities throughout the project lifecycle. That means:
- Leading and managing the mechanical engineering team
- Assigning engineers to packages and ensuring they have what they need
- Making sure design management and commissioning processes are followed consistently
- Acting as a technical mentor and developing the next generation of engineers
If you prefer being hands‑on instead of sitting in endless meetings, good — this role values doing over theorising.
You’ll Also Be Responsible For: EHS
- Understanding and promoting mechanical safe systems of work
- Appointing an energy marshal
- Managing engineering and commissioning Safe Plan of Actions
- Completing Safety & Environmental Observation Reports
- Attending toolbox talks
Procurement
- Producing RFQ packs (scope, drawings, specs, compliance matrices, schedules)
- Evaluating technical submissions and aligning scope
- Tracking procurement and updating equipment delivery schedules
- Escalating delays early and often
- Ensuring warranties, requisitions and documentation are correct
Quality
You’ll define the workflow, the trackers, the test packs, the walkdowns and the verification processes. In short: you’ll make sure the job gets built and certified exactly the way it’s supposed to.
This includes:
Planning
- Contributing to the overall project schedule
- Tracking CFCI/OFCI equipment
- Updating commissioning programmes
- Flagging roadblocks early — and helping remove them
Engineering (the core of the job)
You’ll be the technical anchor of the project. Expect to:
- Review, validate and question the design
- Develop system trackers, design matrices, deviations and schematic updates
- Manage BMS/control vendors
- Oversee coordinated drawings, BIM reviews and access requirements
- Lead technical and commissioning meetings
- Verify selections, calculations and sizing
- Manage technical change control
- Mentor engineers at all levels
- Support tender reviews and technical interviews
Testing & Commissioning
- Develop testing protocols and scripts
- Manage, witness and record all commissioning activities
- Track progress on system trackers
- Manage flushing, balancing, leakage and pressure testing
- Close out commissioning issues methodically
Risk Management
- Identifying, assessing and mitigating engineering risks
- Reporting them clearly
- Ensuring a risk‑aware culture on the project
Communication
- Issuing engineering and commissioning reports weekly
- Updating risk logs
- Closing out actions promptly
Commercial Awareness
You’re not a QS, but you’ll need to understand how engineering decisions affect cost, programme and variations.
People Leadership
Mentoring. Coaching. Developing the team. Helping graduate engineers become competent project engineers. Providing support where needed. It’s a senior technical role with genuine influence.
Who This Role Suits
You’re probably already a senior or lead-level mechanical engineer on large, complex MEP projects — ideally data centres or other mission-critical environments. You’re organised, technically strong, and comfortable leading people as well as processes.
You like solving problems. You like making decisions. And you like being the person people rely on when the project really counts.
Special consideration will be given to candidates belonging to protected categories under L. 68/99