Cross Functional Mechanical Engineering Principal

Who are we?

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.Joining our operations team means being at the center of everything – maintaining and evolving critical infrastructure that powers the digital world and delivers real impact for our customers, communities and society. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Job Summary

Join Equinix as a Principal Mechanical Engineer – Driving Operational Excellence Across US-East

Do you want to help shape the future of data center operations? At Equinix, you’ll be the mechanical subject matter expert for US-East Operations, applying your expertise in HVAC architecture—including Unitary/Dx systems, Air- & Water-Cooled Chillers, CRAHs, and more.

In this role, you will:

• Lead operational improvements by guiding and tracking site teams on system optimization and efficiency initiatives as well as investigate and propose new innovative solutions.
• Provide technical expertise for all of East Operations as well as in design, construction, and sequence of operations to ensure reliability and performance.
• Advise on equipment selection and best practices, supporting internal teams as well as external consultants and contractors as needed.
• Collaborate with regional and global engineering teams to align standards and share best practices, with a primary focus on US-East and AMER operations.

If you enjoy solving complex challenges and improving mission-critical systems, this is your opportunity to make an impact with the world’s digital infrastructure leader.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Continually diagnose opportunities and direct Site teams on operational enhancement initiatives from mechanical, electrical, and controls standpoints including detailed knowledge of system Standard Operating Objectives (SOOs) and best practices

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to establish robust operating policies, optimize selection and use of energy‑efficient cooling systems, and ensure compliance with Equinix operational requirements

• Partner with global and regional counterparts to review, refine, and enhance policies and procedures, driving consistency and continuous improvement

• Provide technical guidance for construction projects, partnering with site teams & design engineering ensuring Equinix standards and maintain support through commissioning ensuring proper functionality and alignment with design intent.  Coordinate with project teams during system handover to verify operational readiness and provide technical guidance for smooth transition to operations

• Proficiency with critical facility components & systems that may be impacted by failures or malfunctions and identify root causes either in emergency situations or routine audits/physicals ensuring corrective measures are identified and diagnosed for rapid & detailed correction

Engineering Management & Reporting

• Serve as an “Energy Champion”, overseeing PUE, WUE, and other metrics with reporting for internal teams, executives & external auditors (including ISO50001)

• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations, tailoring messaging to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise

• Drive and manage strategic initiatives on behalf of senior leadership

Project Analysis & SOW Development

• Develop and/or evaluate potential efficiency projects using IRR spreadsheets and other financial/technical criteria

• Collaborate with site engineering & capacity management teams to identify power and cooling constraints, propose system modifications, and recommend solutions to overcome capacity limitations

Additional Technical Expertise

• Competent with plumbing and fire protection systems

• Working knowledge of electrical systems, including system topologies and the ability to read and interpret electrical single-line diagrams

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in mechanical system design, operations, and/or project planning with datacenter mission critical emphasis 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience

• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally with engineering, operations, and construction teams

• Experience developing and reviewing engineering documentation, including SOWs, design drawings, and technical reports

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated capability presenting to executive audiences

• Familiarity with key efficiency metrics (PUE, WUE) and sustainability standards (ISO50001 preferred)

• Ability to travel up to 20%

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Professional Engineering (PE) license

• Experience with CFD analysis or related modeling tools

• Prior involvement in global engineering standards development

• Experience working in a high‑availability or 24/7 operational environment

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - NY4 New York City : 150,000 - 224,000 USD / Annual

United States - Ashburn Office AEO : 150,000 - 224,000 USD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.

US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability.  If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

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