MEP Design Director - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•San Francisco, CA

11d

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an MEP Design Director to work with our team and partner with our client, supporting design leadership for new and existing construction builds, with a focus on data centre development. The Design Project Manager should have a strong background in mechanical and electrical systems, with deep experience in MEP design, engineering leadership, and data centre infrastructure.

Requirements

College Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical), Architecture, Construction Management, or related field.
Experience working in Project Management on large‑scale construction programs, including data centre or mission‑critical facilities.
Experienced in MEP design, electrical and mechanical systems, and engineering leadership.
Solid working proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and MS Office Suite.
Experience overseeing the preparation and approval of MEP contract documents produced by third‑party design consultants.
Strong understanding of concurrently maintainable electrical power systems, mechanical cooling systems, and OFCI equipment specifications.
Excellent presentation skills and the ability to be highly effective in a client‑facing role.
Team player; ability to work collaboratively across engineering, operations, procurement, and project management teams.

Responsibilities

Provides support and reports to the assigned Project Manager(s) or Project Director. This position has frequent interaction with the Owner/Client, consultants, design professionals, and contractors.
Directly assist the Project Manager(s) in managing, coordinating, and administering the project through all phases of design and construction, with an emphasis on electrical and mechanical system design leadership.
Responsible for ensuring all aspects of client services are delivered at the highest level to ensure the client’s needs are addressed, including technical guidance on concurrently maintainable electrical power and mechanical systems.
Aids in the preparation of documents (reports, schedules, invoices, RFI’s, submittals, meeting minutes/agendas, daily reports, change orders, inspections, closeout, and client presentations) for programming, design, and construction, and will assist in maintaining information in project management software.
Coordinate to schedule meetings with the project team as directed by the Project Manager(s).
Communicate conceptual designs and create/maintain project documentation before, during, and after construction, including MEP design standards, basis of design updates, and OFCI equipment specifications.
Maintenance of Basis of Design, prototype design, and template specifications for electrical and mechanical systems, ensuring alignment with evolving business and operational requirements.
Review and inform design RFPs, including scope development for MEP engineering services.
Manage external design consultants through the design and construction process, ensuring MEP contract documents are completed on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with company standards.
Effectively communicate design standards to internal and external project partners, including engineering and operations teams.
Manage multiple fast‑paced projects simultaneously, providing strategic technical leadership across electrical and mechanical design activities.
Think outside of the box to find innovative solutions prior to and during the construction process to reduce costs without negative impacts on quality, reliability, or energy efficiency.
Support procurement through vendor submittal reviews, factory witness testing, and evaluation of OFCI equipment.
Identify and implement innovative technologies to enhance energy efficiency, system resilience, and cost‑effectiveness.
Stay current with industry advancements and apply best practices to strengthen functional operations and project outcomes.
Communicate and enforce engineering and design policies across the organization.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.