Mechanical Engineering Lead, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
Quick facts
- Pay
- $200,000 - $240,000
- Type
- Full-time
- Location
- Arlington, VA
- Skills
- Engineering
- Industry
- Engineering — 268 open jobs
- Visa in listing
- H-1B
- Apply
- Free to apply — never pay anyone for a job offer or visa sponsorship
Job description
Company Description Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us. Job Description 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. Qualifications 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 Additional Information We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. Permanent residency sponsorship is available for current H1-B visa holders in the United States. Relocation is not available for this position THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY DECEMBER 24, 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. Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $200000 to $240000. 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. ReqID: J10160830 Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places Business Group: DCS Strategic Business Unit: East Career Area: Engineering Work Location Model: Remote Compensation: USD 200000 - USD 240000 - yearly
Visa sponsorship record: Aecom
Sponsors occasionally| Fiscal year | H-1B LCAs | USCIS approvals | USCIS denials | PERM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 | — | 1 | 0 | — |
| FY2025 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| FY2024 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
This exact kind of role (Mechanical Engineers) isn't among the roles Aecom sponsored most often.
Roles they sponsor most
- project manager1 LCA · median $186k
- vice president of ai automation1 LCA · median $305k
Which visas can work for this job
Occupation: Mechanical Engineers (SOC 17-2141).
- Mentioned in the listing
H-1B
- H-1B cap-exempt employer
Regular cap-subject employer — a new H-1B needs to win the lottery in March (unless you already hold cap-counted H-1B status).
- TN (citizens of Canada and Mexico)
This kind of role may fit the USMCA profession “Engineer” — it depends on the actual duties. No lottery, no cap; you need the matching degree or license.
- E-3 (Australia) and H-1B1 (Chile, Singapore)
Same degree requirement as H-1B, but no lottery and a separate quota that is rarely filled.
- O-1 (extraordinary ability)
For candidates with awards, publications, press, a high salary or critical roles at distinguished organizations. No cap, no lottery; the employer files a petition.
- STEM OPT extension (F-1 students)
Requires an E-Verify employer. We didn't find this company in the E-Verify list — ask HR.
Salary vs prevailing wage
Level IV (fully competent)Mechanical Engineers · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV. Annual prevailing wages set by the Department of Labor (OFLC).
| Level | Prevailing wage | H-1B lottery odds* |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | $91,166 | ~15% |
| Level II | $112,174 | ~31% |
| Level III | $133,162 | ~46% |
| Level IV | $154,170 | ~61% |
This job pays $200,000–$240,000 a year — that's Level IV (fully competent). In the wage-weighted H-1B lottery a Level IV registration gets 4 entries; estimated selection chance about 61% — better than average.
* Odds are DHS projections for the FY2027 wage-weighted lottery (actual results vary by year and employer). Since the FY2027 cap season the H-1B lottery is weighted by wage level: Level I = 1 entry, II = 2, III = 3, IV = 4. The level is set by the offered wage against the prevailing wage for the occupation and worksite. Separately, a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US was announced in 2025; as of September 2026 a federal court ruling keeps it unenforceable while appeals continue — check the current status.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC disclosure data (H-1B/H-1B1/E-3 LCA, PERM), OFLC prevailing wage data, USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, E-Verify participating employers. Data loaded: LCA FY2024–FY2026, PERM, USCIS Data Hub, OFLC wages; updated 2026-10-03. Employers are matched by name, so records of companies with similar names can occasionally be mixed up. This is general information, not legal advice — talk to an immigration attorney about your case.