Senior Mechanical Engineer – Data Centre (Japan)

Job description

What will be your responsibilities? B Global Tech is a specialist consultancy delivering design, architecture, and Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) engineering for mission-critical data centre facilities. Headquartered in Barcelona, with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and a newly established office in Japan. As one of our founding hires in Japan, the Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead the mechanical design of data centre facilities across the Japanese market, serving as the technical authority for cooling, HVAC, plumbing, and fire suppression systems. The role demands comprehensive working knowledge of Japanese building and mechanical regulations, utility requirements and the local construction ecosystem — the critical "know-how in Japan" needed to deliver world-class, code-compliant data centre infrastructure. Mechanical Engineering & Design • Lead mechanical design of data centre facilities including cooling systems (precision air conditioning, CRAC/CRAH, in-row cooling, chilled water systems, adiabatic/evaporative cooling), HVAC, and building services. • Develop and review cooling load calculations, psychrometric analyses, equipment sizing, pipe and duct routing, and P&ID diagrams. • Design and specify cooling infrastructure to meet Uptime Institute Tier standards, client availability requirements, PUE targets and Japanese regulatory compliance. • Evaluate and recommend cooling strategies appropriate for Japan's climate, seismic conditions, and energy regulations. • Oversee BIM/CAD deliverables and ensure multidisciplinary coordination between mechanical, electrical, structural and architectural designs. Japanese Regulatory Compliance (Know-how in Japan) • Ensure all mechanical designs comply with the Building Standards Act, Fire Service Act, and the Energy Conservation Act. • Design fire suppression systems (gas suppression, sprinkler) in compliance with Japanese fire codes and obtain necessary approvals from local fire departments. • Ensure plumbing and drainage designs meet local water supply and sewage ordinances. • Navigate seismic design requirements under the Building Standards Act and ensure mechanical equipment and pipework meet Japan's strict anti-seismic standards. • Liaise with local authorities, building certifiers, and utility providers throughout design, permitting and commissioning. Construction & Commissioning Support • Provide technical support during procurement, construction and commissioning; review shop drawings, method statements and RFIs. • Witness factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT) for critical mechanical and cooling equipment. • Prepare and review O&M documentation, commissioning records, and handover packages. Collaboration & Leadership • Collaborate with electrical, structural and architectural teams across Barcelona HQ and APAC offices to produce fully coordinated design packages. • Contribute to technical proposals, feasibility studies and client presentations for business development in Japan. • Mentor junior engineers and help establish B Global Tech's mechanical engineering standards and delivery processes in Japan. This is the profile we are looking for Education & Certification • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a closely related discipline. • Japanese professional licensure is highly desirable: registered Professional Engineer (Gijutsushi) in Mechanical Engineering, First-Class Building Services Engineer, or equivalent mechanical engineering qualification. • Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) or ASHRAE-related data centre certification is an advantage. Experience • 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with at least 5 years specifically in data centre, mission-critical or large-scale commercial M&E projects. • Candidates must come from a consultancy background — prior experience working within an engineering design or technical consultancy firm is a mandatory requirement. • Demonstrated experience delivering mechanical designs in Japan with strong working knowledge of Japanese codes, seismic requirements and local market practices. • Hands-on experience with large-scale chilled water cooling systems and precision cooling equipment used in Japanese data centre environments. Technical Skills • Proficiency in mechanical design tools: AutoCAD, Revit MEP / BIM, HAP or equivalent HVAC/cooling load analysis software. • Working knowledge of Uptime Institute Tier standards, ASHRAE TC9.9 guidelines, and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). • Strong grasp of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and their application to data centre cooling and energy efficiency. Language & Soft Skills • Business-level Japanese (spoken and written) is essential for authority liaison, contractor management and client engagement in Japan. • Professional working English required for coordination with Barcelona HQ and APAC offices. • Collaborative, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to navigate complex multi-disciplinary projects.