Lead Engineer, Data Center Mechanical Systems - AUSTIN - JABIL CIRCUIT, INC

Description

**This position supports hybrid work schedule depending on organization needs.**

How will you make an impact?

We are seeking a highly skilled, technically proficient and detail-oriented Principal Rack Mechanical Engineer within the Intelligent Infrastructure Segment to lead the architecture, design, integration, and delivery of advanced air and liquid‑cooled server rack solutions for large-scale deployments. This role is critical in translating hyperscale data center requirements into robust, scalable, and manufacturable mechanical systems for next-gen AI/ML (GPU/CPU), cloud infrastructure, and network deployments. This person will oversee end‑to‑end rack development – from scoping and integration through validation and deployment – while driving cross‑functional collaboration, technical innovation, and continuous improvement across enterprise and hyperscale datacenter programs.

What will you do?

- Create technical documentation, including L11 rack assembly instructions, 2D mechanical drawings, SOPs, and customer‑facing specifications.
- Design and validate rack-level mechanical architectures (EIA 19" and ORV3), including airflow paths, liquid cooling integration/mounting (cold-plates, manifolds, hoses, QDs), structural load considerations, fiber/network/power cable routing, and space optimization.
- Assemble, fit‑check, and mechanically integrate complex rack systems, including liquid loop components, quick‑disconnects, manifolds, and power distribution units (PDUs).
- Lead the specification and validation of rack‑level power architecture, including PDU selection, detailed power budget and load‑balancing calculations (wye vs. delta, 3ph vs. 1ph), and compatibility with global power plug and connector standards.
- Participate in customer engagements and site visits to understand deployment constraints (white-glove services) and gather feedback for design improvements.
- Understanding of rack installation constraints, maintenance access, and serviceability in rack mechanical infrastructure.
- Create detailed computer aided design (CAD) models and fabrication drawings, including weldments, sheet metal, and machined parts for customized rack solutions.
- Develop and maintain design documentation including bill of materials (BOMs), cable BOMs, alternate sourcing strategies, test plans, and engineering change orders (ECOs).
- Manage relationships with mechanical component vendors, including racks, PDUs, switches, cables, and packaging solutions.
- Lead internal and external mechanical design reviews and contribute to cross-functional design validation efforts.
- Drive continuous improvement in mechanical design for manufacturability (DFM), cost reduction, and performance optimization.
- Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions for mechanical failures or field issues.
- Collaborate with compliance and certification teams to ensure mechanical designs meet global regulatory requirements (e.g., UL, CE, ISTA, ASTM, IEC).
- May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

How will you get here?

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field is required

Experience:

- Minimum of 7+ years experience in mechanical systems integration. This could include high-density server rack design and integration, end-to-end delivery for large-scale deployments, and customer facing support for top AI/ML companies
- Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo/Pro-E, Inventor)
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills – a must
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems, integration strategies, and program management

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Creative, self-motivated, accountable, and team-oriented
- Able to work independently with minimal oversight
- Skilled in writing reports, business correspondence, and procedural guides
- Effective at presenting information and responding to management, clients, and public queries
- Capable of influencing others and sharing best practices
- Capable of assessing projects, articulating risks, and developing project milestones
- Familiar with stage-gate processes in project lifecycle management (PLCM)
- Able to coach and mentor less experienced engineers
- Ability to travel both domestically and internationally up to 30%

Preferred Qualifications: 

- Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field is preferred.
- Experience designing mechanical systems for data centers, telecom, or industrial power/cooling products (UPS, generators, CDUs).
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not a requirement.
- Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication and testing; experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturers (CM) a plus.
- Knowledge of fluid dynamics, pressure drop calculations, and pipe sizing for glycol-based systems.
- Perform structural analysis using FEA tools (e.g. ANSYS, other) to validate mechanical rack and packaging integrity under static, dynamic, seismic, and thermal loads.

About Jabil's Intelligent Infrastructure Group:

- Headquartered in Austin, TX, with a flagship facility located near The Domain and the Austin FC stadium
- Growing rapidly, with a team of more than 100 employees and significant expansion planned through 2026
- Generated over $12 billion in FY25 revenue, driven largely by partnerships with major hyperscale customers
- Delivers cutting‑edge engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions that power the world's AI infrastructure and global data center ecosystems

As part of the total rewards package, this position is eligible for:

- Annual bonus opportunity
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Accrued Paid time off (PTO)
- 4 weeks of paid parental leave
- 11 company-paid holidays (9 fixed holidays and 2 optional floating holidays), subject to change yearly
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee stock purchase plan