Principal Mechanical Engineer

Who are we?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

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 Americas

As the mechanical SME for Americas Operations, you’ll apply deep expertise in HVAC architecture—including Unitary/DX systems, air and water cooled chillers, CRAHs, and more—to improve reliability, efficiency, and capacity across mission critical data centers.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and design efficiency focused construction initiatives that optimize sellable capacity

• Provide technical expertise for Americas Operations as well as in design, construction, and sequence of operations to ensure reliability and performance

• Lead operational improvements by guiding and supporting site teams on system optimization initiatives

• 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

Project Analysis & SOW Development

• Develop energy efficiency and sellable capacity projects through engineering investigations and internal rate-of-return analyses then develop and present business cases for approval

• Provide technical guidance for approved projects, partnering with site teams and project management to ensure adherence to Equinix standards; support construction through commissioning to validate system functionality and design intent, and coordinate system handover to confirm operational readiness and ensure a smooth transition into steady state operations

Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Continually identify optimization opportunities and guide Site teams on mechanical and controls improvements, leveraging deep Sequence of Operation (SOOs) knowledge and industry best practices

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to establish robust operating policies, optimize 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

• Diagnose and determine root causes of failures or performance issues across critical facility systems during emergencies or routine audits, ensuring rapid corrective action and sustained performance

• Mentor junior team members to support skill development and technical growth

Engineering Management & Reporting

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

• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations tailored to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds

• Lead and execute strategic initiatives on behalf of senior leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals

Additional Technical Expertise

• Demonstrate competency 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

• 10+ years’ experience in mechanical system design, operations, and/or project planning within datacenter environments

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

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

• 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 25%

Preferred

• Active Professional Engineering license

• Experience with CFD analysis or related modeling tools

• Prior involvement in global engineering standards development

This posting is for a backfill position, meaning it is to fill an existing vacancy within our organization.

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 - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 136,000 - 204,000 USD / Annual

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

Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 131,000 - 181,000 CAD / 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. Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.

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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