Director, PDS Projects

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1. Position Summary

The Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Mechanical Subject Manager is responsible for providing technical leadership, governance, and delivery assurance for all mechanical systems on data center construction projects delivered under a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) model.

Acting as the client’s technical representative for mechanical disciplines, this role ensures that mechanical design, construction, testing, commissioning, and handover activities meet mission-critical performance requirements, applicable standards, and client operational objectives. The position works in close collaboration with Project Managers, Project Directors, consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure coordinated, compliant, and high-quality delivery across one or multiple data center projects.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesMechanical Scope Leadership

• Lead and manage all mechanical aspects of data center projects from design development through construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Provide technical governance and assurance to ensure alignment with client standards, operational requirements, and project objectives.
• Act as the primary technical authority for mechanical systems within the PMC delivery team.

Design Review & Technical Approvals

• Review and provide technical input on mechanical designs, specifications, calculations, layouts, and schematics.
• Review and comment on shop drawings, material submittals, method statements, and installation procedures.
• Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and data center best practices.
• Support resolution of design queries and technical clarifications during construction.

Contractor & Consultant Coordination

• Coordinate closely with mechanical contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and multidisciplinary consultants.
• Provide on-site technical oversight to ensure works are executed in accordance with approved designs and quality standards.
• Participate in technical workshops, coordination meetings, and site progress reviews.
• Manage interfaces between mechanical systems and other disciplines including electrical, ICT, controls, fire protection, and civil works.
• Support timely resolution of construction, technical, and interface-related issues.

Construction Oversight, Testing & Commissioning

• Monitor mechanical installation, testing, and commissioning activities on site.
• Review and approve inspection and test plans (ITPs), factory acceptance tests (FATs), site acceptance tests (SATs), and commissioning procedures.
• Support integrated systems testing (IST), including full-load and resilience testing where applicable.
• Verify mechanical system performance against redundancy, reliability, and operational criteria.
• Support readiness-for-operations activities and transition to facilities and operations teams.

Risk, Quality & Safety Support

• Identify mechanical-related risks and support development of mitigation measures.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance processes, safety requirements, and statutory regulations.
• Participate in safety reviews, audits, and incident investigations related to mechanical works.
• Support close-out of non-conformances, defects, and punch list items prior to handover.

3. Technical Expertise (Data Center Focus)

• Data center and mission-critical mechanical systems delivery.
• Cooling technologies including CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water systems, DX systems, free cooling, and liquid cooling solutions.
• HVAC systems, airflow management, and hot aisle / cold aisle containment strategies.
• Mechanical redundancy architectures (N, N+1, 2N, distributed systems).
• Heat rejection systems including cooling towers, dry coolers, and adiabatic systems.
• Interface with fire protection and life safety systems.
• Compliance with Uptime Institute Tier I–IV standards.
• Knowledge of relevant codes and standards including ASHRAE, NFPA, and applicable local regulations.

4. Qualifications & ExperienceEducation

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline.

Experience

• 15-20 years of overall experience in mechanical engineering or mechanical systems delivery.
• Direct experience on data center or mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience supporting full lifecycle delivery from design through commissioning and handover.

Professional Certifications (Preferred, Not Mandatory)

• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Professional Engineer (PE), or equivalent.
• Data center–specific certifications (e.g., Uptime Institute ATD, CDCP).
• Commissioning or HVAC-related certifications are an advantage.

5. Core Competencies

• Strong technical judgment and attention to detail.
• Effective contractor coordination and interface management skills.
• Clear and confident communication with clients and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Practical problem-solving and technical decision-support capability.
• Ability to perform effectively in fast-paced, high-risk, mission-critical delivery environments.
• Proactive, collaborative, and delivery-focused mindset.

Location:

On-site –Hyderabad, TS

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

48

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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