Our client, a major data centre developer/operator, is looking for an Engineering Director based in Thailand.
They have ambitious growth plans and good funding
Position Title: Engineering Director – Data Centres
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Engineering Director to lead engineering design and client-facing technical engagement for our hyperscaler data centre projects in the region. This role will serve as the primary technical interface with Chinese clients, ensuring seamless communication and alignment between client requirements and project execution.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Delivery & Project Execution
- Lead the engineering delivery of data centre projects, ensuring design, construction, and commissioning align with project scope, schedule, and quality standards.
- Oversee the implementation of mission-critical MEP systems, including electrical power distribution, mechanical cooling, BMS, and fire protection systems.
- Coordinate with the local Engineering Head to ensure project engineering activities are executed in accordance with regional strategies, standards, and governance frameworks.
- Drive value engineering, constructability reviews, and design optimization to enhance project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Support the local Engineering Head in establishing and maintaining engineering standards, quality benchmarks, and best practices across projects.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement (Mandarin Focus)
- Serve as the primary technical liaison for Chinese-speaking clients, translating complex engineering concepts into clear, commercially relevant language.
- Lead technical presentations, design reviews, and progress meetings with Chinese clients, ensuring their requirements are fully understood and addressed.
- Bridge communication between Chinese clients and the local Thai engineering team, ensuring alignment on technical specifications, deliverables, and expectations.
- Support business development and client relationship management by articulating technical capabilities and solutions to prospective Chinese customers.
- Manage expectations and resolve technical queries from clients in a timely and professional manner.
Cross-Functional & Vendor Coordination
- Collaborate closely with construction, operations, commissioning, and procurement teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
- Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and specialist vendors to ensure technical compliance and smooth project execution.
- Support procurement activities by providing technical specifications, reviewing vendor submissions, and participating in bid evaluations.
Risk, Quality & Compliance
- Identify and mitigate technical risks across project lifecycles, escalating key issues to the local Engineering Head as required.
- Ensure all engineering work complies with local regulatory requirements, industry standards (e.g., Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, NFPA), and corporate policies.
- Champion safety, quality, and sustainability in all engineering activities.
Candidate Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline. Dual degrees or cross-disciplinary qualifications are highly desirable.
Experience
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in engineering design, delivery, or construction of large-scale, mission-critical facilities, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Extensive experience in the design of hyperscale or colocation data centre projects – not just construction or project management, but active involvement in developing and reviewing engineering designs, single-line diagrams, cooling schematics, and system architectures.
- Experience in both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering – demonstrated ability to understand and challenge designs across power distribution, cooling systems, BMS, fire protection, and their interdependencies.
Technical Expertise
- Understanding of electrical power systems (UPS, generators, switchgear, distribution)
- Understanding of mechanical cooling systems (chillers, CRAC/CRAH, liquid cooling, airflow management)
- Strong knowledge of BMS/EPMS, fire protection, and critical infrastructure integration
- Familiarity with Uptime Institute Tier Standards, ASHRAE, NFPA, TIA-942, and local regulatory codes
Client & Communication Skills
- Bilingual proficiency in Mandarin and English (spoken) is essential – this role is the primary technical interface with Chinese-speaking clients.
- Proven experience in client-facing roles, with the ability to engage, influence, and build trust with senior client stakeholders.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Certifications (Desirable)
- Professional certifications such as PE, CEng, LEED AP, CDCDP, or equivalent are highly desirable.
Additional
- Familiarity with Thai regulatory and construction practices is an advantage.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
If you were not contact, please consider that you were not shortlisted.
