Cross Functional Mechanical Engineering Principal

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.

Join Equinix as a Principal Mechanical Engineer – Driving Operational Excellence Across US-East

Do you want to help shape the future of data center operations? At Equinix, you’ll be the mechanical subject matter expert for US-East Operations, applying your expertise in HVAC architecture – including Unitary/Dx systems, Air‑ & Water‑Cooled Chillers, CRAHs, and more.

In this role, you will:

• Lead operational improvements by guiding and tracking site teams on system optimization and efficiency initiatives as well as investigate and propose new innovative solutions.
• Provide technical expertise for all of East Operations as well as in design, construction, and sequence of operations to ensure reliability and performance.
• 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.

• Continually diagnose opportunities and direct Site teams on operational enhancement initiatives from mechanical, electrical, and controls standpoints including detailed knowledge of system Standard Operating Objectives (SOOs) and best practices.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to establish robust operating policies, optimize selection and use of 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.
• Provide technical guidance for construction projects, partnering with site teams & design engineering ensuring Equinix standards and maintain support through commissioning ensuring proper functionality and alignment with design intent. Coordinate with project teams during system handover to verify operational readiness and provide technical guidance for smooth transition to operations.
• Proficiency with critical facility components & systems that may be impacted by failures or malfunctions and identify root causes either in emergency situations or routine audits/physicals ensuring corrective measures are identified and diagnosed for rapid & detailed correction.

• Serve as an "Energy Champion", overseeing PUE, WUE, and other metrics with reporting for internal teams, executives & external auditors (including ISO
  50001).
• Prepare and deliver executive‑level presentations, tailoring messaging to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Drive and manage strategic initiatives on behalf of senior leadership.

• Develop and/or evaluate potential efficiency projects using IRR spreadsheets and other financial/technical criteria.
• Collaborate with site engineering & capacity management teams to identify power and cooling constraints, propose system modifications, and recommend solutions to overcome capacity limitations.

• Competent 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.

• 10+ years' experience in mechanical system design, operations, and/or project planning with datacenter mission‑critical emphasis.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a related technical…