What you’ll do
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Giga, you will own HVAC and mechanical system design for AI data center infrastructure from early concept through construction documents. That means load calculations, equipment selections, hydronic system modeling, ductwork and piping sizing — the full scope. You won’t be reviewing someone else’s work; you’ll be producing it. If you’re the kind of engineer who wants to see your designs actually get built — and built fast — this is the role.
Where you’ll work
This role is based out of one of our offices (San Francisco, CA / Long Beach, CA / Houston, TX). We work in person because the best engineering happens when smart people are in the same room.
Responsibilities
Lead detailed HVAC mechanical design for mission-critical data center facilities, from schematic design through construction documents
Perform load calculations, psychrometric analysis, ductwork sizing, piping sizing, and equipment selections
Model and analyze hydronic systems using PipeFlo or equivalent software
Develop system models and energy analyses using Trane Trace, Carrier HAP, or similar tools
Produce design documentation in AutoCAD and Revit MEP, maintaining coordination-ready models throughout design phases
Apply ICC/UPC codes and applicable ASHRAE standards to ensure compliant, optimized designs
Collaborate with other disciplines to integrate mechanical systems into the broader facility design
Interface with equipment vendors and contractors to validate selections and support procurement
Support construction administration, RFI responses, and submittal reviews
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
5+ years of professional HVAC design experience
Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit MEP for system design and modeling
Proficiency in Trane Trace, Carrier HAP, or similar load calculation software
Proficiency in PipeFlo or similar hydronic system modeling software
Strong working knowledge of ICC/UPC codes and ASHRAE standards (62.1, 90.1, 90.4, and related)
Demonstrated competence in load calculations, psychrometrics, piping and ductwork sizing, and equipment selection
Bonus Points
Knowledge of mechanical cooling topologies used in data centers: CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water plants, air-cooled chillers, water-side and air-side economization, and evaporative/adiabatic cooling
Familiarity with high-density and liquid cooling approaches (direct liquid cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, immersion cooling)
Experience with hydronic system design including primary/secondary loops, variable flow systems, and plant sequencing
Experience reviewing or performing CFD analysis for airflow and thermal modeling
Understanding of how mechanical systems integrate with electrical infrastructure (UPS, generators, switchgear)
Commissioning experience — FAT, SAT, or functional performance testing
Bonus Points
Professional Engineer (PE) license, or actively pursuing licensure
Experience authoring design narratives and basis-of-design documents and presenting them to clients or stakeholders
Benefits
Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup
401(k) with 4% employer match
Unlimited PTO
Parental leave
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
Commuter benefits