Senior Mechanical Engineer, HVAC

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

Pay Transparency

The range provided below is the role’s On Target Earnings ("OTE") range, meaning it includes both the commission / bonus target and annual base salary for the role (if applicable). This salary range may be inclusive of several career levels at Giga and will be narrowed during the interview process based on a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Additional benefits include 401(k) plan plus subsidized medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Salary Range

$90,000—$122,000 USD