Mechanical QA Lead - Data Centre

Mechanical QA Lead – Data Centre

Location: Germany
Sector: Data Centres / Mission Critical
Employment Type: Full Time | Site Based

The Role

Designer Group is seeking an experienced Mechanical QA Lead to support the delivery of a major data centre project in Germany.

This is a senior, site-facing quality role responsible for ensuring that mechanical installations are delivered in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, Inspection & Test Plans, manufacturer requirements, client standards and applicable German and European regulations.

Working closely with the Project Manager, Mechanical Construction team, Engineering, Commissioning, EHS, subcontractors, vendors and client representatives, you will lead mechanical quality assurance from installation through inspection, testing, system completion and final turnover.

The role is particularly suited to someone with strong QA/QC experience within data centres, mission-critical facilities, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, industrial or other technically complex M&E projects.

Key Responsibilities

As Mechanical QA Lead, you will:

• Lead the mechanical QA/QC function across the assigned data centre project.
• Ensure mechanical installations comply with approved drawings, specifications, technical submittals, manufacturer requirements, project quality procedures and applicable German/EU standards.
• Develop, implement and maintain the Project Quality Plan for the mechanical scope.
• Develop and manage Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), inspection records, check sheets, test documentation and mechanical quality records.
• Carry out regular site inspections of mechanical systems including HVAC, chilled water, pipework, pumps, plant equipment, plumbing, drainage and associated mechanical services.
• Establish quality benchmarks and coordinate the approval of mock-ups and first-of-kind installations.
• Ensure approved benchmarks are communicated and consistently maintained throughout construction.
• Identify quality issues and manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) through investigation, corrective action and final close-out.
• Monitor subcontractor quality performance and ensure defects and outstanding quality items are addressed within agreed timeframes.
• Coordinate and witness relevant Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) with equipment manufacturers, suppliers and project stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Mechanical Construction and Commissioning teams to ensure systems are installation-complete and ready for testing and commissioning.
• Coordinate mechanical system walkdowns with internal teams, subcontractors, commissioning teams and client representatives.
• Maintain and drive closure of mechanical punch lists / snag lists ahead of system turnover.
• Verify completion of inspection records, test packs and system turnover documentation before systems progress to commissioning and handover.
• Support commissioning readiness reviews and ensure mechanical systems meet the required quality standards before energisation, start-up or functional testing.
• Ensure all mechanical quality documentation is accurately maintained within the project document management system.
• Ensure final project records are complete, including test certificates, inspection records, equipment documentation, O&M information, as-built documentation and relevant statutory or project certificates.
• Conduct internal quality audits and support client and third-party quality audits.
• Produce regular quality reports, highlighting trends, NCR status, outstanding inspections, punch-list progress and key project risks.
• Promote lessons learned and continuous improvement across the project.
• Provide guidance and training to Mechanical Engineers, Supervisors and subcontractors regarding project QA/QC processes.
• Build strong working relationships with the client, consultants, commissioning teams, vendors and project stakeholders.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

You should have:

• A qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a relevant mechanical trade/technical discipline.
• Strong experience in mechanical QA/QC within construction, engineering or M&E contracting.
• Experience on data centre, mission-critical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, industrial or technically complex projects is strongly preferred.
• Good technical understanding of mechanical building services installations and commissioning.
• Experience working with HVAC, chilled water, mechanical pipework and major mechanical plant systems.
• Strong knowledge of Inspection & Test Plans, quality inspections, NCR management, punch lists, test packs and system turnover processes.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality management environment.
• Experience coordinating FATs, SATs, system inspections and mechanical walkdowns.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, technical submittals and manufacturer documentation.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to quality documentation.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple systems and priorities.
• Confidence working with Project Managers, Construction Managers, Engineers, Supervisors, subcontractors, commissioning teams and client representatives.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Good working English.
• German language capability would be advantageous.
• A proactive, site-focused approach with the ability to challenge quality standards constructively and drive issues through to close-out.

Benefits

Why Join Designer Group?

Joining Designer Group means becoming part of an international engineering business delivering some of Europe's most technically challenging projects.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Work on a major international data centre project.
• Develop your experience within the growing mission-critical sector.
• Work alongside experienced engineering, construction and commissioning teams.
• Build your career within an expanding international M&E contractor.
• Access ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Contribute directly to the quality and successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

A competitive package will be offered, aligned with experience and the requirements of the role.

Apply

If you are an experienced Mechanical QA Lead, Mechanical QA/QC Engineer or Mechanical Quality Manager looking for your next data centre or mission-critical project in Germany, we would like to hear from you.

Apply through Designer Group today and our Talent Acquisition team will contact suitable candidates to discuss the project and opportunity in more detail.

Designer Group is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

INDMP

#LI-CH1