About CTS Group
CTS Group SA is a fast-growing and dynamic company, specializing in the design and build of large-scale Data Centers across multiple countries, including Scandinavia, Europe, and the Middle East. CTS Group is rapidly expanding into other markets globally. In addition to D&B, we develop and produce digital systems tailored for the Data Center industry and standardized self-contained units. Our team of professionals, representing more than 40 different nationalities, fosters an inclusive and collaborative culture where innovation and excellence are at the heart of everything we do. Through our projects, we have built a strong reputation as a trusted partner in delivering some of the most advanced, efficient, and sustainable Data Center solutions in the region.

About the Role
We are looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to own and drive mechanical design strategy across complex, large-scale, mission-critical projects. You will set technical direction, approve designs and design changes independently, and ensure full compliance with industry standards, while leading multidisciplinary coordination and senior-level client engagement. This role combines deep technical authority, people leadership, and end-to-end accountability for mechanical scope across project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Design Ownership

• Own overall mechanical engineering strategy and standards across multiple projects or a portfolio.
• Approve final designs and major design changes without supervision.
• Set technical direction on complex, high-risk, or first-of-kind systems.

Governance & Compliance

• Define and enforce compliance frameworks across the mechanical function.
• Hold final sign-off authority on regulatory, safety, and quality matters.
• Lead major internal/external audits and represent the function in client or regulatory audits.

People Leadership

• Formally manage the mechanical engineering team: hiring input, performance management, career development.
• Allocate resources and workload across projects.
• Build technical capability and succession planning within the team.

Business & Client Ownership

• Own strategic client relationships; lead high-stakes negotiations and escalations.
• Report to senior leadership on project health, risk, budget, and schedule.
• Represent mechanical engineering in cross-functional leadership forums.

Accountability

• Hold full budget and schedule accountability for mechanical scope across projects.
• Escalate only critical, business-level risks upward (regulatory, financial, reputational).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (required).
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services, or related field (strongly preferred).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Professional Engineer (PE), or equivalent regional certification (highly desirable).
• PMP or equivalent project/program management certification (advantageous).
• LEED, BREEAM, or other sustainability/energy certification (a plus, especially for data center projects).

Skills & Competencies

• Deep expertise in mechanical systems design across HVAC, cooling (including CRAC/CRAH, chilled water systems), piping, pumps, and thermal management for critical infrastructure.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, and BIM coordination platforms (ACC or equivalent).
• Strong command of ASME, ISO, ASHRAE, and local/international mechanical safety and building codes.
• Proven experience in energy efficiency, sustainability, and low-carbon design strategies.
• Strategic project and program management capability across multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong financial/budget acumen, able to own P&L or cost accountability for mechanical scope.
• Excellent stakeholder management, comfortable engaging C-level clients and senior leadership.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication in English. Additional languages a plus.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years in mechanical design engineering, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or lead engineer capacity.
• Demonstrated track record leading mechanical design on large-scale, mission-critical, or data center projects.
• Proven experience managing and developing engineering teams (direct reports, performance management, capability building).
• Experience owning client relationships at a senior/strategic level, including contract negotiations and escalations.
• History of setting technical standards, governance frameworks, or design methodologies at an organizational level.
• Experience leading audits, compliance frameworks, or regulatory engagement independently.

Soft Skills

• Decisive and accountable, comfortable owning high-stakes decisions with minimal oversight.
• Strong people leader, able to mentor, motivate, and manage performance across a technical team.
• Politically astute, skilled at navigating client, leadership, and cross-functional dynamics.
• Resilient under pressure, with sound judgment on when to escalate vs. resolve independently.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package aligned with your professional experience.
• Health Insurance.
• Opportunity for professional growth and development.
• Continuous training and learning opportunities.
• A dynamic, professional, and collaborative work environment in Porto, with a diverse and inclusive team that values innovation and excellence.
  
  
  If you have the profile we’re looking for, apply for the opportunity to join an excellent team and contribute to the success of a fast-growing international company.