Mission Critical Facilities: High Demand for MEP Design Engineers
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Market Insights
Posted 25.07.24
In today’s increasingly digital age, where data drives business operations, the design and upkeep of mission critical facilities like data centres, are essential. These facilities need to run smoothly without any interruptions and are leading the high demand for MEP engineers.
Why the Demand for MEP Engineers is Rising
As we increasingly rely on digital solutions, the need for robust data centres and other mission critical facilities has soared. This shift is driving a global demand for skilled MEP Design Engineers and Resident Engineers who can create and maintain these high-stakes environments.
According to industry reports, the global data centre market is projected to grow from $416.10 billion in 2024 to $624 billion by 2029. This is showing a substantial annual growth.
- North America: Despite power supply issues, North American data centre inventory grew by 24.4% year-over-year in Q1 2024, across Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas and Silicon Valley.
- Europe: The market grew by nearly 20% year-over-year in Q1 2024. There was significant development in all four major FLAP markets (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris), with Paris leading at over 40% year-over-year growth.
- Asia-Pacific
The region’s data centre inventory increased by 22% year-over year in Q1 20204. The capacity pipeline is strong, with numerous developments under construction across the region.
What Makes a Great MEP Engineer?
Companies need professionals who can design, implement, and manage the sophisticated systems that keep these facilities running without a hitch. Working in this field requires a unique set of skills and qualifications, these include:
- A thorough understanding of critical infrastructure: This includes the electrical, mechanical, and structural systems that are vital to these facilities. HVAC system knowledge is essential.
- Experience with redundancy systems: Ensuring there are backup plans in place to maintain operations during any failures is crucial. HV design and power systems skills are essential, specifically backup systems to prevent downtime
- Specific sector experience: Hands-on experience in data centres, healthcare labs, and clean rooms is highly valued.
- A focus on sustainability and energy efficiency: Engineers need to integrate sustainable practices and energy-efficient solutions into their designs.
- Strong commercial and technical skills: Engineers should have robust technical knowledge and commercial awareness to effectively implement new technologies.
These skills are essential, for MEP engineers in mission critical facilities ensuring that everything runs smoothly without any room for error.
The Rewards of a Career in MEP Engineering
For those with the right skills, a career in this sector can be incredibly rewarding. Due to the complexity and importance of the work, salaries and contractor rates are typically higher compared to other engineering fields. Additionally, there are opportunities for international work, with high demand in regions like Dubai, Singapore, the US and across Europe.
These projects are not only technically challenging, but offer engineers the chance to design and work on cutting-edge infrastructure that supports critical services around the world.
The need for mission critical facilities is only going to increase. Beyond data centres and server farms, all businesses are starting to drive demand for resilient environments within existing buildings.
Taking the Next Step in Your Engineering Career
If you’re an experienced MEP Design or Resident Engineer or are interested in breaking into the mission critical facilities sector, Energi People is here to help. With our extensive network and deep industry knowledge, we can connect you with opportunities that align with your skills and career goals.
To learn more, reach out to us at +44 (0) 207 983 9030 or email [email protected]. Let’s explore the exciting possibilities in this essential field, and take your engineering career to the next level.
