Mechanical Commissioning Lead

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Commissioning Lead to lead the buildout, startup, and handover of mechanical systems for SpaceXAI's high-performance data centers. In this senior hands-on leadership role, you will direct commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and turnover of critical cooling, air handling, and fluid distribution systems that support next-generation AI supercomputing infrastructure. You will lead a team of commissioning technicians while working closely with construction, engineering, operations, EPC contractors, and OEM vendors to deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality mechanical systems. This is a full-time, onsite role with extensive travel to SpaceXAI data center construction sites across the United States.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute all mechanical commissioning activities for HVAC systems, chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, pumps, heat exchangers, piping systems, hydronic loops, and associated controls in hyperscale data center environments; Direct functional performance testing, airflow/water flow verification, system balancing, integrated system testing, and system turnover to operations; Oversee troubleshooting and resolution of complex mechanical, controls, and process issues during pre-commissioning, commissioning, and startup phases; Develop, review, and approve detailed commissioning test procedures, scripts, checklists, and documentation in alignment with project specifications, industry standards, and SpaceXAI requirements; Lead coordination with EPC contractors, OEM vendors, design engineers, and SpaceXAI stakeholders for system energization, startup sequences, and integrated system validation; Mentor, supervise, and provide technical direction to Mechanical Commissioning Technicians and other field personnel; conduct performance feedback and support their development; Champion safety by enforcing strict adherence to LOTO, NFPA, OSHA, and SpaceXAI safety protocols; lead daily safety briefings and job hazard analyses; Maintain comprehensive as-built documentation, test records, issue logs, and final commissioning reports; present readiness reports to senior leadership; Support and deliver training programs for operations and maintenance teams on commissioned systems; Participate in constructability reviews, design feedback sessions, and lessons-learned meetings to continuously improve installation quality and future project execution; Manage commissioning schedules, resources, and punch-list resolution to meet aggressive project timelines

Requirements

Strong communication skills; Work ethic and strong prioritization skills; 7+ years of progressive hands-on mechanical commissioning experience in data centers, power plants, semiconductor facilities, or other mission-critical industrial environments, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity; Deep expertise in data center cooling systems including large-scale chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, precision air handling, chilled water plants, and high-density liquid cooling technologies; Strong working knowledge of commissioning test equipment (manometers, anemometers, ultrasonic flow meters, pressure/temperature calibrators, power analyzers, etc.); Thorough familiarity with relevant codes and standards (ASHRAE, SMACNA, NFPA, ASME, IMC, LEED, Uptime Institute); Proven ability to read, interpret, and redline mechanical drawings, P&IDs, control schematics, and sequence of operations; Demonstrated leadership experience coordinating multi-discipline teams and managing contractors/vendors in fast-paced construction environments; Current OSHA 30 certification (or equivalent) and strong safety leadership track record; Willingness to travel extensively and work extended hours, nights, and weekends during critical commissioning and startup windows; Ability to travel extensively to SpaceXAI construction sites and remain onsite for extended periods during peak commissioning phases; Physical capability to work in industrial environments, climb ladders/stairs, lift moderate loads (up to 50 lbs), and wear full PPE for long durations; Valid driver's license and ability to meet SpaceXAI's driver eligibility requirements

Nice to have

Prior leadership on multiple hyperscale data center or mission-critical commissioning projects (100+ MW scale preferred); NEBB, AABC, or equivalent Certification in Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB); Hands-on experience with BMS/BAS controls troubleshooting and integration (BACnet, Modbus, LON, etc.); Knowledge of refrigerant systems, direct liquid cooling, and advanced heat rejection technologies; Proficiency with commissioning management platforms (CxPro, Procore, PlanGrid, or similar); Technical degree or trade school certification in Mechanical Engineering Technology, HVAC, or a related field; Experience implementing Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) verification