# Mechanical Commissioning Lead

**Company:** [xAI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/xai)
**Location:** Memphis, TN
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Hvac, Chillers, Cooling Towers, Crac/Crah, Pumps, Heat Exchangers, Piping Systems, Hydronic Loops, Ashrae, Nfpa, Bms, Bacnet, Modbus, Procore, Commissioning Test Equipment
**Posted:** 2026-05-05

> Leads mechanical commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and handover of critical cooling and fluid systems for xAI's hyperscale data centers. Requires 7+ years experience in mission-critical environments, expertise in data center cooling, and leadership of technicians with extensive travel.

## Job Description

## 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 xAI requirements.
- Lead coordination with EPC contractors, OEM vendors, design engineers, and xAI 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 xAI 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.

## Basic Qualifications
- 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.

## Preferred Skills and Experience
- 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.

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