ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Commissioning Lead to lead the buildout, startup, and handover of mechanical systems for xAI’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 xAI 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 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.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to travel extensively to xAI 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 xAI’s driver eligibility requirements.
