Job Description

GAI Consultants is seeking an experienced Mechanical Commissioning Lead. The Mechanical Commissioning Lead plans and directs the mechanical field commissioning team on assigned data center and building commissioning programs, leading the hands-on mechanical scope for installation verification, equipment startups, functional performance testing, and integrated systems testing per the project Commissioning Plan, program checklists, and approved test procedures.

This role corresponds to commissioning professional certifications (Associated Air Balance Counsel or ASHREA CxT, CxA, BCPx or equivalent) designation and is internally titled Senior Technical Specialist per program standards. Unlike the Mechanical Commissioning Authority (CxA) role, the Mechanical Commissioning Lead is a supervisory role. The Lead plans and assigns mechanical field scope, directs and mentors assigned Mechanical CxAs, exercises independent technical judgment, owns the quality and completeness of the mechanical commissioning record, and serves as the day-to-day point of accountability to the Commissioning Program Manager and the owner’s commissioning team. The Lead builds and drives an effective multi-discipline commissioning team on every project.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning Program Leadership

• Plan, sequence, and assign mechanical field commissioning scope across assigned CxAs against the project Commissioning Plan and construction schedule
• Direct and mentor assigned Mechanical Commissioning Authorities (CxAs); review their checklists, startup records, and test forms for technical accuracy and completeness before turnover
• Lead L1 Factory Witness Testing: direct witness coverage for mechanical equipment, confirm performance against approved factory test procedures, and disposition findings
• Lead L2 mechanical installation verification and pre-startup acceptance: equipment placement, piping connections, support and seismic bracing, insulation, pipe pressure and leak testing, strainer conditions, and pre-startup readiness; coordinate startup authorization with the GC and OEMs and hold open items to closure
• Direct L3 mechanical equipment startup: chiller startup, cooling tower commissioning, pump and hydronic system checks, CRAH/CRAC startup, and associated controls point verification; sequence OEM service activities
• Own L4 functional performance testing: equipment performance, sequence of operation verification, setpoint validation, alarm testing, and fail-mode response for mechanical systems; confirm FPT readiness, direct execution, and disposition results
• Lead L5 Integrated Systems Testing for mechanical scope: develop and sequence the IST script set with the CxA team, direct execution, and confirm cross-system responses against the sequence of operation

Documentation & Reporting

• Review and approve mechanical commissioning checklists, startup records, functional test forms, and Issues Log entries; confirm same-day transfer to the program documentation platform
• Maintain mechanical commissioning status and report progress, deficiencies, and schedule risk to the Commissioning Program Manager
• Own disposition of mechanical deficiencies and non-conformances in the Issues Log; assign responsible parties, track to closure, and escalate aging items
• Lead assembly of L6 turnover documentation including system test summaries, deferred test logs, as-commissioned equipment data, and O&M documentation inputs

Coordination & Communication

• Serve as the day-to-day mechanical commissioning point of contact to the GC field superintendent, mechanical subcontractor foremen, OEM service technicians, and the owner’s commissioning representative
• Lead mechanical commissioning coordination meetings; communicate readiness, hold points, deficiencies, and schedule conflicts proactively
• Coordinate AHJ inspections and owner witness testing activities for assigned mechanical scope

Safety

• Enforce site safety requirements across the commissioning team including PPE, sign-in/sign-out, hot work permits, confined space protocols, refrigerant handling safety, and full NFPA 70E compliance
• Direct and verify LOTO procedures for all de-energized mechanical work; authorize startup or energization only with confirmed qualified-worker authorization and completed permits
• Stop work for unsafe conditions, improper installations, or LOTO violations and report immediately to the Commissioning Program Manager and GC safety representative

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Up to 65% travel; sustained work in energized electrical environments with full NFPA 70E PPE compliance; confined spaces, heights, temperature extremes, and elevated noise
• Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs; climb ladders and stairs up to 12 floors; available for extended hours during critical testing milestones; valid driver’s license required
• Sustained work in energized electrical environments requiring full PPE compliance with NFPA 70E at all times
• Ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in environments with elevated noise levels, temperature extremes, and limited lighting
• Availability to work extended hours, nights, and weekends during critical testing milestones and owner acceptance events
• Frequently required to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs up to 12 floors, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

GAI’s commissioning practice operates on a 2-week field rotation followed by 1 week at home, with straight-time overtime paid for hours over 40 in field weeks.

General Characteristics

• Applies advanced knowledge of mechanical systems and commissioning methodology to plan and lead field verification and testing across L1 through L6
• Leads by example on documentation quality; reviews and elevates the work of assigned CxAs and treats the commissioning record as a deliverable equal to field execution
• Recognizes deviations from design intent, drives resolution, and communicates decisively to the Commissioning Program Manager and the owner’s team rather than proceeding with uncertainty
• Builds, mentors, and drives an effective multi-discipline commissioning team and develops Mechanical CxAs toward independent execution

Minimum Years of Experience

• 10+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years leading or directing mechanical field commissioning teams
• Qualifying experience: combined technical, operational, maintenance, or commissioning experience in critical infrastructure, power generation, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, or comparable industries. Examples of Military technical backgrounds (Navy nuclear MMN/EMN/ETN, Army 91-series, Air Force 3E0X2, Marine 1141, Coast Guard EM/MK) translate directly and qualify. Direct commissioning leadership experience preferred

Education

• S. Engineering or other technical degree or vocational/trade certification in relevant field or equivalent hands-on experience will be considered and may substitute for formal education requirements
• ACG Commissioning Authority (CxA), BCxP, or equivalent commissioning credential preferred

Certification/Licensure

• Driver's License required
• NFPA 70E Qualified Electrical Worker required or ability to complete during onboarding (safety competency is evaluated, not the credential)
• OSHA 30 (Construction) minimum required or ability to complete during onboarding
• CxT (ACG) or BCxP - Preferred; Journeyman Electrician license Preferred; manufacturer startup training (Eaton, Vertiv, Schneider, Caterpillar, Cummins etc.)

Technical Responsibilities

• Applies working knowledge of chilled water and condenser water systems; hydronic piping, pumps, valves, and heat exchangers, to execute installation verification, startup, and functional testing
• Reads and interprets mechanical drawings, P&IDs, equipment submittals, and sequences of operation to verify installed conditions against design intent
• Applies knowledge of cooling (CRAH, CRAC, in-row), BMS controls, and mechanical alarm structures to support startup and functional testing activities

Project and Task Management

• Plans and sequences daily field activities with the mechanical Cx team, subcontractor foremen, and OEM technicians to maintain testing schedule progress
• Oversees completion of test documentation on the same-day; maintains daily field log and submits Issues Log entries within 24 hours; supports L6 turnover package assembly, turnover to operations and project closeout

Management Responsibility

• Provides technical direction to the mechanical team; operates independently on assigned activities within that direction; supervises onsite project team as the task manager.
• Exercises field judgment to identify deviations and communicates to the project team before proceeding; provides mentorship to junior commissioning team members

Communication Skills

• Communicates field observations, deficiencies, and schedule conflicts to the Cx Project Manager accurately and promptly in verbal and written daily field logs
• Communicates effectively with technical and non-technical audiences including subcontractor foremen, OEM technicians, and GC field personnel

Why GAI?

GAI offers an exceptional place to do meaningful work, grow your career, and make a real impact in communities nationwide. You’ll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm bringing together engineering, planning, and environmental expertise to deliver projects across transportation, infrastructure, power, and energy markets. Working alongside accomplished colleagues, you’ll help move projects from vision through construction, creating solutions that keep people moving, power essential systems, and support responsible development.

At GAI, you’ll work in a team-driven environment grounded in integrity, respect, and shared success, with the flexibility, resources, and career support that reflect a real and lasting commitment to our people. That commitment includes comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts. With opportunities across the U.S., GAI offers the collaboration and client focus of regional teams, supported by the stability, resources, and career-development opportunities of an established and growing firm.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:  

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Market based, competitive compensation
• Performance driven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work–Life Balance

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

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