Lead Commissioning Engineer – Semiconductor Facilities

FST Technical Services•Santa Clara, CA

1d•$130,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

FST Technical Services is seeking an experienced Lead Commissioning Engineer to direct mechanical and electrical commissioning activities on a major semiconductor facility project in Santa Clara, California. This is an on-site leadership role coordinating field execution, system readiness, testing, issue resolution, documentation, and turnover across multiple disciplines. The position calls for hands-on commissioning expertise and the ability to lead engineers, technicians, contractors, and vendors in a high-tech construction environment. The role oversees commissioning from construction verification through startup, functional and integrated testing, and turnover. It involves coordinating field priorities and testing with project stakeholders, ensuring safe and approved testing practices, and communicating progress, risks, schedule impacts, and system readiness to project leadership and client stakeholders. The position requires on-site work in Santa Clara and includes physical activity in active construction areas, with site-required PPE. The stated salary range is $130,000 to $180,000. Full per diem and mobilization assistance are available for qualified traveling resources. Medical, dental, and vision benefits, a 401(k), paid time off, and holidays are offered subject to plan and eligibility terms.

Requirements

At least 5 years of commissioning or startup experience in semiconductor, data center, pharmaceutical, or similarly complex industrial facilities; demonstrated lead experience is required.
Working knowledge of both mechanical and electrical building/facility systems, including cross-discipline integration and functional testing.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, electrical single-line diagrams, controls sequences, and equipment specifications.
Experience planning field tests, directing contractors and vendors, managing deficiencies, and preparing commissioning records.
Strong communication, leadership, safety awareness, scheduling, and technical problem-solving skills.
Ability to work on-site in Santa Clara and meet project-specific site access and safety requirements.
Engineering degree or equivalent relevant technical experience.

Nice To Haves

Semiconductor fabrication plant (FAB), cleanroom, or high-tech manufacturing project experience.
Experience with L1–L5 commissioning processes or equivalent phased commissioning methodology.
Experience with BAS/BMS, electrical protection and controls, process utilities, and integrated systems testing.
Professional Engineer (PE), commissioning certification, or relevant trade/technical credentials.

Responsibilities

Lead multidisciplinary commissioning of mechanical, electrical, controls, and supporting facility systems from construction verification through startup, functional testing, integrated testing, and turnover.
Develop and execute commissioning plans, test procedures, pre-functional checklists, functional performance tests, and system acceptance documentation.
Coordinate daily priorities and testing windows with the owner, general contractor, trade partners, design engineers, equipment vendors, and operations teams.
Oversee mechanical systems, including HVAC, cleanroom air handling, chilled/process cooling water, exhaust, pumps, and associated controls.
Oversee electrical systems, including medium- and low-voltage distribution, switchgear, transformers, UPS, generators, emergency power, and related controls as applicable to project scope.
Validate interfaces between mechanical, electrical, BAS/BMS, and facility monitoring systems, and support integrated systems testing.
Lead field commissioning personnel, assign tasks, review deliverables, and provide technical troubleshooting and mentorship.
Identify, log, prioritize, and drive closure of deficiencies, punch items, and commissioning-related issues.
Confirm testing is performed safely using appropriate permits, isolation/LOTO procedures, and approved methods.
Report commissioning progress, risks, schedule impacts, and system readiness to project leadership and client stakeholders.