Mechanical Commissioning Authority 2

GAI Consultants, Inc.•Munhall, PA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

GAI Consultants is seeking an experienced Mechanical Commissioning Authority (CxA). This role, internally titled Technical Specialist, corresponds to the ACG Commissioning Technician (CxT) designation. The CxA executes the hands-on mechanical commissioning scope on assigned data center and building commissioning programs, including installation verification, equipment startups, functional performance testing, and integrated systems testing. The Mechanical CxA is not a supervisory role and works independently on assigned scopes, exercising sound technical judgment. This individual communicates field conditions, deficiencies, and progress to the Mechanical Lead daily and works within a team to ensure project success.

Requirements

6+ years of relevant experience
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.
B.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
Driver's License required
NFPA 70E Qualified Electrical Worker required or ability to complete during onboarding (safety competency is evaluated, not the credential)
OSHA 10 (Construction) minimum required or ability to complete during onboarding

Nice To Haves

Direct commissioning experience preferred but not required
CxT (ACG) or BCxP — Preferred
Journeyman Electrician license Preferred
Manufacturer startup training (Eaton, Vertiv, Schneider, Caterpillar, Cummins etc.) preferred

Responsibilities

Support L1 Factory Witness Testing: attend factory tests for mechanical equipment and document performance against approved factory test procedures.
Execute L2 mechanical installation verification and pre-startup checks: equipment placement, piping connections, support and seismic bracing, insulation, pipe pressure and leak testing, strainer conditions, and pre-startup requirements.
Perform L3 mechanical equipment startups under the Mechanical Lead: chiller startup, cooling tower commissioning, pump and hydronic system checks, CRAH/CRAC startup, and associated controls point verification.
Execute L4 functional performance testing per approved FPTs: equipment performance, sequence of operation verification, setpoint validation, alarm testing, and fail-mode response for assigned mechanical systems.
Participate in L5 Integrated Systems Testing as directed: execute assigned test scripts, observe cross-system responses, and document results accurately and completely.
Complete all commissioning checklists, startup records, and functional test forms accurately and legibly; transfer to program documentation platform on the same day as testing.
Maintain a daily field log documenting activities, personnel present, equipment tested, deficiencies, environmental and safety conditions.
Record and submit deficiencies and non-conformances to the Issues Log with description, location, responsible party, and supporting photos within 24 hours.
Support assembly of L6 turnover documentation including system test summaries, deferred test logs, and O&M documentation inputs.
Coordinate daily field activities with mechanical subcontractor foremen, OEM service technicians, and the GC field superintendent.
Communicate field observations, deficiencies, and schedule conflicts to the Mechanical Lead promptly; attend commissioning coordination meetings as directed.
Support the Mechanical Lead in witnessing AHJ inspections and owner witness testing activities.
Comply with all site safety requirements including PPE, sign-in/sign-out, hot work permits, confined space protocols, and refrigerant handling safety.
Observe and support LOTO procedures for all de-energized mechanical work; never energize or start equipment without confirmed authorization from the Mechanical Lead.
Report unsafe conditions, improper installations, or LOTO violations immediately to the Mechanical Lead and GC safety representative.
Applies working knowledge of mechanical systems and commissioning methodology to execute accurate field verification and testing across L2 through L5 commissioning phases.
Completes commissioning records accurately, completely, and on time; treats documentation quality as equally important to field execution quality.
Recognizes deviations from design intent and communicates proactively to the Mechanical Lead rather than proceeding with uncertainty.
Functions effectively on multi-discipline commissioning teams; drives cross-team coordination and team building on every project.
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.
Plans and sequences daily field activities with the Mechanical Lead, subcontractor foremen, and OEM technicians to maintain testing schedule progress.
Completes test documentation on the same day; maintains daily field log and submits Issues Log entries within 24 hours; supports L6 turnover package assembly.
Receives technical direction from the Mechanical Lead; operates independently on assigned activities within that direction; does not supervise other personnel.
Exercises field judgment to identify deviations and communicates to the Mechanical Lead before proceeding; receptive to mentorship from senior commissioning team members.
Communicates field observations, deficiencies, and schedule conflicts to the Mechanical Lead 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.