Mechanical Commissioning Authority 2

GAI Consultants•Homestead, PA

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

GAI Consultants is seeking an experienced Mechanical Commissioning Authority (CxA). Working under the direction of the Mechanical Commissioning Lead, 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 per the project Commissioning Plan, program checklists, and approved test procedures. This role corresponds to the ACG Commissioning Technician (CxT) designation and is internally titled Technical Specialist per program standards. The Mechanical CxA is not a supervisory role. This individual works independently on assigned scopes, exercises sound technical judgment, and communicates field conditions, deficiencies, and progress to the Mechanical Lead daily. The CxA will work within a team to ensure success of the projects.

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

Attend factory tests for mechanical equipment and document performance against approved factory test procedures.
Execute 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 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 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 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 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.
Apply working knowledge of mechanical systems and commissioning methodology to execute accurate field verification and testing across commissioning phases.
Complete commissioning records accurately, completely, and on time; treat documentation quality as equally important to field execution quality.
Recognize deviations from design intent and communicate proactively to the Mechanical Lead rather than proceeding with uncertainty.
Function effectively on multi-discipline commissioning teams; drive cross-team coordination and team building on every project.
Apply working knowledge of chilled water and condenser water systems; hydronic piping, pumps, valves, and heat exchangers, to execute installation verification, startup, and functional testing.
Read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, equipment submittals, and sequences of operation to verify installed conditions against design intent.
Apply knowledge of cooling (CRAH, CRAC, in-row), BMS controls, and mechanical alarm structures to support startup and functional testing activities.
Plan and sequence daily field activities with the Mechanical Lead, subcontractor foremen, and OEM technicians to maintain testing schedule progress.
Complete test documentation on the same day; maintain daily field log and submit Issues Log entries within 24 hours; support turnover package assembly.
Receive technical direction from the Mechanical Lead; operate independently on assigned activities within that direction.
Exercise field judgment to identify deviations and communicate to the Mechanical Lead before proceeding; receptive to mentorship from senior commissioning team members.
Communicate field observations, deficiencies, and schedule conflicts to the Mechanical Lead accurately and promptly in verbal and written daily field logs.
Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences including subcontractor foremen, OEM technicians, and GC field personnel.