SpaceXAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking a Mechanical Commissioning Engineer to execute the buildout, startup, and handover of mechanical systems for SpaceXAI's high-performance data centers. This is a hands-on role where you will commission, test, troubleshoot, and turn over critical cooling, air handling, and fluid distribution systems that support next-generation AI supercomputing infrastructure.
You will work 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 travel to SpaceXAI data center construction sites across the United States.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- 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.
- Execute functional performance testing, airflow/water flow verification, system balancing, integrated system testing, and system turnover to operations.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical, controls, and process issues during pre-commissioning, commissioning, and startup phases.
- Develop and review detailed commissioning test procedures, scripts, checklists, and documentation in alignment with project specifications, industry standards, and SpaceXAI requirements.
- Coordinate with EPC contractors, OEM vendors, design engineers, and SpaceXAI stakeholders for system energization, startup sequences, and integrated system validation.
- Champion safety by enforcing strict adherence to LOTO, NFPA, OSHA, and SpaceXAI safety protocols; participate in daily safety briefings and job hazard analyses.
- Maintain comprehensive as-built documentation, test records, issue logs, and final commissioning reports.
- 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.
- Support commissioning schedules and punch-list resolution to meet aggressive project timelines.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM degree or trade school certification in Mechanical Engineering Technology, HVAC, or a related field
- 1+ years of hands-on mechanical experience in HVAC, commissioning, testing, construction, or a related field (data centers, power plants, semiconductor facilities, commercial buildings, or other industrial environments).
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Expertise in mechanical cooling and air-handling systems, including chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, precision air handling, chilled water plants, and/or high-density liquid cooling.
- Working knowledge of commissioning test equipment (manometers, anemometers, ultrasonic flow meters, pressure/temperature calibrators, power analyzers, etc.), or demonstrated aptitude to learn it in the field.
- Familiarity with relevant codes and standards (ASHRAE, SMACNA, NFPA, ASME, IMC, LEED, Uptime Institute).
- Ability to read, interpret, and redline mechanical drawings, P&IDs, control schematics, and sequence of operations.
- Experience coordinating with multi-discipline teams, contractors, and vendors in construction environments.
- Ability to work safely in industrial construction environments and follow LOTO, NFPA, OSHA, and SpaceXAI safety protocols.
- Commissioning (Cx) experience, including functional performance testing, airflow/water flow verification, system balancing, integrated system testing, or system turnover.
- Data center cooling systems and prior work on hyperscale or mission-critical projects (100+ MW scale a plus).
- 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.
- Current OSHA 30 certification (or equivalent).
- 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:
- Willingness to travel extensively and work extended hours, nights, and weekends during critical commissioning and startup windows.
- Ability to travel extensively to SpaceXAI 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 SpaceXAI's driver eligibility requirements.