Mechanical Commissioning Authority 2

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.

Key Responsibilities

Field Commissioning Execution

• 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

Documentation & Reporting

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

Coordination & Communication

• 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

Safety

• 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

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 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

Minimum Years of Experience

• 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. Direct commissioning experience preferred but not required

Education

• 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

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 10 (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.) preferred

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 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

Management Responsibility

• 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

Communication Skills

• 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

Why GAI?    

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.    

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