Mechanical Commissioning Lead - Memphis
xAI is hiring a Mechanical Commissioning Lead - Memphis. Level rates it ; you can apply on xAI.
Level's read on this job
- Level rates this role Works on AI ●●●○: the daily work is on AI products, without building the model.
- The posting mentions Hvac, Chillers and Cooling Towers among its tools and skills.
- Level classes it as a senior role.
- xAI has 296 other open roles on Level.
AI in this role
Lead mechanical commissioning, testing, and startup of critical cooling and HVAC infrastructure for high-performance AI supercomputing data centers.
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today, SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary and expanding consciousness to the stars.
SpaceXSI is building Super Intelligence to help humanity understand the universe. Our teams are building the full Super Intelligence stack: from our Colossus supercomputers, to Grok models, to our suite of applications, including Grok Bot, Grok Build, Grok Imagine, Grok Voice, and X. We're creating a powerful flywheel where more compute trains better models, better models power more useful products, and what we learn from people using those products shapes what we build next.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Commissioning Lead to lead the buildout, startup, and handover of mechanical systems for SpaceXSI's high-performance data centers. In this senior hands-on leadership role, you will direct commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and turnover of critical cooling, air handling, and fluid distribution systems that support next-generation AI supercomputing infrastructure.
You will lead a team of commissioning technicians while working 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 extensive travel to SpaceXSI data center construction sites across the United States.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead and 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.
- Direct functional performance testing, airflow/water flow verification, system balancing, integrated system testing, and system turnover to operations.
- Oversee troubleshooting and resolution of complex mechanical, controls, and process issues during pre-commissioning, commissioning, and startup phases.
- Develop, review, and approve detailed commissioning test procedures, scripts, checklists, and documentation in alignment with project specifications, industry standards, and SpaceXSI requirements.
- Lead coordination with EPC contractors, OEM vendors, design engineers, and SpaceXSI stakeholders for system energization, startup sequences, and integrated system validation.
- Mentor, supervise, and provide technical direction to Mechanical Commissioning Technicians and other field personnel; conduct performance feedback and support their development.
- Champion safety by enforcing strict adherence to LOTO, NFPA, OSHA, and SpaceXSI safety protocols; lead daily safety briefings and job hazard analyses.
- Maintain comprehensive as-built documentation, test records, issue logs, and final commissioning reports; present readiness reports to senior leadership.
- 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.
- Manage commissioning schedules, resources, and punch-list resolution to meet aggressive project timelines.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 7+ years of progressive hands-on mechanical commissioning experience in data centers, power plants, semiconductor facilities, or other mission-critical industrial environments, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
- Deep expertise in data center cooling systems including large-scale chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, precision air handling, chilled water plants, and high-density liquid cooling technologies.
- Strong working knowledge of commissioning test equipment (manometers, anemometers, ultrasonic flow meters, pressure/temperature calibrators, power analyzers, etc.).
- Thorough familiarity with relevant codes and standards (ASHRAE, SMACNA, NFPA, ASME, IMC, LEED, Uptime Institute).
- Proven ability to read, interpret, and redline mechanical drawings, P&IDs, control schematics, and sequence of operations.
- Demonstrated leadership experience coordinating multi-discipline teams and managing contractors/vendors in fast-paced construction environments.
- Current OSHA 30 certification (or equivalent) and strong safety leadership track record.
- Willingness to travel extensively and work extended hours, nights, and weekends during critical commissioning and startup windows.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Prior leadership on multiple hyperscale data center or mission-critical commissioning projects (100+ MW scale preferred).
- 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.
- 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:
- Ability to travel extensively to SpaceXSI 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 SpaceXSI's driver eligibility requirements.
SpaceXSI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
How we rate this
Mechanical Commissioning Lead - Memphis at xAI rates 60 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Works on AI (AI Level 3 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Works on AI. The daily work is on AI products, without building the model.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where mechanical commissioning was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where hvac systems was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where data center infrastructure was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where troubleshooting was part of your work. What did you do?
- Walk me through how you've used Hvac in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Mechanical Commissioning, Hvac Systems, Data Center Infrastructure, Troubleshooting, and Hvac. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
- Show where AI is part of your daily process, not a one-off project. This role expects it to be a running habit.
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