xAI· Data Center· Memphis, TN
Mechanical Commissioning Lead
Classified Tasks (25)
Automate 0%Augment 28%Human-Only 72%
Augment (7)
AI assists, human decides
Verify airflow and water flow through measurement and analysis
analytical
Develop detailed commissioning test procedures, scripts, checklists, and documentation aligned with project specifications and industry standards
technical
Review commissioning test procedures, scripts, checklists, and documentation for completeness and compliance
analytical
Maintain comprehensive as-built documentation, test records, issue logs, and final commissioning reports
administrative
Support and deliver training programs for operations and maintenance teams on commissioned systems
communication
Participate in constructability reviews and provide design feedback during project execution
technical
Facilitate lessons-learned meetings to improve installation quality and future project execution
communication
Human-Only (18)
Requires human judgment
Lead the buildout, startup, and handover of mechanical systems for high-performance data centers
leadership
Lead and execute all mechanical commissioning activities for HVAC systems, chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, pumps, heat exchangers, piping systems, and hydronic loops
technical
Direct functional performance testing of mechanical and cooling systems
technical
Conduct system balancing for HVAC and hydronic systems
technical
Execute integrated system testing of interconnected mechanical, controls, and process systems
technical
Turn over commissioned systems to operations with documented acceptance
operational
Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical, controls, and process issues during pre-commissioning, commissioning, and startup phases
technical
Approve final commissioning documentation and test records
leadership
Coordinate system energization, startup sequences, and integrated system validation with EPC contractors, OEM vendors, design engineers, and xAI stakeholders
operational
Lead coordination with construction, engineering, operations, EPC contractors, and OEM vendors during commissioning and startup
leadership
Mentor and provide technical direction to Mechanical Commissioning Technicians and other field personnel
leadership
Supervise commissioning technicians and conduct performance feedback
leadership
Support the professional development of commissioning and field personnel
leadership
Enforce adherence to LOTO, NFPA, OSHA, and xAI safety protocols on site
operational
Lead daily safety briefings and conduct job hazard analyses
operational
Present readiness reports and commissioning status to senior leadership
communication
Manage commissioning schedules, allocate resources, and drive punch-list resolution to meet project timelines
leadership
Deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality mechanical systems to meet project requirements
operational
Job description
ABOUT xAI xAI’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 an experienced Mechanical Commissioning Lead to lead the buildout, startup, and handover of mechanical systems for xAI’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 xAI 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 xAI requirements. Lead coordination with EPC contractors, OEM vendors, design engineers, and xAI 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 xAI 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 timelin