Mechanical Subject Matter Expert/Project Manager - Data Center Construction

Job Description

Job Description

KALCON is seeking an experienced Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as the lead on a large-scale, mission-critical AI data center program in the Texas Panhandle. This role serves as the mechanical technical authority for the project team and is responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of mechanical systems from design review through commissioning, phased data hall turnover, and project closeout. The Mechanical SME provides technical leadership, contractor oversight, and strategic guidance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring mechanical systems are designed, installed, tested, commissioned, and turned over in accordance with project requirements, project standards, and operational objectives. This individual must be equally comfortable participating in design reviews, conducting field inspections, supporting commissioning activities, and resolving issues that could impact project delivery.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 7+ years of construction management experience with a primary focus on mechanical systems, including direct experience supporting hyperscale, mission-critical, or data center projects.
• Demonstrated expertise with data center mechanical systems including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, glycol systems, chilled water distribution, CRAHs, fan wall units, containment systems, and heat rejection infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of liquid-cooled IT infrastructure including coolant distribution units (CDUs), direct-to-chip cooling systems, rear-door heat exchanger applications, Technology Cooling Systems (TCS), and Facility Water Systems (FWS).
• Experience supporting mechanical commissioning activities from Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) through Integrated Systems Testing (IST).
• Experience developing, planning, and executing load bank strategies including resistive and liquid load bank testing programs.
• Proven ability to review and comment on mechanical design documents, shop drawings, coordination models, submittals, startup documentation, and testing reports.
• Strong field presence with the ability to evaluate installation quality, constructability, system readiness, and compliance with contract documents.
• Ability to review CPM schedules and identify procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning risks affecting project milestones.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide technical guidance to project teams, contractors, consultants, and executive stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, and similar construction management platforms.
• Ability to travel to project sites as required, including extended on-site periods during commissioning and turnover phases.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred, but not required with equivalent experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Mechanical Technical Leadership

• Serve as the mechanical subject matter expert for the project team, providing technical guidance and oversight across all mechanical scopes of work.
• Ensure design intent, basis of design, and site requirements are maintained throughout procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, and turnover.
• Review mechanical design packages, submittals, shop drawings, coordination models, and field changes to identify gaps, conflicts, and risks.
• Support equipment selection, procurement planning, factory acceptance testing, and long-lead equipment strategies.
• Provide technical recommendations and positions for RFIs, field issues, design changes, and constructability concerns.

Commissioning, Load Bank Strategy, and Phased Turnover

• Define expectations and execution strategies for mechanical commissioning, including sequencing, prerequisites, documentation requirements, and acceptance criteria.
• Develop and validate phased data hall turnover plans in coordination with commissioning teams, general contractors, trade partners, and operations stakeholders.
• Establish load bank testing strategies including liquid and resistive load bank planning, logistics, utility requirements, staging, and test sequencing.
• Monitor commissioning progress, attend critical testing activities, and validate results against project requirements and operational standards.
• Support startup activities, systems turnover, warranty transition, and MOP development for work occurring within live or partially energized environments.

Quality and Field Oversight

• Perform routine site walks to assess installation quality, workmanship, completeness, and compliance with project requirements.
• Track mechanical installation status, testing progress, commissioning readiness, punch list development, and closeout documentation.
• Partner with QA/QC teams to verify pressure testing, flushing, cleanliness standards, water chemistry requirements, and inspection compliance.
• Identify deficient work and hold contractors accountable for corrective actions and re-inspections.
• Support issue resolution and ensure quality expectations are achieved prior to acceptance and turnover.

Schedule, Risk, and Project Controls

• Monitor procurement, installation, manpower, testing, and commissioning activities to identify potential risks before they impact project milestones.
• Review contractor schedules and recovery plans, validating mechanical durations, sequencing logic, and milestone commitments.
• Support constructability reviews, execution planning, and phased turnover strategies from a mechanical perspective.
• Provide clear and timely reporting to project leadership regarding mechanical progress, risks, constraints, and required decisions.

Team Alignment and Issue Resolution

• Drive alignment among design, construction, commissioning, and operations stakeholders on mechanical priorities and delivery requirements.
• Act as the escalation point for critical mechanical issues and lead efforts to resolve technical and execution challenges.
• Participate in OAC meetings, design reviews, commissioning meetings, contractor coordination meetings, and project status reviews.
• Mentor project team members and contribute to the development of mechanical best practices and lessons learned.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and process development across KALCON projects.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Management.

Benefits Offered:

• Medical insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% KALCON match when an employee contributes at least 5%
• 15 days of paid time off
• 8 paid National Holidays
• Reimbursement for professional licenses and certifications

Submission Requirements:

At a minimum, the candidate's professional resume must include the following:

• List of all Educational Achievements
• List of all Professional Licenses or Certificates
• List of Awards Received
• Detailed Employment History with each company including:
  • Name & Contact Information of the firm or agency
  • Start Date and End Date (Month & Year)
  • Positions Held

At KALCON we are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace where every individual is respected and valued. We are an equal opportunity employer and all applicant and employees will receive consideration for employment as we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the success of our company and the innovation behind the exceptional projects we deliver. We encourage and support applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team and thrive. Our hiring and employment practices are guided by principles of fairness, equality, and opportunity for all.

Salary Range

$150,000—$200,000 USD