Commissioning Engineer

Senior Commissioning Engineer - Liquid Cooled Systems

Location: Austin, TX (Travel up to 75%)

Compensation: $120,000 - $145,000 Base Salary + Comprehensive Benefits

Industry: Mission Critical Infrastructure | AI Data Centers | Liquid Cooling Commissioning

Experience Required: 5+ Years

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline.

About the Role

Our client is seeking a Senior Commissioning Engineer - Liquid Cooled Systems to support the deployment and commissioning of next-generation cooling infrastructure powering AI, hyperscale, and high-performance computing (HPC) data centers. As AI workloads continue driving unprecedented rack densities, this individual will play a critical role in commissioning advanced liquid cooling technologies including direct-to-chip cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, immersion cooling systems, Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs), and associated thermal management infrastructure.

This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge cooling technologies while partnering with owners, EPC firms, OEMs, and design engineers to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient system performance. Previous data center experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with mechanical commissioning experience supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor facilities, industrial process systems, power generation, district cooling, healthcare, oil & gas, or advanced manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

What You'll Do

• Lead commissioning activities for liquid cooling systems supporting AI and high-performance computing environments.
• Develop, review, and execute commissioning procedures for Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs), direct-to-chip cooling systems, rear-door heat exchangers, immersion cooling systems, manifolds, heat exchangers, pumps, piping networks, and associated mechanical infrastructure.
• Execute Level 1 through Level 5 commissioning activities, including startup verification, functional performance testing (FPT), integrated systems testing (IST), and final turnover.
• Validate system flow rates, pressure differentials, temperature performance, leak detection systems, fluid quality, and thermal efficiency.
• Perform operational testing of pumps, valves, expansion tanks, strainers, heat exchangers, sensors, instrumentation, and control sequences.
• Collaborate with OEMs, consulting engineers, controls integrators, and contractors during equipment startup, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) for mission-critical cooling infrastructure.
• Review P&IDs, mechanical drawings, equipment submittals, control narratives, and sequence of operations to verify proper installation and functionality.
• Identify deficiencies, coordinate corrective actions with trade partners, and verify successful issue resolution.
• Produce detailed commissioning reports, issue logs, startup documentation, and turnover packages.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to the development of commissioning standards, best practices, and technical playbooks supporting future projects.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout project execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of mechanical commissioning, startup, piping systems, thermal systems, HVAC, hydronics, or mission-critical infrastructure experience.
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, hydronic systems, and mechanical system commissioning.
• Experience commissioning mechanical piping systems, pumping systems, cooling equipment, or process utilities.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, control sequences, equipment specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical system performance issues.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% based on project requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience commissioning liquid cooling technologies such as:
• Direct-to-Chip Cooling
• Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs)
• Immersion Cooling Systems
• Secondary Cooling Loops
• Experience with chilled water plants, condenser water systems, hydronic piping, HVAC, or process cooling systems.
• Experience performing Integrated Systems Testing (IST).
• Functional Performance Testing (FPT), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) experience.
• Familiarity with Level 1-5 Commissioning methodologies.
• Knowledge of BAS, PLC, SCADA, or EPMS platforms.
• Experience with water treatment, glycol systems, corrosion prevention, and closed-loop cooling systems.
• OSHA 30, ASHRAE certifications, PE license, or Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP) certification are considered a plus.