Lead Mechanical Engineer

FST Technical Services is hiring a Lead Mechanical Engineer to support a semiconductor industry project in the Santa Clara, California area. This is a Senior Engineering role responsible for technical direction, team leadership, client management, project planning, budget and forecasting oversight, and successful delivery of mechanical engineering and commissioning activities. The successful candidate will have significant experience working within the semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, high-technology, or similarly complex industrial environment, with a strong understanding of mechanical systems, project execution, commissioning, construction, and client requirements. Position Overview The Lead Mechanical Engineer will provide overall leadership for mechanical engineering, commissioning, and field execution activities associated with a major semiconductor industry project. This role combines technical leadership, team management, client leadership, project controls, budget management, forecasting, and project delivery. The successful candidate will work closely with the client, engineering and design teams, contractors, vendors, project management, and FST leadership to ensure project objectives are achieved. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, technically complex environment and will have demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing projects from planning and design through construction, commissioning, turnover, and closeout. What You’ll Do Lead and provide technical direction to mechanical engineering, commissioning, and field teamsManage team performance, priorities, staffing, development, and resource requirementsServe as a senior technical and operational point of contact for the client and key project stakeholdersLead client meetings, project reviews, technical discussions, and progress updatesBuild strong client relationships and identify opportunities for future businessDevelop and manage project budgets, forecasts, staffing plans, and resource projectionsMonitor project financial performance, identify risks and scope changes, and support commercial discussionsProvide leadership through project planning, design, construction, commissioning, startup, turnover, and closeoutCoordinate mechanical activities with contractors, vendors, engineering consultants, and other disciplinesReview mechanical designs, specifications, submittals, schedules, testing requirements, and commissioning documentationMonitor project progress, identify schedule risks, and lead technical issue resolution and field troubleshootingEnsure work meets client requirements, applicable codes, quality standards, and FST proceduresOversee commissioning, startup, testing, documentation, deficiencies, and project turnoverProvide clear project status, financial, and operational reporting to FST leadership and the client The Lead Engineer will ensure project documentation is accurate, complete, timely, and aligned with client requirements. The role will also be responsible for identifying documentation gaps, unresolved technical issues, and project risks that could impact schedule, cost, quality, or client acceptance. Mechanical Systems Experience Candidates should have experience with complex mechanical infrastructure within semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, high-technology, industrial, or similarly demanding environments. Relevant experience may include: HVAC and environmental control systemsChilled water and process cooling systemsCentral utility and mechanical plant systemsCooling towers and heat rejection systemsPumps and hydronic systemsAir Handling Units (AHUs)Process and facility utility systemsExhaust and ventilation systemsMechanical equipment and associated controlsBuilding Management Systems (BMS)Mechanical controls and sequences of operationEquipment startup and commissioningMechanical system testing and functional performance verificationComplex industrial and mission-critical mechanical infrastructure Experience within semiconductor or advanced manufacturing environments is strongly preferred. What We’re Looking For 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering, commissioning, construction, or project delivery experience, preferably within the semiconductor or advanced manufacturing industrySignificant experience working on semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, high-technology, or similarly complex industrial projectsDemonstrated experience leading technical teams and managing engineers, commissioning personnel, or field staffProven experience with project budgets, forecasting, resource planning, and financial managementDemonstrated ability to manage project performance against budget, schedule, scope, and client expectationsStrong client-facing experience with the ability to communicate effectively with senior client stakeholdersExperience managing relationships with owners, contractors, engineering consultants, vendors, and other project stakeholdersDemonstrated ability to lead complex projects from planning through execution, commissioning, turnover, and closeoutStrong mechanical engineering and systems knowledgeAbility to troubleshoot complex mechanical and controls-related issuesAbility to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, P&IDs, equipment documentation, submittals, and controls sequencesStrong understanding of construction and commissioning processesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong organizational, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environmentAbility and willingness to work on-site in the Santa Clara, California area Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical discipline; extensive relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degreeCxA, CCP, BCxP, or other relevant commissioning certification is a plusPrevious leadership experience within semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or high-technology construction environmentsExperience with project financial management, forecasting, and cost-control systemsExperience with Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud/BIM 360, Bluebeam, CxAlloy, Facility Grid, or similar project platformsOSHA 10/30 or equivalent construction safety training Compensation & Benefits Base Salary: $150,000–$180,000, depending on experience and qualificationsComprehensive benefits packageLong-term opportunity within FST’s growing engineering and commissioning organization Location & Work Requirements This is an on-site leadership position based in the Santa Clara, California area. Travel may be required based on project and client requirements. FST Technical does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future. Powered by JazzHR Eef0h7ngHE