Senior Mechanical Advisor

At Strategic Mission Critical, we specialize in engineering mission-critical facilities with precision and expertise. Our leadership team brings decades of experience, delivering robust, reliable solutions to data center providers worldwide. As demand for high-performance infrastructure grows—driven by AI and digital expansion—SMC leads through technical rigor and operational excellence. We seek leaders who elevate people, process, and performance across the firm.

About the role

This role sits within our Commissioning & Operations Advisory (CxOA) team, focusing on overseeing the commissioning process during construction through advisement for critical mechanical infrastructure operation. You’ll work directly with contractors, vendors, commissioning agents, client operations teams, and ownership groups to ensure mechanical systems are installed correctly, tested properly, and functioning to design intent for live operation. This is a highly technical, field-focused role responsible for troubleshooting complex mechanical systems issues, driving commissioning execution, and serving as a technical leader onsite.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and provide technical guidance to contractors, vendors, commissioning agents, and client teams throughout project execution
• Drive commissioning processes, schedules, deliverables, startup activities, and testing execution
• Review and analyze mechanical testing and commissioning documentation including TAB reports, commissioning reports, and O&M procedures
• Support startup, testing, and troubleshooting activities for critical mechanical infrastructure including water and airside HVAC systems, plumbing systems, fire protection systems, and fuel oil systems
• Perform technical analysis of mechanical systems operation versus design intent and identify system performance or efficiency issues
• Inspect mechanical installations to verify compliance with project requirements and quality standards
• Participate in field walks, site observations, commissioning meetings, and onsite operation activities
• Lead and mentor junior engineers, consultants, and project teams while coordinating multiple active projects simultaneously
• Travel to project sites as needed to support commissioning efforts and field execution (approximately 40-60% travel)

Requirements

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in commissioning, field engineering, mechanical infrastructure, or related construction/operations environments, including mission critical or data center experience
• Experience supporting mission critical/data center infrastructure environments required
• Experience leading commissioning processes, startup/testing activities, or operational readiness efforts for complex mechanical systems
• Strong knowledge of mission critical mechanical infrastructure including water and airside HVAC systems, plumbing systems, fire protection systems, and fuel oil systems
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical systems and resolving operational or commissioning-related issues in field environments
• Familiarity reviewing mechanical testing and commissioning documentation including TAB reports, commissioning reports, or O&M procedures
• Experience with building automation controls and monitoring systems
• Experience working in construction, commissioning, field execution, and live operational environments while coordinating contractors, vendors, commissioning agents, and client teams
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Mission critical or data center experience
• Experience reviewing drawings, specifications, submittals, and field installation documentation
• Experience with commissioning and construction management platforms such as CxAlloy, BIM360, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or Helix
• Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, MET, or related technical background
• PE or EIT certification path is a plus
• Experience with Bluebeam and Microsoft Office tools

Pay

Base Compensation: $150,000 - $250,000 Annually. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skills, and location.

Benefits

• 36-hour standard work week, hybrid working arrangement
• 13 paid holidays
• 100% coverage of medical, health, and dental insurance premiums for full-time employees
• Subsidized spouse and family insurance premiums
• Reimbursement of professional licensing costs
• Employer-sponsored life and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with annual safe harbor contribution