Lead Commissioning Engineer – Semiconductor Facilities

FST TECHNICAL SERVICES

Location
:
Santa Clara, California | On-site

Discipline
:
Mechanical & Electrical Commissioning

Travel Support
:
Full per diem and mobilization assistance available for qualified travelers

Employment
:
Full-time | Competitive compensation

FST Technical Services is seeking an experienced Lead Commissioning Engineer to direct both mechanical and electrical commissioning activities on a major semiconductor facility project in Santa Clara, CA. This on-site leader will coordinate field execution, system readiness, testing, issue resolution, documentation, and turnover across multiple disciplines. The ideal candidate has hands-on commissioning expertise and the ability to lead engineers, technicians, contractors, and vendors in a high-tech construction environment.

• Lead multidisciplinary commissioning for mechanical, electrical, controls, and supporting facility systems from construction verification through startup, functional testing, integrated testing, and turnover.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, test procedures, pre-functional checklists, functional performance tests, and system acceptance documentation.
• Coordinate daily priorities and testing windows with the owner, general contractor, trade partners, design engineers, equipment vendors, and operations teams.
• Oversee mechanical systems including HVAC, cleanroom air handling, chilled/process cooling water, exhaust, pumps, and associated controls.
• Oversee electrical systems including medium-/low-voltage distribution, switch gear, transformers, UPS, generators, emergency power, and related controls as applicable to project scope.
• Validate interfaces between mechanical, electrical, BAS/BMS, and facility monitoring systems; support integrated systems testing.
• Lead field commissioning personnel, assign tasks, review deliverables, and provide technical troubleshooting and mentorship.
• Identify, log, prioritize, and drive closure of deficiencies, punch items, and commissioning-related issues.
• Confirm testing is performed safely, with appropriate permits, isolation/LOTO procedures, and approved methods.
• Report commissioning progress, risks, schedule impacts, and system readiness to project leadership and client stakeholders.

• 5+ years of commissioning/startup experience in semiconductor, data center, pharmaceutical, or similarly complex industrial facilities; demonstrated lead experience required.
• Working knowledge of BOTH mechanical and electrical building/facility systems, including cross-discipline integration and functional testing.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, electrical single-line diagrams, controls sequences, and equipment specifications.
• Experience planning field tests, directing contractors and vendors, managing deficiencies, and preparing commissioning records.
• Strong communication, leadership, safety awareness, scheduling, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work on-site in Santa Clara and meet project-specific site access and safety requirements.
• Engineering degree or equivalent relevant technical experience.

• Semiconductor fabrication plant (FAB), cleanroom, or high-tech manufacturing project experience.
• Experience with L1–L5 commissioning processes or equivalent phased commissioning methodology.
• Experience with BAS/BMS, electrical protection and controls, process utilities, and integrated systems testing.
• Professional Engineer (PE), commissioning certification, or relevant trade/technical credentials.

Ability to navigate active construction areas, stand and walk for extended periods, use stairs and ladders as required, and…