Mechanical QA/QC Engineer - London - 145433
Mechanical QA/QC Engineer – Data Centre Project, London
Location: London
Sector: Data Centre / Mission Critical
Reporting to: QA/QC Manager / Mechanical Project Manager
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical QA/QC Engineer to join the project delivery team on a large-scale, fast-track data centre project in London.
The Mechanical QA/QC Engineer will be responsible for ensuring that all mechanical installations are delivered in accordance with the approved drawings, specifications, technical submittals, project quality requirements and applicable standards.
This is a hands-on, site-based position requiring close coordination with the Mechanical Project Manager, Construction Managers, subcontractors, QA/QC team and Commissioning team.
The successful candidate will be expected to take a proactive approach to quality, inspecting works progressively during installation and driving a right-first-time approach, rather than identifying defects at the end of the construction process.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement and maintain the project Mechanical QA/QC procedures and quality requirements.
- Review mechanical drawings, specifications, approved technical submittals, manufacturers' requirements and coordinated BIM information.
- Prepare, review and manage Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), inspection check sheets and quality records.
- Carry out regular site inspections of mechanical installations and monitor subcontractor workmanship.
- Ensure installations are completed in accordance with approved construction information and project standards.
- Inspect mechanical systems including:
- CHW and glycol systems
- Pipework, valves, strainers and associated equipment
- Pumps and pressurisation systems
- CRAHs / CRACs
- AHUs and ventilation systems
- Ductwork
- Drainage and condensate systems
- Mechanical supports and secondary steel
- Insulation and identification
- BMS mechanical interfaces, sensors and controls
- Mechanical penetrations and associated firestopping
- Ensure equipment is installed in accordance with manufacturers' requirements and approved details.
- Coordinate and witness required mechanical inspections and testing.
- Witness and record activities including pressure testing, flushing, cleaning, chemical treatment, water quality testing and system integrity testing.
- Ensure required inspections and test records are completed before works are covered, insulated or progressed to the next stage.
- Raise and manage NCRs, quality observations and defects, ensuring corrective actions are completed and formally closed.
- Drive progressive snagging and de-snagging of mechanical installations.
- Monitor recurring quality issues and work with subcontractors to prevent repeat defects.
- Maintain accurate QA/QC trackers covering inspections, testing, NCRs, snags and outstanding documentation.
- Ensure redline drawings and as-built information are progressively maintained and reflect the installed condition.
- Carry out system and area walkdowns with the project team, client, consultant and commissioning representatives.
- Coordinate closely with the Commissioning team to ensure mechanical systems are construction complete and commissioning-ready.
- Verify QA/QC prerequisites prior to L2/L3 commissioning, Functional Performance Testing (FPT) and Integrated Systems Testing (IST).
- Ensure outstanding quality issues are identified early and do not impact commissioning milestones.
- Support compilation and review of test packs, commissioning records, O&M documentation, certificates and final handover information.
- Monitor the protection and preservation of completed mechanical installations and equipment through to handover.
- Produce regular quality reports highlighting outstanding inspections, defects, NCRs, documentation and risks to the programme.
Experience & Skills
The successful candidate should have:
- Previous experience as a Mechanical QA/QC Engineer, Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Supervisor on major construction projects.
- Experience working for a General Contractor / Main Contractor or major MEP contractor.
- Strong understanding of mechanical building services and critical cooling systems.
- Good knowledge of pipework, HVAC, cooling plant and associated mechanical equipment.
- Experience preparing and managing ITPs, inspection records, test packs, NCRs and quality documentation.
- Experience with pressure testing, flushing, chemical treatment and mechanical system testing.
- Strong understanding of the relationship between construction completion, QA sign-off and commissioning readiness.
- Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings, schematics, specifications and BIM/coordinated drawings.
- Good understanding of applicable UK standards and mechanical installation requirements.
- Strong organisational and documentation skills.
- Ability to challenge subcontractors constructively and drive quality close-out.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with construction and commissioning teams.
- Ability to work within a high-pressure, fast-track project environment.
Qualifications
- Appropriate CSCS card.
- SMSTS / SSSTS advantageous.
- Data centre / mission-critical experience highly advantageous.
The Mechanical QA/QC Engineer will be expected to ensure:
- Mechanical installations are inspected progressively, not only at completion.
- Works comply with approved drawings, specifications and project quality requirements.
- Inspection and testing documentation is completed contemporaneously with the works.
- Defects and NCRs are identified early and closed promptly.
- Subcontractors maintain the required workmanship standards.
- Testing and commissioning prerequisites are completed ahead of programme milestones.
- Mechanical systems are presented to the Commissioning team fully QA-complete and ready for testing.
- Snagging is progressively reduced rather than accumulated towards project completion.
- As-built and handover documentation accurately reflects the completed installation.
- Quality issues do not create avoidable delays to commissioning, FPT, IST or final handover.
This is a hands-on, site-based position. The Mechanical QA/QC Engineer is expected to be regularly inspecting installations in the field, challenging poor workmanship and driving issues to closure. The role is not intended to be predominantly desk-based or limited to the administration of QA documentation.