Lead Commissioning Engineer – Semiconductor Facilities

FST Technical Services, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem for travel

Mobilization assistance

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k)

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

FST Technical Services is seeking a Lead Commissioning Engineer to direct mechanical and electrical commissioning on a major semiconductor facility in Santa Clara, CA. This on-site leadership role involves coordinating field execution, test procedures, documentation, and turnover across multi-disciplines.

The ideal candidate has hands-on commissioning experience, can lead engineers, technicians, contractors, and vendors in a high-tech construction environment, and is able to ensure safety and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commissioning/startup experience in semiconductor facilities or similarly complex environments.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and electrical diagrams.
• Experience directing contractors and vendors, managing deficiencies, and preparing commissioning records.
• On-site Santa Clara, CA work with adherence to safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary commissioning for mechanical, electrical, controls, and supporting facility systems from verification through startup and turnover.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, test procedures, and functional performance tests.
• Coordinate priorities and testing windows with owner, GC, trade partners, design engineers, equipment vendors, and operations teams.
• Oversee mechanical systems (HVAC, cleanrooms, water systems, pumps, controls) and electrical systems (MV/LV distribution, switchgear, UPS, generators).
• Validate interfaces between mechanical, electrical, BAS/BMS, and facility monitoring systems; support integrated testing.
• Lead field commissioning personnel, assign tasks, review deliverables, and mentor staff.
• Identify, log, prioritize, and close deficiencies and punch items.
• Ensure testing is performed safely with permits and LO/TO procedures.
• Report progress, risks, and readiness to project leadership and client stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Reading P&IDs and drawings

Cross-discipline coordination

Project planning & testing

Communication

On-site work

Engineering degree or equivalent

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

BAS/BMS systems

Electrical protection and controls

Job description

FST TECHNICAL SERVICES

Lead Commissioning Engineer – Semiconductor Facilities

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

Position Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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, switchgear, 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Physical Requirements

Ability to navigate active construction areas, stand and walk for extended periods, use stairs and ladders as required, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Must be able to wear site-required PPE and perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience.
• Full per diem and mobilization assistance for qualified traveling resources.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits; 401(k); paid time off and holidays, subject to plan and eligibility terms.
• Opportunity to contribute to a major semiconductor construction project.

About FST Technical Services

FST Technical Services delivers quality assurance, quality control, commissioning, and technical services to semiconductor, life sciences, data center, and other advanced manufacturing projects. FST is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

Salary range: $130,000 to $180,000