Mechanical Start-Up/Commissioning Specialist (Data Centers)

Jacobs; Chino (CA); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Mechanical Start-Up and Commissioning Specialist to lead and support the start-up and commissioning of HVAC and cooling systems for hyperscale data centers and enterprise facilities. You’ll develop plans, generate documents, and coordinate with OEMs and construction management.

The role requires a mechanical engineering degree and 5+ years in commissioning, with travel to client locations. Jacobs offers a hybrid work model and collaboration across a global engineering firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of Start-Up and Commissioning experience in data center or mission-critical facilities.
• Understanding of data center mechanical systems and commissioning standards.
• Willingness to travel and work at multiple client locations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Start-Up and Commissioning plans and execution strategies.
• Assist with system Start-Up and Commissioning plans for all mechanical systems.
• Create and execute Start-Up and Commissioning documents per industry best practices.
• Support safe startup of mechanical equipment and coordinate OEM service technicians.
• Facilitate start-Up team meetings and maintain action item logs.
• Coordinate with construction management and document engineering changes.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Here at Jacobs, we apply our expertise and knowledge as we look into the future with great optimism and focus. We don't settle until we give our best and know that we're making a difference.

As a Mechanical Start-Up and Commissioning Specialist, you'll join our collaborative team providing Commissioning and Start-Up services to clients in the Data Center Industry. The position provides an excellent opportunity to work for a Global Engineering Firm and support clients that operate mission‑critical infrastructure. This position shall be responsible for the development of start‑up and commissioning plans, commissioning documentation, and execution of these documents for mechanical systems, utility systems, and equipment. This role serves a diverse client base of hyperscale data centers, colocation facilities, and enterprise data center operators.

We are looking for a passionate Mechanical Start-Up and Commissioning Specialist who is driven by collaboration, exceeding expectations, and challenging the status quo.

You'll be accountable for providing mechanical start‑up services including energization, commissioning, and visual inspection of HVAC systems, cooling infrastructure, chilled water systems, air handling units, and associated mechanical utilities to our clients.

You will also be responsible for the following duties:

• Assist with project Start‑Up and Commissioning Plan and execution strategies.
• Assist with system Start‑Up and Commissioning Plans for all mechanical systems.
• Assist with generating and executing Start‑Up and Commissioning documents according to industry best practices.
• Assist with startup of mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Facilitate meetings for the start‑up Team.
• Maintain action item lists.
• Maintain engineering change control logs.
• Provide technical assistance and input.
• Coordination of OEM Service technicians as needed.
• Coordination with construction management firm as needed.
• Apply engineering knowledge of, and experience with, HVAC, chilled water systems, cooling towers, pumps, air handling units, CRAC/CRAH units, instrumentation, controls, and building automation systems to support clients.

Bring your curiosity, talent for multi‑tasking and collaboration, and extreme organizational skills and we'll help you grow, pursue and fulfil what drives you - so we can make big impacts on the world, together.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent years of experience in lieu of degree
• 5+ years of Start‑Up and Commissioning experience in the data center industry or mission‑critical facilities
• Understanding of data center mechanical systems and cooling requirements. Understanding of industry standards and best practices for mechanical commissioning
• Flexibility and willingness to travel and work at various clients' locations.

Ideally, you'll have

• Proficient with Microsoft Office – Word, Excel
• Ability to work well with diverse, multi‑disciplined groups. Ability to effectively communicate with management and fellow project team members
• Ability to negotiate and compromise with other project team members to achieve project goals
• Ability to listen and respect fellow project team member's ideas and opinions and work through conflicts or disagreements.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to a 401(k) plan, as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $102,900.00 to $141,500.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on September 29, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.