Mechanical Subject Matter Expert

LotusWorks; Medford (MA); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Life, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability

Training and Education Assistance

401k Retirement Plan

Extra Annual Leave with Years of Servi

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Recognition Rewards

Project stipend program

Job summary

LotusWorks is seeking a senior Mechanical Subject Matter Expert to provide end-to-end mechanical leadership for quality and commissioning in mission-critical facilities. You will guide field teams, review drawings, and ensure systems operate safely and reliably through construction, commissioning, startup, and handover.

The role requires deep hands-on knowledge of HVAC, chilling plants, hydronics, BMS integration, and extensive field leadership across multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Journeyman or Master Pipefitter license preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in mission-critical facilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the mechanical SME for quality and commissioning within mission-critical facilities.
• Provide technical leadership across the project lifecycle from construction to turnover.
• Assess mechanical systems (HVAC, chillers, pumps, hydronic and cooling systems) and identify risks and deficiencies.
• Review P&IDs, mechanical drawings, submittals, and specifications to ensure compliance.
• Apply mechanical codes and standards (ASHRAE, IMC, NFPA, ASME) throughout execution.
• Lead commissioning, flushing, testing, startup, and turnover activities.
• Communicate findings and risks effectively with clients and teams.

Skills

HVAC systems

Piping & hydronics

BMS/BAS integration

P&ID interpretation

Root cause analysis

Commissioning leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Journeyman or Master Pipefitter license

Job description

The Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a senior technical leader responsible for providing mechanical expertise across quality and commissioning activities within mission-critical facilities. The ideal candidate brings a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical systems operate as an integrated facility, along with the field leadership and project experience needed to support successful execution from construction and installation through startup and final handover. This role works closely with clients, contractors, vendors, engineers, commissioning teams, and operations personnel to identify risks, resolve technical challenges, and drive projects toward successful completion.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the mechanical subject matter expert for quality and commissioning activities within mission-critical facilities.
• Provide technical leadership across the project lifecycle, including construction, mechanical installation, quality assurance, commissioning, startup, and handover.
• Assess mechanical systems and associated infrastructure, including chillers, cooling towers, CRAH/CRAC units, air handlers, pumps, hydronic and condenser water systems, liquid cooling and CDUs, fuel systems, plumbing, and fire protection, to quickly understand how systems operate, interact, fail, and recover.
• Apply expert knowledge of mechanical systems and associated infrastructure to support project execution, quality, commissioning, and operational readiness.
• Evaluate system operation, control philosophies, redundancy, failure modes, and sequences of operation, including BMS/BAS integration, to identify technical risks and deficiencies.
• Review and interpret P&IDs, mechanical flow diagrams, control schematics, equipment submittals, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
• Apply applicable mechanical codes, standards (including ASHRAE, IMC, NFPA, and ASME), project specifications, and industry best practices throughout construction, installation, commissioning, and turnover activities.
• Identify technical risks, deficiencies, and potential system issues and develop practical solutions to address them.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical system issues, perform root cause analysis, and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Data-mine drawings, specifications, vendor documentation, historical records, commissioning data, TAB reports, and other available information to identify and resolve technical challenges.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and lead mechanical commissioning, flushing and cleaning, pressure testing, startup, functional testing, integrated systems testing, and turnover activities.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to field teams, contractors, vendors, and other project stakeholders.
• Coordinate multiple teams throughout project execution while maintaining focus on safety, quality, schedule, and successful system delivery.
• Support the identification, tracking, resolution, and closure of technical issues and deficiencies.
• Communicate technical findings, risks, recommendations, and solutions effectively with clients, contractors, vendors, engineers, and operations teams.
• Support successful system handover by ensuring mechanical systems are properly tested, balanced, documented, and prepared for operational use.
• Demonstrate ownership of technical challenges and drive issues through to successful resolution.
• Any other duties or responsibilities that may be assigned to you in your role.

Skills Required:

• Expert knowledge of mechanical systems and associated infrastructure within mission-critical facilities, including HVAC, cooling plants, hydronics, liquid cooling, and building automation.
• Strong understanding of how mechanical systems operate and interact as an integrated facility, including interfaces with electrical and controls systems.
• Deep understanding of system operation, control philosophies, redundancy, failure modes, and sequences of operation.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical flow diagrams, control schematics, equipment submittals, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable mechanical codes, standards, project specifications, and industry best practices.
• Advanced troubleshooting, analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to quickly assess unfamiliar facilities, identify risks and deficiencies, and develop practical technical solutions.
• Strong ability to research and analyze drawings, specifications, vendor documentation, historical records, commissioning data, and other technical information.
• Proven ability to lead commissioning, startup, testing, and turnover activities.
• Strong field leadership and team coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, contractors, vendors, engineers, and operations teams.
• Demonstrated leadership, ownership, accountability, and ability to drive issues to closure.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with a consistent focus on safety, quality, and schedule.

Education / Licenses / Certifications:

• Journeyman or Master Pipefitter, Steamfitter, or HVAC Mechanical license preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in mission-critical facilities preferred.
• Proof of education, licenses, and certifications will be required where applicable.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Training and Education Assistance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Extra Annual Leave with Years of Service
• Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Recognition Rewards

Project Stipend: In addition to the hourly rate, candidates will receive a $4,000 project stipend every three months, plus a $6,000 completion stipend at the end of the project.