Energization Engineer – Mechanical Subject Matter Expert

Energization Engineer - Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME)

FusionIRX · Boise, United States · Contract · Posted 2026-11-11

Workplace: on_site

Department: Construction Management

Description

FusionIRX is seeking an exceptional, highly experienced Energization Engineer – Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide technical leadership, engineering oversight, and coordination of mechanical system energization, startup, and operational readiness activities for a large-scale, state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication manufacturing construction project.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical engineering, industrial mechanical systems, process utilities, construction, commissioning, and system startup, with extensive expertise in complex mechanical infrastructure supporting semiconductor manufacturing or similarly demanding mission-critical environments.

The Mechanical Energization Engineer SME will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for developing, reviewing, coordinating, and overseeing mechanical system energization strategies, procedures, readiness assessments, and initial startup activities.

For this position, mechanical energization refers to the controlled introduction or restoration of pressure, flow, thermal energy, stored mechanical energy, and operational power into mechanical systems and equipment, including the initial startup and activation of critical facility utilities.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in verifying that newly constructed mechanical infrastructure is properly installed, inspected, tested, cleaned, and technically prepared for safe introduction of energy and transition into operational service.

This position requires exceptional mechanical engineering expertise, comprehensive knowledge of pressurized systems and process utilities, strong problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to coordinate multiple contractors, engineering disciplines, commissioning teams, and facility operations personnel in a fast-paced, schedule-driven construction environment.

At FusionIRX, we hire the best of the best. We seek highly accomplished professionals who combine exceptional technical expertise with uncompromising integrity, high ethical and moral standards, accountability, professionalism, and genuine respect for others.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mechanical Energization Engineering & Technical Leadership

Serve as the senior technical resource responsible for engineering readiness, planning, and coordination of mechanical system energization and startup activities throughout the construction and commissioning lifecycle.

• Develop, review, and coordinate comprehensive mechanical energization plans, procedures, and startup strategies.
• Provide technical oversight for introducing pressure, flow, thermal energy, and mechanical operation into newly constructed facility systems.
• Establish technical prerequisites and system readiness criteria before mechanical energization and startup.
• Evaluate mechanical system designs, configurations, and operating requirements to identify energization concerns.
• Coordinate staged mechanical system activation based on construction completion, testing readiness, system dependencies, and operational requirements.
• Review system boundaries, pressure ratings, equipment limitations, valve configurations, and operating sequences.
• Coordinate mechanical energization planning with construction management, mechanical engineering, commissioning, QA/QC, Energy Marshals, EHS, and owner representatives.
• Review construction completion status, inspection records, equipment readiness, test results, and outstanding deficiencies.
• Identify potential mechanical hazards, equipment protection concerns, and operational reliability risks.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding system readiness and unresolved engineering issues.
• Support the controlled transition of mechanical systems from construction through initial operation, commissioning, and final turnover.
• Lead technical troubleshooting and coordinate resolution of complex mechanical startup issues.

2. Mechanical Systems & Critical Utility Infrastructure

Provide engineering oversight for mechanical energization and startup of critical infrastructure supporting semiconductor manufacturing operations.

Systems and equipment may include:

• Chilled Water (CHW) systems.
• Process Cooling Water (PCW) systems.
• Condenser Water (CW) systems.
• Heating Hot Water (HHW) systems.
• Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) generation and distribution.
• Industrial water and domestic water systems.
• Cooling towers and associated distribution systems.
• Chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, and circulation equipment.
• Compressed Dry Air (CDA) systems.
• Plant compressed air and instrument air systems.
• Nitrogen generation and distribution systems.
• Vacuum and process vacuum systems.
• Steam and condensate systems.
• Industrial Wastewater Treatment (IWT) systems.
• Acid Waste Neutralization (AWN) systems.
• Process piping and utility distribution networks.
• Specialty gas and process chemical support systems.
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Air-handling units, exhaust systems, and critical ventilation equipment.
• Cleanroom environmental control infrastructure.
• Mechanical utilities supporting semiconductor manufacturing equipment and tool hook-ups.

Responsibilities include:

• Review and interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), mechanical flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and system layouts.
• Evaluate mechanical system configurations and interconnected utility networks before startup.
• Verify equipment ratings, design pressures, temperatures, flow requirements, and operating limitations.
• Review installation and testing records for mechanical systems and equipment.
• Coordinate readiness of upstream and downstream mechanical infrastructure.
• Evaluate the effects of introducing flow, pressure, temperature, or equipment operation on interconnected systems.
• Identify deficiencies or configuration conflicts that could compromise safe mechanical energization or reliable operation.

3. Pre-Energization Readiness Assessments

Lead and participate in comprehensive mechanical readiness assessments to verify that systems are technically prepared for startup and introduction of operational energy.

• Develop and review mechanical pre-energization inspection checklists and readiness requirements.
• Conduct system walkdowns with mechanical construction, commissioning, QA/QC, EHS, and facility operations personnel.
• Verify construction completion against approved engineering drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Review pressure testing, leak testing, inspection, cleaning, flushing, and other system preparation records.
• Verify that piping systems and equipment have satisfied applicable inspection and testing requirements.
• Evaluate mechanical equipment installation, alignment, lubrication, supports, and manufacturer startup requirements.
• Review the status of temporary piping connections, test equipment, construction blinds, and system modifications.
• Verify that system isolation boundaries and operating configurations are documented.
• Confirm availability of required instrumentation, pressure monitoring, temperature monitoring, and control devices.
• Review outstanding punch-list items, deficiencies, nonconformances, and incomplete construction activities.
• Evaluate potential hazards associated with stored pressure, trapped fluids, thermal expansion, and unexpected equipment movement.
• Coordinate resolution of mechanical energization readiness deficiencies.
• Document readiness findings and provide technical recommendations during formal system release meetings.

Mechanical systems shall not be recommended for energization until applicable engineering, construction, testing, safety, and operational readiness requirements have been satisfied. Unresolved safety-critical deficiencies must be corrected before system release.

4. Mechanical Pressurization, Startup & System Activation

Provide engineering oversight and technical coordination of initial mechanical system pressurization, equipment startup, and operational activation.

• Develop and review mechanical startup sequences and system activation procedures.
• Coordinate initial introduction of fluids, gases, and operational pressure into mechanical systems.
• Review controlled filling, venting, purging, pressure stabilization, and circulation requirements.
• Coordinate startup of pumps, compressors, chillers, cooling towers, and other mechanical equipment.
• Evaluate equipment startup prerequisites, protective devices, operating limits, and manufacturer recommendations.
• Review operating sequences involving valves, control devices, actuators, and pressure regulation equipment.
• Identify potential hydraulic shock, water hammer, pressure surges, cavitation, or thermal shock conditions.
• Evaluate system response during initial pressurization and flow establishment.
• Monitor technical startup observations and evaluate abnormal operating conditions.
• Coordinate troubleshooting of leakage, vibration, excessive pressure differential, unstable flow, or equipment performance problems.
• Support system balancing, flow verification, and performance stabilization activities.
• Coordinate corrective actions before systems proceed to subsequent commissioning phases.
• Support post-startup inspections and verification of operational performance.

Physical equipment operation, valve manipulation, pressure release, and system activation shall be performed only by designated, qualified, and authorized personnel in accordance with approved project procedures. The Energization Engineer provides technical oversight and engineering coordination within their assigned authority.

5. Mechanical Pressure Testing & System Integrity Verification

Provide technical evaluation of mechanical system testing and integrity requirements associated with energization readiness.

• Review hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing procedures.
• Evaluate applicable test pressure requirements, system design limitations, and acceptance criteria.
• Coordinate with qualified mechanical testing contractors and inspection personnel.
• Review pressure test boundaries, equipment protection measures, and temporary test arrangements.
• Verify completion of required pressure and leak testing documentation.
• Evaluate test results and identify unresolved mechanical integrity concerns.
• Review mechanical system cleaning, flushing, and blowdown documentation where applicable.
• Verify completion of required pipe inspection and testing records.
• Evaluate outstanding leaks, equipment deficiencies, and pressure containment concerns.
• Support corrective action resolution and retesting requirements.
• Review applicable manufacturer testing and equipment startup records.
• Ensure pressure testing documentation supports mechanical system acceptance and release for operation.

6. Mechanical Energy Isolation & Hazardous Energy Control Coordination

Work closely with the Mechanical Energy Marshal SME, Electrical Energy Marshal SME, EHS personnel, and designated facility authorities to ensure energization activities are coordinated with established hazardous energy control requirements.

• Review mechanical energy hazards associated with planned startup and pressurization activities.
• Coordinate technical requirements with mechanical LOTO and energy isolation procedures.
• Evaluate system isolation boundaries and potential stored-energy conditions.
• Identify risks associated with pressure, temperature, rotating equipment, gravity, and automatic equipment operation.
• Review potential backflow, trapped pressure, residual energy, and system cross-connection conditions.
• Coordinate with the Mechanical Energy Marshal regarding isolation release and system status changes.
• Review mechanical and electrical isolation interfaces for powered mechanical equipment.
• Support risk assessments and pre-energization safety reviews.
• Verify that appropriate personnel protection measures, access restrictions, and operating boundaries are established.
• Coordinate technical readiness requirements with authorized personnel responsible for isolation removal and system activation.
• Identify conflicting construction, maintenance, or commissioning activities that may affect system energization.
• Escalate unresolved hazardous energy concerns immediately.
• Exercise stop-work authority in accordance with established project procedures.

7. Semiconductor Manufacturing & High-Purity Process Infrastructure

Provide specialized mechanical energization expertise for critical systems supporting semiconductor fabrication and manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate mechanical energization requirements for cleanroom and semiconductor process utility infrastructure.
• Review startup procedures for UPW, PCW, CDA, nitrogen, vacuum, and other critical facility utilities.
• Evaluate cleanliness, contamination control, pressure stability, and operational readiness requirements.
• Coordinate utility availability with semiconductor manufacturing equipment installation and tool hook-up milestones.
• Review process piping system configurations and operating requirements.
• Evaluate potential effects of pressure, flow, temperature, or equipment startup on sensitive manufacturing infrastructure.
• Support readiness reviews for high-purity piping and distribution systems.
• Coordinate with specialty gas, chemical distribution, and process piping SMEs regarding system activation requirements.
• Evaluate system dependencies affecting cleanroom environmental conditions.
• Review process utility performance requirements and operational limits.
• Support safe introduction of utilities to manufacturing equipment in accordance with approved interface and startup requirements.
• Coordinate technical resolution of deficiencies affecting utility readiness.
• Assist facility operations and commissioning teams in achieving stable, reliable utility service.

Introduction of hazardous gases, chemicals, and other specialized process materials must be governed by approved procedures, specialized system expertise, and the appropriate facility and EHS authorizations.

8. Mechanical & Instrumentation and Controls Integration

Coordinate with Instrumentation & Controls (I&C), Facility Monitoring and Control Systems (FMCS), Building Management Systems (BMS), and automation specialists to verify proper integration of mechanical equipment and associated control systems.

• Review mechanical equipment monitoring and control interfaces.
• Coordinate verification of instrumentation, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow meters, and associated devices.
• Review control valve operation, actuator functionality, and system control sequences.
• Verify documentation associated with equipment status, alarms, permissives, and protective interlocks.
• Coordinate startup testing for pumps, compressors, chillers, and automated utility systems.
• Review mechanical equipment interfaces with PLC, BMS, FMCS, and SCADA systems.
• Support verification of automatic operating sequences and emergency shutdown functions.
• Evaluate potential consequences of automation failures or unintended control commands.
• Participate in integrated systems testing.
• Coordinate troubleshooting of mechanical and controls interface discrepancies.
• Verify completion of required functional testing before final system acceptance.

9. Commissioning, Functional Testing & Operational Readiness

• Coordinate with the Commissioning Manager and Mechanical Commissioning SMEs to establish system energization priorities.
• Participate in commissioning planning, sequencing, and scheduling activities.
• Review mechanical commissioning plans and functional performance testing requirements.
• Support equipment startup and initial operational testing.
• Evaluate mechanical system performance during initial energization and commissioning.
• Coordinate troubleshooting of abnormal equipment operation or unstable system performance.
• Review performance data, testing results, and system deficiencies.
• Support integrated utility and facility system testing.
• Verify documentation associated with commissioning completion and system readiness.
• Participate in system acceptance inspections and operational readiness reviews.
• Support the controlled transition of mechanical infrastructure from construction through commissioning to facility operations.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding system acceptance and operational readiness.

10. Mechanical System Integration & Cross-Discipline Coordination

• Coordinate mechanical energization activities with electrical, I&C, process piping, QA/QC, and construction management teams.
• Identify mechanical startup activities requiring electrical equipment readiness.
• Review power availability and motor control dependencies affecting mechanical equipment.
• Coordinate with the Electrical Energization Engineer regarding power distribution readiness for critical mechanical systems.
• Review control system requirements affecting equipment startup and operation.
• Identify conflicts between construction completion, energization schedules, and commissioning milestones.
• Evaluate interfaces between mechanical utilities and automated facility systems.
• Coordinate system boundaries and responsibilities across construction packages.
• Support resolution of technical conflicts involving multiple contractors and engineering disciplines.
• Facilitate multidisciplinary readiness meetings and startup planning discussions.
• Ensure critical system interfaces are verified before operational activation.

11. System Turnover & Transition to Operations

• Support mechanical system turnover planning and operational acceptance requirements.
• Review mechanical completion documentation and energization readiness records.
• Verify completion of required testing, inspection, and startup documentation.
• Coordinate resolution of outstanding mechanical deficiencies and punch-list items.
• Review final operating configurations, approved engineering changes, and as-built documentation.
• Support transfer of mechanical system status and operating responsibility to designated facility personnel.
• Review Operations & Maintenance (O&M) documentation and applicable equipment startup records.
• Assist with technical handover meetings and system acceptance inspections.
• Verify that turnover packages contain appropriate mechanical energization and operational readiness records.
• Support development of lessons learned and improvement recommendations for subsequent system startups.

12. Documentation, Reporting & Technical Compliance

• Develop, review, and maintain mechanical energization plans, procedures, and readiness documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of system status, construction completion, and outstanding deficiencies.
• Review mechanical testing records, pressure test reports, commissioning documentation, and manufacturer startup requirements.
• Track energization milestones and critical system dependencies.
• Review mechanical P&IDs, equipment drawings, redlines, and as-built documentation.
• Document technical deficiencies, corrective actions, and unresolved engineering concerns.
• Prepare mechanical energization readiness reports and status updates.
• Communicate technical risks, schedule constraints, and system readiness concerns to project leadership.
• Support audits and reviews associated with mechanical energization activities.
• Utilize project management and commissioning platforms such as Procore, Bluebeam, CxAlloy, and other project-specific systems.
• Ensure documentation supports commissioning completion and system turnover.

13. Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a trusted senior technical resource for complex mechanical energization and startup challenges.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction management, QA/QC, commissioning, Energy Marshals, EHS, and owner representatives.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced engineers and commissioning personnel.
• Lead technical reviews and participate in multidisciplinary coordination meetings.
• Identify project risks, engineering conflicts, and mechanical startup constraints.
• Provide practical, technically sound recommendations to project leadership.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, specialized mechanical contractors, and technical service providers.
• Communicate complex mechanical engineering issues clearly and professionally.
• Maintain accountability for assigned mechanical energization responsibilities.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, technical independence, and a commitment to safe system delivery.

Required Qualifications

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical engineering, industrial mechanical systems, process piping, mechanical construction, system startup, or commissioning.
• Minimum 5 years of directly relevant experience in mechanical system startup, pressurization, commissioning, utility activation, or mechanical operational readiness.
• Extensive experience with industrial mechanical systems, critical process utilities, and complex piping networks.
• Demonstrated expertise in mechanical energization planning, readiness verification, and startup.
• Significant experience supporting large-scale semiconductor fabrication facilities, advanced manufacturing plants, data centers, pharmaceutical facilities, petrochemical facilities, or similarly complex mission-critical environments.
• Proven experience in a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Energization Lead, Mechanical Commissioning Lead, Mechanical Startup Engineer, or equivalent technical leadership capacity.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical equipment, process piping, pressurized utilities, rotating machinery, and industrial facility systems.
• Experience reviewing mechanical drawings, P&IDs, pressure testing records, equipment specifications, and commissioning documentation.
• Demonstrated understanding of mechanical system configurations, startup sequences, and hazardous energy control interfaces.
• Extensive experience evaluating system readiness, equipment performance, and mechanical construction completion.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve complex mechanical engineering and commissioning issues.
• Experience coordinating multiple mechanical contractors, engineering disciplines, and commissioning activities.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership in a fast-paced, safety-critical construction environment.

Technical Expertise

Candidates must demonstrate advanced knowledge in several of the following areas:

• Mechanical system startup and energization.
• Industrial piping and pressurized utility systems.
• Hydrostatic and pneumatic testing.
• Pressure boundary integrity and mechanical system verification.
• Pumps, compressors, chillers, and rotating equipment.
• Mechanical equipment alignment, startup, and operational performance.
• Flow distribution, pressure regulation, and system balancing.
• Critical process utility infrastructure.
• Mechanical system flushing, cleaning, and contamination control.
• UPW, PCW, CDA, and other semiconductor facility utilities.
• Mechanical system isolation and hazardous energy control.
• Stored pressure, hydraulic, pneumatic, and thermal energy hazards.
• P&IDs, mechanical schematics, equipment specifications, and system drawings.
• Instrumentation, automation, and mechanical equipment controls.
• Mechanical pre-energization readiness assessments.
• Functional performance testing and integrated systems testing.
• Mechanical commissioning documentation and operational turnover.
• Complex mechanical troubleshooting and technical problem resolution.

Codes, Standards & Regulatory Knowledge

Strong working knowledge of applicable mechanical engineering, construction, and safety requirements, including:

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 – Safety and Health Regulations for Construction.
• Applicable OSHA hazardous energy control requirements.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 – Control of Hazardous Energy, where applicable to general industry operations or relevant project transition activities.
• ASME B31.3 – Process Piping.
• ASME B31.1 – Power Piping, where applicable.
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, where applicable.
• Applicable ASHRAE standards and mechanical equipment performance requirements.
• Applicable ANSI, Hydraulic Institute, and equipment manufacturer standards.
• Relevant SEMI safety guidelines and project-specific semiconductor facility requirements.
• Applicable mechanical testing, pressure testing, and equipment commissioning requirements.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical discipline strongly preferred.
• Equivalent extensive mechanical engineering, industrial systems, and commissioning experience may be considered where permitted by applicable requirements.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety training preferred.
• Documented mechanical hazardous energy control and LOTO training.
• Relevant mechanical commissioning, industrial equipment, or process safety certifications advantageous.
• Training in pressure systems, mechanical equipment startup, and industrial utility operation preferred.
• Additional certifications related to commissioning, mechanical engineering, or project management beneficial.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of mechanical engineering, industrial construction, system startup, or commissioning experience.
• Previous experience serving as a Lead Mechanical Energization Engineer, Senior Mechanical Commissioning Engineer, Mechanical Startup Lead, or equivalent senior technical authority.
• Direct experience on large-scale semiconductor fabrication construction projects.
• Extensive experience activating critical utility systems in advanced manufacturing or mission-critical facilities.
• Strong background in PCW, UPW, CDA, nitrogen, HVAC, chilled water, and industrial process utility infrastructure.
• Experience developing or reviewing detailed mechanical startup procedures and system activation sequences.
• Experience coordinating mechanical commissioning and utility activation across large, multi-contractor construction programs.
• Familiarity with high-purity manufacturing environments and associated contamination control requirements.
• Experience coordinating system transitions from construction to commissioning and facility operations.
• Experience with process piping, fluid dynamics, rotating equipment, and mechanical system performance evaluation.
• Familiarity with Procore, Bluebeam, CxAlloy, and other commissioning or construction management platforms.
• Demonstrated success resolving complex mechanical startup and operational readiness challenges.

Professional Character & Leadership Expectations

Exceptional Technical Expertise

FusionIRX seeks recognized professionals who have dedicated their careers to mastering mechanical engineering, critical utility infrastructure, and complex industrial systems.

Our Mechanical Energization Engineer SMEs must possess exceptional technical knowledge, extensive field experience, and the judgment necessary to provide credible leadership during safety-critical system startup activities.

Uncompromising Integrity

Our professionals must demonstrate the highest ethical and moral standards.

We expect honesty, accountability, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right. Mechanical system safety and operational integrity must never be compromised for schedule pressure, convenience, or competing priorities.

Respect for Others

We believe exceptional professionals treat people exceptionally well.

Every member of FusionIRX is expected to demonstrate kindness, humility, professionalism, and genuine respect toward colleagues, clients, contractors, and project personnel.

Accountability & Professional Judgment

Mechanical Energization Engineer SMEs must take ownership of their responsibilities, communicate transparently, recognize technical risks, and provide objective, fact-based engineering recommendations.

Leadership by Example

True leadership is demonstrated through technical competence, sound decisions, personal character, and the ability to positively influence others.

We seek professionals who lead with confidence, remain approachable, willingly share their expertise, and inspire trust through their actions.

Work Environment & Position Requirements

• Must be available to work 100% on-site in Boise, Idaho.
• Must be comfortable working in an active semiconductor manufacturing construction, energization, and commissioning environment.
• Ability to conduct mechanical system walkdowns, participate in equipment inspections, and support mechanical startup coordination activities.
• Ability to interpret complex mechanical drawings, P&IDs, technical specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Must be capable of coordinating multiple contractors and technical disciplines.
• Must comply with all project-specific safety, security, quality, and site-access requirements.
• Flexibility to support critical system activation milestones, scheduled shutdowns, extended shifts, and commissioning activities.
• Ability to respond effectively to urgent technical concerns and changing project conditions.
• Must demonstrate exceptional communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Must be willing and authorized to exercise stop-work authority when safety requirements are compromised.

Why Join FusionIRX?

Come Work With the Best.

At FusionIRX, our philosophy is straightforward: Hire the best of the best, surround them with other exceptional professionals, and never compromise on integrity.

We recognize that truly exceptional professionals bring more than technical expertise. They bring experience, sound judgment, accountability, high ethical standards, and genuine respect for the people around them.

Our team consists of highly accomplished individuals who have dedicated their careers to mastering their respective disciplines.

As a FusionIRX contractor, you will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a major, state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing construction project.
• Serve in a critical mechanical engineering and system startup leadership capacity.
• Work alongside highly experienced engineering, construction, energy control, and commissioning professionals.
• Help bring complex mechanical infrastructure safely and successfully into operation.
• Influence mechanical energization and startup practices across a technically demanding, multi-contractor project.
• Apply your expertise to advanced mechanical systems and mission-critical manufacturing infrastructure.
• Be part of an organization that values technical excellence, accountability, ethical leadership, and respect for others.

If you are an accomplished Mechanical Energization Engineer with extensive critical utility and mechanical startup experience, exceptional technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and an uncompromising commitment to safety and engineering excellence, we invite you to join FusionIRX.

FusionIRX — Exceptional People. Exceptional Expertise. Uncompromising Integrity.

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