Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Bothell, WA

Mechanical Commissioning Engineer

Why You'll Love This Role

If you're a commissioning professional who thrives on complex, high-stakes projects and wants consistent work without the volatility that's become common in the industry this role offers a rare combination of project stability, technical depth, and career upside.

You'll work on some of the most advanced data center and AI-driven facilities in the country, supported by a deeply experienced commissioning team, robust project backlog, and leadership that values quality over shortcuts. With 65% national travel and a proven 3-weeks-on / 1-week-off rotation for data center work, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in challenging environments while maintaining balance and predictability.

Whether you're an established commissioning engineer or looking to grow into larger, more complex projects, this role offers clear paths for advancement, increasing responsibility, and higher compensation as your impact grows.

What You'll Be Doing

In this role, you'll lead and execute commissioning activities for large, complex, and mission-critical facilities, with a strong emphasis on data centers and AI infrastructure (currently 80% of project work).

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing commissioning scopes from planning through execution across multidisciplinary teams

• Leading equipment pre-startup, startup, and functional performance testing

• Developing and executing commissioning plans, SOPs, MOPs, test procedures, and reports

• Reviewing design documents, submittals, drawings, and specifications for commissioning readiness

• Performing integrated system testing, load bank testing, and system validation

• Preparing comprehensive documentation including deficiencies, recommendations, and O&M materials

• Utilizing specialized field equipment such as power quality meters, infrared cameras, data loggers, and analyzers

• Coordinating with contractors, vendors, owners' reps, and internal engineering teams

• Participating in commissioning meetings, construction coordination meetings, and daily activity reviews

• Supporting troubleshooting efforts and validating final test results

Project Types

You'll work across a diverse but highly specialized portfolio, including:

• Data Centers & AI Infrastructure (primary focus)

• Fulfillment & Distribution Centers

• Security Commissioning (office, lab, and data center environments)

• Grocery & Retail Facilities (including refrigeration systems)

• Select K–12 and higher education projects

What We're Looking For

Experience & Credentials

• Minimum 4+ years of commissioning experience (more is ideal)

• Strong background in Mechanical systems

• Prior Data Center / Mission Critical commissioning experience required

• CCP or CxA certification strongly preferred

• NFPA 70E and OSHA 10 or 30 required (can be provided post-hire for early-career candidates)

Mechanical-Specific Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in Mechanical / HVAC systems

• Mechanical equipment testing experience in critical facilities environments

• Working knowledge of ASHRAE guidelines (including TC 9.9 preferred)

• PE and/or LEED accreditation a strong plus

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred

• A/E firm experience on complex or mission-critical projects highly valued

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication (heavy documentation and client interaction)

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel (primary), Word, and Project

• Experience with CxAlloy preferred (and owner-required platforms such as AWS, Microsoft, or Meta environments)

• Ability to work independently in the field while collaborating with distributed teams

Travel & Work Structure

• 65% national travel (U.S. only)

• Data center projects typically follow a 3 weeks on / 1 week off rotation

• Time off during rotation does not impact PTO accrual

• Commissioning team is geographically distributed across the U.S., allowing for regional flexibility

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000–$160,000, based on experience

• Salaried position with bonus eligibility (more senior roles = higher bonus opportunity)

• PTO accrual based on years of experience

• 1099 structure (details on compensation approach provided during the interview process)

• All required equipment provided, including laptops (2:1), safety gear, and specialized testing tools

• Cell phone expenses reimbursed

Growth & Long-Term Opportunity

This is a role built for longevity. The organization has a strong reputation, deep backlog of work, and a track record of stability, even when others in the industry are pulling back.

Growth opportunities include

• Expanded leadership or project management responsibilities for earlier-career engineers

• Larger, more complex clients and higher-profile projects for senior professionals

• Increased compensation and bonus potential aligned with responsibility and impact