Job descriptionJob Type: Full Time |
Location: Houston |
Department: Engineering |
Reporting to: VP of Mechanical Innovation |
Work Location Type: #hybrid
The Mechanical Engineer in Training will support IREN's Innovation engineering team across the full arc of a data center mechanical system: design development alongside the Project Engineers, submittal and RFI review during construction, and the field during commissioning when the plant is first run against its design intent. The role is built to produce an engineer who has seen the same chilled water system on paper, in a submittal, in a trench, and under test - and understands why each version differs.
This is a development role with real responsibility. The Engineer in Training works under the direction of senior and licensed engineers who review the work and are accountable for it, but the calculations, field observations, submittal reviews, and tools produced are expected to be used. The role also carries a distinct mandate: build AI-assisted tools that take repetitive engineering tasks off the team, treating fluency with current tools as an asset the team is hiring for.
Job requirements - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited) with the FE exam passed; or degree completed with the FE passed within 12 months of hire; or equivalent relevant field experience in mechanical construction, commissioning, or plant operations.
- 0-3 years of experience; internship, co-op, or field experience in HVAC, mechanical construction, commissioning, or data center / industrial facilities preferred.
- Working knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and HVAC fundamentals; ability to read mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and specifications; proficiency in Excel. Exposure to Revit or AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and hydronic calculation tools preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to build useful tools with Python or similar scripting, large language model APIs, and workflow automation platforms such as Power Automate; a portfolio of personal, academic, or work projects is welcome.
- Comfortable in the field: active construction sites, mechanical rooms, rooftop equipment, and extended hours during commissioning events. OSHA 10 preferred or obtained on hire.
- Clear written communication - field reports, submittal comments, and RFI responses a contractor can act on without a follow-up call.
- Travel to IREN sites approximately 30-40 percent, with extended stays during commissioning.
Other important requirements
- Pre-employment screening, including background check and substance testing may be required according to company policies.
- Must provide own steel-toed work boots; other PPE will be supplied.
- Must be able to reliably commute to the work site daily or have plans to relocate before starting work.
Job responsibilities Design Support & Field Observation- Support Project Engineers in developing mechanical designs for chilled water plants, dry coolers, air handling, piping, and controls interfaces - performing load, flow, pressure drop, and equipment selection calculations under their direction and documenting assumptions.
- Prepare and maintain calculation packages, equipment schedules, and design narrative sections, checking vendor data against the owner design basis and flagging where a selection does not meet it.
- Conduct field observations at IREN sites during construction, recording installed conditions against the design, photographing deviations, and issuing written observation reports the Project Engineer can act on.
Submittals, RFIs & Construction Documentation- Perform first-pass technical review of mechanical submittals - equipment, piping, insulation, and controls components - against the specifications and design basis, documenting deviations and preparing review comments for Project Engineer approval.
- Support the RFI process: research the design intent, draft responses with sketches or calculations where required, and prepare them for Project Engineer review so the field is not waiting on engineering.
Commissioning Support- Review proposed commissioning test documents - pre-functional checklists, functional and integrated systems test scripts, and acceptance criteria - against the design documents and sequences of operations, and provide written feedback to the Commissioning team.
- Observe major tests in the field - pipe flushing and cleanliness verification, pressure testing, chiller and pump start-up, functional performance tests, and integrated systems tests - and raise deviations from design intent as they occur.
- Carry test observations back to the Project Engineers so design issues surfaced during commissioning are resolved in the design basis rather than only in the field. Test documentation remains with the Commissioning team.
AI Tools & Workflow Automation- Develop AI-assisted tools - using large language model APIs, scripting, and workflow automation platforms - that take repetitive tasks off the team: submittal screening against specifications, RFI drafting, meeting minutes and action logs, and field report assembly.
- Structure the team's specifications, design basis documents, and project records so they can be reliably retrieved and reasoned over by these tools, and keep them current as the documents change.
- Validate tool output against engineer review before it is relied on, document the limits of each tool plainly, and fix or retire tools that produce errors rather than letting them accumulate.
Engineering Fundamentals & Professional Development- Build working command of IREN's master specifications, design basis, and standard mechanical topologies, and of the governing standards - ASHRAE 90.4, ASHRAE TC 9.9 thermal guidelines, ASME B31.9, and ASHRAE Guideline 0 and Standard 202 for commissioning.
- Progress toward PE licensure under licensed engineers; IREN supports exam preparation and records qualifying experience from the first day.
- Take on scope beyond this description as capability is demonstrated; the role is expected to grow into a Project Engineer position.
Metrics & Outcomes- Submittal first reviews and draft RFI responses delivered within project deadlines; field observation reports issued within two business days of the site visit; AI tools adopted by the team, measured in engineer hours removed from repetitive tasks.
Job benefits At IREN, we offer a comprehensive, market-competitive total rewards package designed to support employees' well-being, career advancement, and financial wealth. Our offerings reflect our commitment to Proceed with Purpose while rewarding high performance and long-term growth.
Compensation
- The expected hourly rate for this role starts at $40.00 USD.
- Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications.
- Overtime compensation for non-exempt workers for hours worked over 40 per week
- Relocation and Living-out-allowance (as applicable and based on successful candidate circumstances)
Health & Wellness
- 100% company paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependents
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) - when combined with the High-Deductible Health Plan
- Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
Retirement & Financial Wealth
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid professional development and access to financial planning and legal services
Time Off & Leave Programs
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
Growth & Development
- Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related training
Community & Culture
- Company events and team-building activities
We value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you're passionate about this role, we want to hear from you - whether you meet every criteria or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need!
