Quality Assurance - Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Quality Assurance – Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME)

FusionIRX | Boise, Idaho | On-Site | Contract Position

Industry: Semiconductor Manufacturing / Advanced Technology Facilities
Department: Quality Assurance (QA)
Discipline: Mechanical
Position Level: Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Location: Boise, Idaho – 100% On-Site
Employment Type: Independent Contractor (1099)

Position Overview

FusionIRX is seeking an exceptional, highly experienced Quality Assurance – Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our elite team supporting the construction of a large-scale, state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facility in Boise, Idaho.

We are looking for a recognized leader in the mechanical construction and quality assurance field with substantial experience overseeing complex mechanical systems within semiconductor fabrication facilities, advanced manufacturing environments, or similarly sophisticated, mission-critical projects.

The QA Mechanical SME will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for providing independent quality assurance oversight of mechanical construction activities, equipment installation, system integrity, testing, and readiness for commissioning and operational turnover.

This position requires exceptional technical knowledge, sound professional judgment, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to identify and resolve complex mechanical quality issues before they impact project safety, performance, schedule, or operational reliability.

At FusionIRX, we hire the best of the best. We seek accomplished professionals who have demonstrated excellence throughout their careers and possess the personal character to match their technical expertise. Our team members are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, ethics, accountability, professionalism, and respect for others.

If you are a recognized leader in mechanical construction and quality assurance who takes pride in doing things right the first time and wants to work alongside equally accomplished professionals, we invite you to join FusionIRX.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mechanical Quality Assurance & Technical Oversight

• Provide senior-level quality assurance oversight of mechanical construction, installation, inspection, testing, and turnover activities.
• Verify mechanical installations conform to approved engineering drawings, project specifications, manufacturer requirements, applicable codes, and established quality standards.
• Review mechanical construction quality plans, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), inspection procedures, and acceptance criteria.
• Monitor quality performance across mechanical contractors, subcontractors, and equipment suppliers.
• Perform field surveillance and independent quality verification of mechanical installations.
• Identify deficiencies, nonconformances, installation discrepancies, and potential equipment reliability concerns.
• Evaluate proposed corrective actions and verify satisfactory resolution of deficiencies.
• Ensure mechanical quality documentation accurately reflects completed work and verified conditions.
• Support quality audits, technical evaluations, and construction readiness assessments.

2. Mechanical Systems Quality Assurance

Provide technical quality oversight for mechanical infrastructure supporting semiconductor manufacturing operations, including applicable systems such as:

HVAC & Environmental Control Systems

• Air Handling Units (AHUs).
• Make-Up Air Units (MAUs).
• Exhaust systems and associated ductwork.
• Cleanroom airflow and environmental control systems.
• Temperature and humidity control infrastructure.
• Chilled water and condenser water distribution.
• Heating water and heat transfer systems.
• Air filtration systems, including HEPA/ULPA installations where applicable.
• Mechanical ventilation and pressure control systems.

Central Utility & Mechanical Plant Systems

• Chillers and cooling towers.
• Pumps and pumping systems.
• Heat exchangers.
• Mechanical equipment skids.
• Boilers and heating equipment.
• Compressed air and associated utility systems.
• Mechanical equipment supports and vibration isolation.
• Utility piping, valves, strainers, and specialty mechanical components.

Mechanical & Process Support Infrastructure

• Process cooling water systems.
• Industrial water and wastewater mechanical systems.
• Process exhaust and abatement support systems.
• Mechanical piping systems and associated equipment.
• Equipment connections and mechanical interfaces.
• Applicable high-purity mechanical systems and process utility installations.

The SME will evaluate installation quality, material compliance, workmanship, equipment condition, system configuration, and adherence to approved engineering requirements.

3. Mechanical Installation Inspection & Verification

• Verify mechanical equipment installation against approved drawings, submittals, and manufacturer requirements.
• Review equipment placement, alignment, anchorage, supports, and accessibility.
• Inspect piping installation quality, routing, supports, labeling, and material identification.
• Verify applicable welding, brazing, joining, and mechanical connection requirements.
• Review piping pressure test records, leak test documentation, flushing records, and cleaning procedures.
• Evaluate ductwork installation, sealing, insulation, supports, and mechanical integrity.
• Verify equipment installation tolerances, alignment, and vibration isolation requirements.
• Review installation and testing requirements for mechanical valves, pumps, motors, and associated equipment.
• Coordinate with construction teams to address installation deficiencies before systems progress to subsequent work phases.

4. Quality Control Programs & Contractor Oversight

• Review contractor quality control plans and verify alignment with project-specific quality requirements.
• Evaluate the adequacy of contractor inspection and testing processes.
• Review inspection reports, test packages, and quality documentation submitted by mechanical contractors.
• Conduct independent field surveillance to confirm work meets established standards.
• Monitor contractor performance and identify recurring quality deficiencies.
• Coordinate resolution of nonconformance reports (NCRs) and corrective actions.
• Support root cause analysis for significant or repeated quality issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve construction quality and reduce rework.
• Provide clear technical recommendations to construction management and project leadership.

5. Welding, Piping & Mechanical Integrity

• Verify compliance with applicable piping and mechanical installation codes, including relevant ASME requirements.
• Review welding procedures, welder qualifications, and inspection records where required.
• Coordinate with qualified welding inspectors and Nondestructive Testing (NDT) personnel.
• Verify completion and documentation of required weld inspections and testing.
• Review hydrostatic, pneumatic, and other approved pressure test records.
• Evaluate piping installation and mechanical integrity requirements.
• Verify material traceability and compliance with approved specifications where applicable.
• Review pressure boundary documentation and resolve outstanding mechanical quality concerns.
• Identify conditions that may compromise system performance, cleanliness, or reliability.

6. Commissioning Readiness & System Turnover

• Provide quality assurance support throughout mechanical system completion and commissioning readiness.
• Verify installation completeness before mechanical systems are released for pre-commissioning and commissioning activities.
• Review mechanical completion packages and system turnover documentation.
• Verify that required inspections, testing, and corrective actions are complete.
• Participate in system walkdowns and construction-to-commissioning transition reviews.
• Coordinate with commissioning teams to address mechanical deficiencies affecting startup or functional testing.
• Review applicable flushing, cleaning, pressure testing, and equipment readiness documentation.
• Support verification of mechanical system acceptance criteria.
• Ensure outstanding punch-list items are accurately tracked and appropriately resolved.
• Assist with the final transfer of completed mechanical systems to commissioning and facility operations.

7. Documentation, Reporting & Quality Metrics

• Review and verify mechanical inspection records, test reports, material certifications, and quality turnover packages.
• Monitor nonconformance reports, deficiency logs, and corrective action status.
• Evaluate redline drawings, as-built documentation, and approved engineering changes.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and objective quality assurance reports.
• Communicate mechanical quality risks and unresolved technical concerns to project leadership.
• Monitor quality performance indicators such as:
• First-pass inspection acceptance rates.
• Mechanical installation deficiency trends.
• Rework frequency and severity.
• NCR closure rates.
• Inspection and testing completion.
• Mechanical completion readiness.
• Outstanding punch-list items.
• System turnover documentation completeness.
• Identify opportunities to improve installation quality, inspection efficiency, and contractor performance.

8. Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Verify mechanical construction and inspection activities comply with applicable safety requirements and project procedures.
• Support compliance with relevant OSHA requirements, mechanical codes, ASME standards, applicable SEMI standards, and project specifications.
• Identify quality deficiencies that could create operational or personnel safety risks.
• Coordinate with construction safety personnel regarding potential mechanical hazards.
• Escalate critical safety and quality concerns immediately.
• Verify that high-risk testing activities follow approved procedures and authorization requirements.
• Exercise stop-work authority in accordance with project procedures when unsafe conditions are identified.
• Maintain a proactive approach to mechanical system reliability and long-term operational performance.

9. Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a trusted technical authority for complex mechanical quality issues.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction management, mechanical contractors, QA/QC, commissioning teams, safety personnel, and owner representatives.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior quality personnel and other project professionals.
• Participate in technical coordination meetings, inspection reviews, and deficiency resolution discussions.
• Communicate complex technical issues clearly and professionally.
• Demonstrate the ability to make objective, fact-based recommendations supported by technical evidence.
• Maintain professional independence when assessing installation quality and compliance.
• Promote mutual respect, accountability, and collaboration across project teams.
• Lead by example through technical excellence, ethical behavior, and sound professional judgment.

Required Qualifications

Professional Experience

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical construction, quality assurance, quality control, engineering, or commissioning within complex industrial or advanced manufacturing environments.
• 10+ years of directly relevant mechanical quality assurance or quality control experience preferred, including substantial responsibility for large-scale construction projects.
• Extensive experience supporting semiconductor fabrication facilities, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical facilities, data centers, or similarly complex mission-critical projects.
• Proven experience serving in a Senior Mechanical SME, Lead Mechanical QA/QC, Mechanical Quality Manager, Mechanical Construction Manager, or equivalent senior technical position.
• Demonstrated expertise in mechanical systems installation, inspection, testing, quality verification, and construction-to-commissioning turnover.
• Significant experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical construction specifications, approved drawings, material requirements, and installation standards.
• Proven ability to identify complex quality deficiencies and develop effective corrective action recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience with contractor quality oversight, quality documentation, and nonconformance resolution.
• Excellent technical communication, documentation, and problem-solving abilities.

Technical Expertise

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

• Mechanical construction quality assurance and inspection.
• HVAC systems and cleanroom environmental infrastructure.
• Industrial chilled water and cooling water systems.
• Mechanical utility plants and equipment.
• Mechanical piping and process support systems.
• Pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and associated equipment.
• Piping installation, pressure testing, flushing, and cleaning.
• Welding procedures, qualifications, inspections, and applicable NDT processes.
• Mechanical equipment alignment, supports, and vibration isolation.
• Quality Control Plans and Inspection and Test Plans.
• Nonconformance reporting and corrective action verification.
• Mechanical construction completion and commissioning readiness.
• Construction drawings, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and installation documentation.
• System turnover documentation and final quality acceptance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline, OR an equivalent combination of extensive industry experience and technical qualifications.
• Direct experience on large-scale semiconductor FAB construction projects.
• Experience with cleanroom HVAC, critical mechanical utilities, and complex process support infrastructure.
• Familiarity with applicable ASME, SMACNA, ASHRAE, ASTM, and SEMI standards.
• Relevant quality certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or other recognized technical credentials.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification or relevant piping inspection experience is advantageous.
• Experience working with major EPC firms, mechanical contractors, and semiconductor manufacturing owners.
• Familiarity with Procore, Bluebeam, CxAlloy, and other construction quality and commissioning management platforms.
• Demonstrated experience supporting fast-track, technically demanding construction programs.
• Strong understanding of quality performance metrics, inspection management, and continuous improvement processes.

Professional Character & Leadership Expectations

Exceptional Technical Expertise

We seek a recognized leader who has dedicated their career to mastering the mechanical construction and quality assurance disciplines.

The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency, substantial hands-on experience, and the ability to provide authoritative guidance on highly complex projects.

Uncompromising Integrity & High Moral Standards

FusionIRX places tremendous importance on professional character.

We expect our professionals to demonstrate honesty, strong ethical principles, high moral standards, fairness, and personal accountability in every aspect of their work.

Our SMEs must be willing to identify deficiencies, raise difficult issues, and stand behind objective technical findings, even when doing so presents challenges.

Quality, safety, and integrity are never negotiable.

Respect, Humility & Professionalism

We believe that the most accomplished professionals combine confidence in their abilities with genuine humility and respect for others.

Every FusionIRX team member is expected to treat colleagues, contractors, clients, and project personnel with courtesy, dignity, kindness, and professionalism.

We value individuals who communicate respectfully, remain approachable, and recognize the contributions of others.

Ownership & Accountability

Our SMEs take responsibility for their decisions, communicate transparently, follow through on commitments, and maintain high standards under demanding project conditions.

We seek professionals who demonstrate sound judgment, reliability, and a consistent commitment to delivering excellent results.

Leadership by Example

True leadership is demonstrated through character, actions, and the ability to positively influence others.

We value individuals who mentor others, share their expertise, maintain composure under pressure, and lead with integrity.

Work Environment & Position Requirements

• Must be available to work 100% on-site in Boise, Idaho.
• Must be comfortable working in an active, large-scale semiconductor manufacturing construction environment.
• Ability to perform field inspections, participate in technical meetings, and support mechanical system readiness reviews.
• Ability to interpret detailed mechanical drawings, technical specifications, and inspection documentation.
• Must comply with applicable project safety, security, quality, and site-access requirements.
• Flexibility to support critical project milestones, inspection schedules, and system turnover activities.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to maintain objective quality assurance oversight in a fast-paced construction environment.

Why Join FusionIRX?

Come Work With the Best.

At FusionIRX, we have a simple philosophy: Hire the best of the best, surround them with other exceptional professionals, and never compromise on integrity.

We believe that technical expertise is essential, but character is equally important.

Our professionals are recognized for their substantial experience, exceptional knowledge, strong work ethic, high ethical and moral standards, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.

We take pride in cultivating a team where accomplished professionals work together with mutual respect, accountability, and a shared dedication to excellence.

As a member of FusionIRX, you will have the opportunity to:

Collaborate with some of the industry's most accomplished mechanical and construction professionals.

Contribute to the delivery of a significant, state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facility.

Apply your expertise to sophisticated mechanical infrastructure and quality challenges.

Work alongside individuals who share your commitment to safety, quality, professionalism, and integrity.

Be part of an organization that values technical mastery, ethical conduct, personal accountability, and respect for others.

Make a meaningful contribution to the quality, reliability, and successful delivery of critical manufacturing infrastructure.

If you are a recognized leader in mechanical quality assurance, have substantial experience, uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, and want to work alongside others who share those values, we invite you to join FusionIRX.