Senior MEP Project Manager - Special Construction

Samet's Charlotte office is seeking a MEP technical expert who can manage the complete lifecycle of highly complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in mission-critical environments. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in data center and/or healthcare construction where 24/7/365 uptime is non-negotiable. Responsibilities span from pre-construction and design-assist through commissioning and turnover of technically demanding projects.

The Role

As a Senior MEP Project Manager for Special Construction, you will be the main point of accountability for the successful delivery of our most technically demanding projects. This is not a standard commercial construction role. You are an MEP expert first and a project manager second.

You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of complex MEP systems, from pre-construction and design-assist to energization, commissioning, and turnover. You must have a profound understanding of the non-negotiable demands of 24/7/365 operational environments and the specific intricacies of data center and or healthcare construction.

Core Responsibilities

• Leadership: Provide single-point leadership for all MEP-related activities, serving as the primary expert and point of contact for the owner, engineers, design partners, and specialty trade partners.
• Pre-Construction & Design: Lead MEP design-assist, value engineering, and constructability reviews. Develop and manage detailed MEP budgets and schedules, identifying long-lead equipment and critical path risk.
• Financial Management: Manage all financial aspects of the MEP scope ($50M+), including cost control, change order management, and monthly forecasting.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to system integration, operational shutdowns, energization, and commissioning.
• Technical Coordination: Support the BIM/VDC coordination process, ensuring all systems are 100% clash-detected and coordinated for pre-fabrication and installation.
• Commissioning & Quality: Oversee the entire QA/QC program and manage the commissioning (Cx) process, from factory witness tests to functional performance testing and Integrated Systems Testing (IST).
• Safety & Compliance: Champion a zero-incident safety culture with a heightened focus on the unique risks of critical environments (e.g., arc flash, energization protocols, infection control).

Required Qualifications & The Intricacies We Value

This role requires proven expertise in the unique challenges of data centers OR healthcare. Experience in both is highly preferred.

• 10+ years of project management experience, with at least 5 years in a lead role managing large, complex MEP scopes (MEP values of $50M+).
• Expert-level understanding of project controls, scheduling (P6), cost management, and contract negotiation.
• Verifiable project experience in at least one of the following:
• Data Center Intricacies:
• Deep understanding of electrical redundancies (N, N+1, 2N), UPS systems, PDUs, and generator paralleling gear.
• Expertise in advanced cooling systems, including chilled water, CRAC/CRAH units, air/water-side economizers, and containment strategies.
• Proven experience managing Level 4 and Level 5 Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and ensuring 100% uptime during cutovers.
• Healthcare Intricacies:
• Mastery of construction in active medical facilities, including rigorous implementation of Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) and Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM).
• Expert knowledge of critical healthcare systems: medical gas (MedGas), nurse call, normal vs. essential power (ATS), and sophisticated HEPA filtration/air-change requirements.
• Experience managing complex phasing and shutdowns to ensure zero disruption to patient care.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASHE Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC)
• Data Center Certification (e.g., CDCEP, ATS)
• Experience with large-scale modular/pre-fabricated MEP systems
• Valid Driver's License

Samet is a leader in construction and real estate development services headquartered in Greensboro, NC, with a market focus on Commercial, Industrial, Healthcare, Education, and Multi-Family Housing. Founded in 1961, Samet is an ENR Top 400 Contractor, with offices located in Greensboro, Charlotte, Wilmington, & Raleigh, NC, Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. Our projects are found throughout NC, SC, GA and VA.

As a Member of the Samet Team, you can expect:

• Generous Paid Time off
• Parental leave
• Comprehensive Benefits Coverage: HSA & Traditional
• Great Team & Culture Environment
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Rewards
• 401K with company match
• Long and short term disability

EOE

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