Commissioning Engineer I

QTS Data Centers•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Commissioning Engineer I oversees and documents Level 3, 4, and 5 commissioning of base-building systems and components in data center environments. The work includes testing and validating connectivity, network infrastructure, security, life-safety systems, building subsystems and finishes, transformers, electrical switchgear, UPS, STS, PDUs, other electrical distribution equipment, chillers, water-loop components, and cooling-distribution equipment. The role also serves as a project manager and liaison to cross-functional teams and contractors. The position supports construction and commissioning schedules that may include nights or weekends and is a platform role requiring an estimated 75% travel to other sites around the United States. The engineer helps coordinate construction and installations, develops and carries out commissioning plans and tests, tracks and resolves issues, maintains commissioning records, witnesses equipment testing, and supports safe integration of systems without disrupting operational areas. The role also supports quality control, develops and tests site-specific operating and emergency procedures with facilities operations, trains end users and maintenance personnel, and carries out approved maintenance through QTS change-management processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Seven or more years of work experience in data center engineering, commissioning, project management, or equivalent.
Background in building maintenance, CCTV and access control systems, network, telecommunications, and/or fire detection or suppression systems.
Ability to travel to other data center locations as required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
U.S. citizenship is required by law for this position due to federal customer contracts.
Ability to analyze system operations, determine causes of problems and malfunctions, and take corrective action.
Ability to acquire and apply job-related knowledge within established guidelines and expectations.
Ability to develop solutions and create technical plans for projects.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to function in a team environment.
Computer skills and familiarity with MS Office, Outlook, and web-based computer applications.
Ability to perform frequent typing, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, and lifting; regularly lift up to 50 pounds, with heavier items handled with other people or lifting aids.

Nice To Haves

Firm understanding of mechanical and electrical equipment, systems, and design related to data centers.
Knowledge of electricity and medium- to low-voltage electrical distribution systems.
Experience with emergency backup systems, including generators, UPS, and battery backup.
Experience with mechanical cooling solutions such as chillers, CRAH, CRAC, pumps, and heat exchangers.
Knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance, single-line drawings, critical scripted work, and sequences of operation.

Responsibilities

Assist with site construction activities and installations in coordination with the QTS Development Team and external construction resources, ensuring system design, installation, and testing adhere to operational standards.
Develop commissioning plans for Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 base systems, including connectivity, network infrastructure, security, life safety, and other building subsystems and finishes.
Conduct commissioning activities to verify systems are installed, tested, and validated according to industry standards and client specifications.
Identify, track, and resolve commissioning issues with the project team, and provide findings and feedback to the program management team to support continuous improvement.
Create or review commissioning documentation, including test procedures, reports, and as-built documentation.
Witness equipment testing and validate sequences of operation and receipt of operational documentation.
Collaborate with design engineers, project managers, contractors, commissioning agents, and facilities operations to integrate systems without affecting operational portions of a campus or building.
Implement quality-control measures during construction and commissioning in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Develop and test site-specific standard operating procedures, methods of procedure, and emergency response procedures with facilities operations.
Train end users and maintenance personnel in the operation and maintenance of commissioned systems.
Use the Change Management Process to obtain approval for preventive and corrective maintenance, perform and complete the maintenance, and document it using QTS processes and software.