Commissioning Engineer

Vertex Innovations•Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Commissioning Engineer leads commissioning activities on mission-critical data center construction projects, coordinating planning, staffing, scheduling, quality, safety, and testing throughout the commissioning phase. The role ensures work follows approved procedures and equipment performance meets design requirements. Working with internal teams, consultants, general contractors, equipment manufacturers, and commissioning agents, the engineer plans, schedules, and executes Level 1 through Level 5 commissioning and supports transition to facility operations teams. The position requires strong knowledge of MEP systems, schedule and risk analysis, and project documentation through closeout. The Commissioning Engineer manages end-to-end commissioning delivery for new and expansion projects; reviews designs, submittals, startup procedures, and commissioning plans; monitors subcontractor work; and coordinates project schedules, risks, deficiencies, and closeout documentation. The position is based at active data center construction projects and requires travel to project sites for assignments, potentially up to 100%. Night and weekend testing support and extended hours during critical project phases are expected. Vertex Innovations provides construction oversight, QA/QC, commissioning support, and technical program management for hyperscale, enterprise, and telecom clients. The company describes its values as integrity, accountability, commitment, respect, performance, and urgency, and states that it provides equal employment opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least 5 years of experience leading commissioning on mission-critical facilities.
Experience developing, implementing, and overseeing commissioning plans, scripts, and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of mission-critical construction technology, equipment, materials, and methods.
Well-rounded knowledge of MEP systems and construction processes across all trades, including means and methods, installation procedures, and tolerances.
Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS), including environmental controls, and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS).
Experience with access control and CCTV systems.
Experience in construction cost forecasting, accrual reporting, pay applications, construction scheduling, and planning.
Deep understanding of project management principles and best practices.
Knowledge of NETA guidelines and standards.
Ability to interpret contract documents, Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), drawings, specifications, system schematics, sequences of operation, MEP scopes of work, and project schedules.
Proficiency with Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 and schedule assessment methods such as the DCMA 14-Point Assessment.
Proficiency with web-based project management systems and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Strong performance management skills and ability to ensure tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Excellent time management and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to explain analytical concepts to clients, team members, and non-technical stakeholders.
Growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
Ability to travel up to 100% to data center project sites for the duration of assignments as required.
Ability to support night-shift and weekend testing events.
Ability to work extended hours during critical project phases, particularly around energization, Integrated Systems Testing (IST), turnover, and closeout.
Ability to work at active data center construction projects in construction and industrial environments, including exposure to extreme heat and cold, high winds, dust, vibration, high noise, energized electrical systems, and rotating machinery.
Ability to remain on foot and mobile for most of the day and walk extended distances across large sites, including uneven and unfinished terrain.
Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and fixed access points; ride construction personnel hoists; access roofs, mezzanines, catwalks, and elevated platforms; and work from lifts and scaffolding with fall protection.
Ability to enter and work in confined and restricted spaces and self-extract from a confined space in an emergency.
Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, twist, and reach overhead to inspect equipment.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds frequently, and to carry inspection equipment and documentation throughout the shift.
Sufficient vision, hearing, and situational awareness to read drawings and instrument displays, receive communications and alarms in high-noise conditions, and respond to changing site conditions and emergencies.
Successful completion of a background check and drug testing.
Active U.S. driver’s license; regular driving is an essential job function.
Legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Professional development and certification reimbursement opportunities are offered.

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end commissioning processes and delivery on construction projects to satisfy Owner requirements and support transition to facility operations teams.
Manage site-specific Level 1 through Level 5 commissioning processes for new and expansion projects.
Lead project-specific multidisciplinary commissioning plans, including review and verification of system design, installation, functional performance, and reliability.
Review project submittals, including vendor and consultant startup and commissioning procedures.
Enforce Owner practices among the commissioning team, subcontractors, and equipment vendors to support safety and performance.
Coordinate with general contractors, equipment manufacturers, commissioning agents, and internal teams to create and integrate startup and commissioning schedules into overall project schedules.
Analyze project schedules and provide monthly reports identifying potential delays, critical path impacts, and optimization opportunities.
Develop risk assessment models and identify factors that may affect project budgets and schedules.
Monitor performance against schedule targets with project managers, contractors, and the broader project team, identifying opportunities for improvement.
Establish collaborative working relationships with architects, engineers, trade partners, and facility operations teams.
Manage commissioning project RFP processes from creation through award.
Participate in or facilitate onboarding of commissioning-related trade partners, vendors, and consultants.
Review design documents and specifications for compliance with Owner standards and requirements.
Participate in design and construction reviews and provide technical input on cost-effective and schedule-efficient construction methods.
Monitor electrical, mechanical, fire alarm, fire protection, and controls subcontractors for schedule management and conformance to contract documents.
Manage commissioning documentation and record-keeping for equipment and materials on construction projects.
Facilitate weekly meetings with vendors, trade partners, and commissioning agents to review punch-list and open items through resolution.
Establish and manage a punch-list prevention plan and track commissioning deficiencies with the project team.
Oversee development and population of project closeout documentation.
Perform other related duties as assigned.