Commissioning Engineer

FST Technical Services•Arlington, VA

23h•$100,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

FST Technical Services is seeking a Professional Engineer-licensed Commissioning Engineer to support complex building and industrial systems projects in Northern Virginia. The role focuses on commissioning, functional performance, and integration of mechanical, electrical, controls, and life-safety systems. The successful candidate will understand how individual equipment and interconnected systems operate together to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient facilities. The position involves planning and executing commissioning activities; verifying installation, startup, operation, and interoperability against design intent; reviewing technical documents; troubleshooting system interfaces; coordinating corrective actions and retesting; and evaluating system performance, reliability, optimization, and energy efficiency. The engineer will work with owners, contractors, design engineers, trade partners, vendors, and facility operations teams, and maintain issue logs and commissioning reports. Work takes place in active construction and operational facility environments, with possible indoor and outdoor site work. The role requires extended walking and standing, navigating stairs and ladders, accessing mechanical and electrical areas, wearing required PPE, and lifting up to 25 pounds as needed. FST describes itself as a growing technical services organization supporting sophisticated facilities and critical infrastructure, offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Requirements

Active Professional Engineer (PE) license; ability to obtain Virginia licensure by comity/reciprocity if required for the assignment.
At least 3 years of direct, hands-on commissioning experience with commercial, industrial, or mission-critical building systems.
At least 5 years of total relevant experience in commissioning-related engineering, construction engineering, industrial engineering, commercial construction engineering, or a closely related technical field; commissioning experience may count toward the total.
Demonstrated ability to manage or oversee interconnected mechanical, electrical, and building automation systems; read technical drawings and troubleshoot sequences of operation.
Experience coordinating field activities with contractors, engineers, and facility stakeholders.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred; extensive relevant field engineering experience may be considered instead, provided PE licensure and experience requirements are met.

Nice To Haves

Commissioning experience on data centers, large commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or other mission-critical projects.
Experience leading multi-discipline commissioning activities and integrated systems testing.
Knowledge of ASHRAE commissioning guidance, applicable codes, construction turnover, and operational readiness.
Strong documentation, communication, and technical problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute commissioning activities, including commissioning plans, checklists, functional performance testing (FPT), integrated systems testing (IST), and final documentation.
Verify installation, startup, operation, and interoperability of HVAC, building automation, electrical distribution, and life-safety systems against design intent and sequences of operation.
Evaluate pumps, fans, motors, air ventilation systems, chillers, boilers, steam distribution, heat absorption/thermal systems, and associated controls.
Review design drawings, specifications, submittals, control diagrams, and sequences of operation; identify commissioning risks and performance deficiencies.
Troubleshoot system interfaces, coordinate corrective action with contractors and design teams, and retest to verify resolution.
Assess building performance, system optimization, operational reliability, and energy-efficiency opportunities.
Coordinate with owners, general contractors, trade partners, design engineers, equipment vendors, and facility operations teams; maintain issue logs and deliver clear commissioning reports.