Commissioning Engineering Leader-AI Data Centers

Kimmel & Associates • Atlanta, GA

1d

About The Position

The Commissioning Engineering Leader will serve as the owner's technical authority for commissioning across a national portfolio of AI data centers with on-site battery energy storage. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, this leader will build the owner's commissioning program from the ground up and lead commissioning on site, from factory acceptance testing through Commercial Operation Date (COD). The facilities include hub, satellite, and spoke locations, and the position involves 50–70% national travel. The role offers the opportunity to build and lead the commissioning program for a national AI data center rollout.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• At least 7 years of data center commissioning experience.
• Led at least one Tier III or Tier IV data center from SAT through IST to COD.
• Authored IST scripts and conducted integrated failure-mode testing, rather than only executing others' checklists.
• Hands-on experience with switchgear, UPS, generators, chilled water or precision cooling, and BMS/EPMS.
• Mission-critical data center commissioning experience; commercial, office, healthcare, or HVAC-only backgrounds will not be considered.
• Ability and willingness to travel 50–70% nationally.

Nice To Haves

• BESS commissioning experience, including LFP batteries, inverters, and protection relay testing.
• Liquid cooling, CDU, or direct-to-chip commissioning experience.
• CxA, ASHRAE commissioning, or NETA certification.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Uptime Institute Tier Certification experience (ATS or ATD).

Responsibilities

• Develop the owner's commissioning standard, including commissioning plans and integrated systems testing (IST) protocols for each facility type: hub, satellite, and spoke.
• Witness factory acceptance testing (FAT) of switchgear, UPS, generators, chillers, CDUs, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) before equipment ships.
• Lead site acceptance testing (SAT) and integrated systems testing (IST), including power-on, redundancy, and failure-mode testing of N+1/2N systems.
• Oversee building management system (BMS) and electrical power monitoring system (EPMS) integration and testing.
• Commission battery energy storage systems and direct liquid cooling systems, including CDU and cold-plate systems.
• Drive punch lists to closure and issue COD readiness certification for each facility.
• Support Uptime Institute Tier Certification efforts.
• Direct general contractors, MEP subcontractors, OEMs, and third-party commissioning agents on site.
• Travel 50–70% to active construction and commissioning sites nationally.

Benefits

• $165,000–$230,000 base salary, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Annual bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Travel expenses fully covered.
• Opportunity to build and lead the owner's commissioning program for a national AI data center rollout.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior