Commissioning Engineering Leader-AI Data Centers

Kimmel & Associates • Albany, NY

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. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, this person 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 portfolio includes hub, satellite and spoke facilities, with on-site battery energy storage. The role requires 50–70% national travel. The company is seeking an experienced mission-critical professional who has led Tier III or Tier IV data centers through startup, authored integrated systems testing scripts, and wants to build rather than inherit a commissioning program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, 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 site acceptance testing through integrated systems testing to COD.
• Authored integrated systems testing 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

• Battery energy storage system 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 protocols for hub, satellite and spoke facility types.
• Witness factory acceptance testing of switchgear, UPS, generators, chillers, CDUs and battery energy storage systems before equipment ships.
• Lead site acceptance testing and integrated systems testing, including power-on, redundancy and failure-mode testing of N+1 and 2N systems.
• Oversee building management system and electrical power monitoring system 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% nationally to active construction and commissioning sites.

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