Data Center Commissioning Lead

VERNE•London, CA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Commissioning Lead (CL)will generate the commissioning strategy, planning and execution for Verne development projects from early design through testing, integrated systems validation, handover and lessons learned. This role is responsible for ensuring that commissioning is embedded into the project from the outset so that systems are designed, procured, installed, tested and handed over in a safe, structured and fully documented manner. The CL will act as Verne’s commissioning lead across multiple data center developments, coordinating internal stakeholders, design teams, general contractors, commissioning agents, specialist vendors and operations teams. This role is accountable for establishing commissioning requirements, building and managing commissioning programmes, assuring quality and driving a disciplined commissioning process that supports reliable handover to appointed operational teams. The successful candidate must be able to shape commissioning strategy during design and procurement, while also leading delivery through the full life cycle of testing and handover.

Requirements

Significant experience in commissioning leadership for mission-critical or data center projects.
Proven experience as a Commissioning Coordinator, Commissioning Lead, Commissioning Engineer or similar, with end-to-end responsibility across the commissioning life cycle.
Demonstrated experience delivering commissioning on multiple data center projects, ideally including live or phased environments.
Experience engaging in commissioning from design review onward, not only at site execution stage.
Strong experience managing commissioning contractors, third-party commissioning agents and specialist vendors.
Experience developing commissioning plans, procedures, scripts, trackers, reports and close-out documentation.
Strong experience writing procedures and leading cross-functional teams through structured test execution.
Experience with integrated systems testing, failover testing and operational handover in mission-critical environments.
Strong background in construction QA/QC and in establishing or improving quality control and assurance programmes.
Experience in energisation planning, LOTO, permit-to-work and high-risk testing environments.
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related technical discipline; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
Strong technical understanding of electrical, mechanical and controls systems in data centres.
Excellent programme and interface management.
Strong procedural writing and document control discipline.
Confident leadership in high-pressure site environments.
Strong stakeholder management across internal teams, contractors, vendors and operations.
Excellent problem-solving and fault-resolution skills.
High attention to detail and strong quality mindset.
Ability to balance strategic standards development with practical project delivery.
Clear and disciplined communication, especially around risk, readiness and escalation.
Strong commitment to safety and operational reliability.

Nice To Haves

Experience in hyperscale, colocation or other mission-critical facilities.
Experience in both contractor-side execution and owner or developer-side oversight.
Familiarity with phased handovers, live-site interfaces and customer fit-out or operational transition.
Experience with commissioning management software, digital tagging platforms or structured turnover systems.
Familiarity with FIDIC or similar major-project contractual environments.
Relevant commissioning, project management or mission-critical infrastructure qualifications are advantageous.
Formal health and safety training relevant to high-risk construction and commissioning environments is highly desirable.