Senior Manager, Data Center Commissioning

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end commissioning strategy and execution across one or more data center projects, ensuring consistent, repeatable outcomes.
• Lead development and governance of key Cx deliverables: Cx plans, test scripts/procedures, checklists, IST plans, MOPs/SOPs, and turnover packages.
• Coordinate and drive Integrated Systems Testing (IST), including planning, prerequisites, execution oversight, defect tracking, and retest closure.
• Ensure system readiness across major infrastructure domains: MEP, EPMS, BMS/controls, generators, UPS, switchgear, chillers/cooling plants, containment, and associated alarms/monitoring.
• Manage and communicate commissioning milestones, constraints, risks, and blockers to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Oversee commissioning vendors/agents and contractors; validate quality of testing, documentation, and closeout.
• Drive a strong safety and compliance culture during test execution and energization activities.

Core Responsibilities (What You’ll Do Day-to-Day)

• Partner with Design/Engineering to ensure commissionability is built in early (sequences of operation, points lists, alarms, trending).
• Establish commissioning requirements for:
  • Factory witness testing (FWT) and FAT/SAT where applicable
  • Level 1–5 (or equivalent) commissioning stages
  • equipment start-up and functional performance testing (FPT)
  • IST and operational scenarios (failure modes, redundancy, maintenance bypass)
• Coordinate with Construction and Trades to enforce prerequisite discipline before testing (install complete, pre-functional checks, TAB complete where relevant, documentation in place).
• Lead issue management: log defects, assign owners, prioritize by risk/criticality, track to closure, and validate retests.
• Produce clear status reporting: milestone tracking, readiness dashboards, risk registers, and turnover readiness.
• Drive handover to Operations: training, spares, O&M manuals, as-builts, sequences, and acceptance criteria.
• Ensure commissioning outcomes align with owner design intent, reliability targets, and operational runbooks.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Significant experience commissioning mission-critical facilities (data centers strongly preferred), including electrical and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead commissioning through:
  • functional testing
  • IST planning/execution
  • energization and start-up coordination
  • turnover and operational acceptance
• Strong understanding of:
  • critical electrical systems (UPS, generators, switchgear, ATS/STS, grounding)
  • cooling systems (chillers/CDUs, CRAH/CRAC, pumps, heat rejection)
  • controls/monitoring (BMS, EPMS, alarms, trending)
• Experience working with contractors, commissioning agents, and vendors; ability to drive outcomes through influence.
• Strong documentation and communication skills; comfort presenting to executive and technical audiences.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes/standards and commissioning best practices (e.g., ASHRAE guidance, local AHJ requirements).
• This role is based in the El Paso, TX/Las Cruces, NM area and requires one to live in the area. Relocation assistance available. Only apply if you currently live in this area or are able to relocate permanently to the area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct commissioning experience supporting GPU/high-density or liquid-cooled data halls (CDUs, leak detection, controls integration).
• Experience commissioning hyperscale or multi-site programs with standardized Cx playbooks and repeatable processes.
• Professional certifications: CxA/CCP (commissioning), PMP, PE, LEED (as applicable).
• Experience with digital commissioning tools and platforms (e.g., field QA/QC and punch management systems).
• Strong background in operational readiness, including runbooks, MOP/SOP development, and operator training.
• Familiarity with reliability validation practices and redundancy testing (N, N+1, 2N) and maintenance bypass scenarios.

This role is based in the El Paso, TX/Las Cruces, NM area and requires one to live in the area. Relocation assistance available. Only apply if you currently live in this area or are able to relocate permanently to the area.