Commissioning Manager

We're looking for a seasoned Commissioning Manager (Owner's Representative) to take a lead role overseeing commissioning on high-stakes, mission-critical data center projects. In this role, you'll act as the Owner's trusted authority-guiding the commissioning process from early design through final turnover, ensuring every system performs exactly as intended. #commissioning, #buildingservices, #MissionCritical, #MEP, #OwnersRep, #QAQC

This is a highly visible, high-impact position where your technical judgment, leadership presence, and decision-making will directly influence project success, operational readiness, and long-term reliability. Enjoy a rare industry advantage, this role offers straight-time overtime pay, so every extra hour you work boosts your earnings.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Own the outcome - Serve as the final voice for commissioning process and quality on complex data center builds

• Work at the cutting edge - Engage with advanced electrical and mechanical systems in mission-critical environments

• Lead without hierarchy - Influence top-tier contractors, engineers, and commissioning professionals

• Make a lasting impact - Ensure uptime, resilience, and operational excellence for critical infrastructure

• High exposure - Interface with senior leadership and shape project delivery strategy

What You'll Do

• Act as the Owner's commissioning single point of authority, providing independent oversight across design, construction, testing, and turnover

• Ensure all systems meet Owner Project Requirements (OPR), design intent, and performance standards

• Review and approve commissioning plans, test scripts, schedules, and documentation before execution

• Witness commissioning activities from installation through integrated systems testing (L2-L5)

• Identify risks early, escalate issues, and drive resolution to maintain schedule and quality

• Represent commissioning interests in project meetings and decision-making forums

• Confirm readiness for turnover, including documentation, training, and deficiency resolution

What We're Looking For

You're a confident technical leader who thrives in high-stakes environments. You bring a strong sense of ownership and aren't afraid to challenge assumptions or push for the right outcome.

• Independent thinker with strong technical judgment

• Comfortable influencing contractors, engineers, and commissioning agents

• Detail-oriented with the ability to see the big picture

• Driven by quality, uptime, and long-term operational success

• Strong communicator across both technical teams and executive stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)

• Commissioning certification preferred (ACG CxA, BCxP, CCP)

• NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 (or ability to obtain)

• PMP or Uptime Institute certifications are a plus

• Valid driver's license

• Ability to travel up to 75%

Experience

• 12+ years in commissioning, construction, or operations within critical infrastructure environments

• Experience in industries such as data centers, power generation, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, petrochemical, or similar

• Proven track record overseeing commissioning or high-reliability systems

• Hands-on exposure to startup, testing, and performance validation

• Military technical experience or equivalent high-consequence environments welcomed

Technical Responsibilities

• Oversee performance of electrical systems and testing (switchgear, UPS, generators, ATS/STS, power distribution)

• Oversee performance of mechanical systems and testing (chilled water plants, CRAH/CRAC units, building automation systems)

• Assess functional performance and integrated systems testing for completeness and accuracy

• Ensure alignment with industry standards such as ASHRAE, NFPA, and Uptime Institute guidelines

• Review system interactions, failure modes, and operational readiness scenarios

Management, Supervision, and Guidance

• Provide functional leadership across the commissioning process without direct reports

• Monitor the work of commissioning agents, contractors, and startup teams to provide backup and risk analysis for the team

• Hold all parties accountable for delivering high-quality, compliant results

• Serve as the escalation point for commissioning-related risks and decisions

Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership

• Deliver clear, timely updates on commissioning progress, risks, and outcomes

• Facilitate alignment among owners, contractors, engineers, and third-party teams

• Lead discussions that balance technical detail with business priorities

• Confidently present findings and recommendations to senior leadership

• Build strong working relationships while maintaining objective oversight

Why This Role

This is more than a commissioning role; it's a chance to shape how mission-critical facilities come to life. You'll be trusted to make decisions that directly impact system reliability, performance, and long-term success.

If you're looking for a role where your expertise is respected, your voice carries weight, and your work truly matters, this is your opportunity to lead from the front.

Why GAI?

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore anarray of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative teamthat'scommitted to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Marketbased, competitive compensation

• Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision plans

• Companypaid short-term and long-term disability

• Companypaid life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays

• Anadditionalfloating holiday-use it for what matters to you

• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match

• Tuition reimbursement
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

Bachelors of Engineering (required)

NFPA 70E (required)
Direct commissioning experience (required)
12 years: Relevant experience in Project management, Construction management, Outage management, Maintenance management, Reliability engineering
Commissioning in critical infrastructure, power generation, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or comparable industries
(required)

Project Mgmt Prof (PMP) (preferred)
Driver's License (required)
OSHA 30-Hour Construction (required)