Commissioning Authority (MEP)

Interface Engineering, Inc.; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employee Ownership (ESOP)

Robust benefits (401(k), medical/dent/

Generous PTO

Volunteer time

Career development

Job summary

Interface Engineering, Inc. is seeking a Commissioning Authority (MEP) in Oakland, CA, offering a hybrid schedule with at least 2 days in-office. The firm operates as a 100% employee-owned ESOP, emphasizing collaboration from home and flexible growth opportunities.

The role focuses on designing and executing commissioning plans, energy audits, and project management for HVAC systems. Strong field and documentation skills are essential, with travel up to 40% supported as needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in building commissioning, mechanical design, test & balance, or programming of HVAC controls.
• Strong knowledge of building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and direct digital control systems.
• Excellent time management and communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of construction documents, including drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Performing design reviews.
• Submitting design reviews for approval.
• Developing commissioning specifications, pre-functional checklists, and functional performance tests.
• Conducting energy audits and retro-commissioning.
• Manage commissioning projects for small and medium sized projects.

Skills

HVAC controls

Building systems knowledge

Time management

Communication skills

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Project management

Field work

Travel readiness

Education

BS in mechanical engineering

2 years experience in mechanical startup/test & balance

Job description

Interface Engineering, Inc.

Join a People-First, Employee-Owned Firm That's Redefining Flexibility and Growth

Commissioning Authority (MEP) – Oakland, CA (Hybrid)

Interface Engineering Inc.

At Interface Engineering, we believe your career should be as dynamic and rewarding as the projects you support. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we are proud to offer our Collaboration from Home policy—giving you the flexibility of a hybrid schedule (2 days in-office minimum) while staying connected to a team that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Why Interface?

We're not just engineers—we're collaborators, mentors, and trailblazers in high-performance design. Our Pathway to Leadership program offers a transparent, personalized roadmap for career advancement, empowering you to grow in the direction that excites you most.

Our Culture

Interface has the company culture and work environment you have been seeking! You'll find a workplace with a culture of fun, superior work/life balance benefits, expansive personal development opportunities, innovative technology, and great relationships. You'll work alongside MEP industry leaders who will help you develop your own thriving career path. Our work takes us around the globe and on a steady growth curve. Our success and innovation are powered by people like you!

Our Core Values:

• We are Conscientious.
• We are Empowered.
• We are Respectful.
• We are Transformative.
• We are Resilient.

Key Responsibilities:

As an Interface Engineering Commissioning Authority, your responsibilities will include (but may not be limited to):

• Performing design reviews.
• Submitting design reviews for approval.
• Developing commissioning specifications, pre-functional checklists, and functional performance tests.
• Conducting energy audits and retro-commissioning.
• Manage commissioning projects for small and medium sized projects.

What You'll Bring:

Required:

• 3+ years' experience in building commissioning, mechanical design, test & balance, or programming of HVAC controls.
• Strong knowledge of building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and direct digital control systems.
• The physical ability to conduct field work including climbing ladders, walking on roofs, and maneuvering through construction sites in a safe manner.
• Excellent time management and communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of construction documents, including drawings and specifications.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving aptitude.
• A strong work ethic and the ability to manage multiple projects within their allocated budget.
• Experience in functional testing of pumps, chillers, cooling towers, boilers, air handling systems, radiant floors, venturi valves, fume hoods, lighting controls, backup power systems.
• Experience in developing project specific commissioning plans, pre-functional checklists, and functional performance tests.
• Willingness to travel out of the Oakland/San Francisco metro area (overnight to conduct field work) up to 40% of the time.

Preferred:

• A BS degree in mechanical engineering; or a minimum of 2 years' experience in the field of mechanical startup, test & balance, direct digital controls, energy management, and commissioning will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• PE License (or interest to obtain licensing).
• Commissioning certification from BCxA, ACG, or ASHRAE or interest in obtaining within 6-12 months of employment.
• Previous experience in retro-commissioning and energy audits.
• Experience in the commissioning of laboratories, office buildings, higher education, mission critical, K-12, and other commercial facilities.
• Experience with other building systems such as backup power, fire alarm, security systems, energy metering, and photovoltaic energy systems.
• Experience in HVAC design is beneficial but not required.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE Standard 90.1, California Title 24, and Washington State Energy Codes.

What You'll Love

• Competitive Pay: $75,000 to $125,000 annual salary and conditional bonus
• Employee Ownership: Build equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Robust Benefits: 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life & disability insurance, transportation benefits...and more!
• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and company closure to clients from Christmas to New Year's
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Paid volunteer time and a commitment to social equity
• Career Development: Work alongside industry leaders and access continuous learning opportunities

Ready to grow with us?

If you are looking for a role where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference—

Social Equity:

Interface is committed to social equity within our walls and in our communities. We are a diverse, inclusive, and responsible firm. Interface provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classifications.We support local business and seek to partner with small and minority-owned firms on our projects. Our staff is empowered to design community service programs (e.g., clean up beaches, serve meals at shelters, tutor school-aged children, etc.) – using paid volunteer time.

Please note: H1-B visa sponsorship or transfer is not approved for this position.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.