Commissioning Data Center Technician

AHA Consulting Engineers Inc.; University Center (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Path to Partnership

Student Debt Repayment

Flexible & Hybrid Work

Professional Development

Job summary

AHA Consulting Engineers, Inc. in Ashburn, VA is seeking a hands-on Data Center Commissioning Technician to join our growing team. You will perform construction observations, execute pre-functional tests, and document results for mission-critical facilities in the DMV region.

The role emphasizes field work, reading mechanical and electrical drawings, and coordinating with contractors. OSHA 30 or NFPA 70E certifications are preferred, with training provided where needed.

Qualifications

• Hands-on field experience on data center or mission-critical projects.
• Ability to read mechanical/electrical/plumbing drawings and diagrams.
• Experience in a technical trade, construction, or field service role.
• OSHA 30 and NFPA 70E awareness; training provided by AHA.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction observations and review documents during commissioning.
• Execute pre-functional checks and functional tests for electrical, mechanical, and controls systems.
• Conduct FOD inspections to ensure cleanliness and safety prior to energization.
• Operate test equipment and document field data accurately.
• Support development of commissioning scripts, checklists, and logs.
• Communicate test results clearly to project stakeholders.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and AHA project team on site.
• Maintain project documentation including test records and photos.
• Stay current on equipment and industry practices relevant to data centers.

Skills

Field experience

ME/EE systems knowledge

Read drawings

Documentation

English communication

Travel readiness

Education

Journeyman Electrician license

NFPA 70E certification

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

DCIM tools

Building automation systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Ashburn, VA, US

About AHA Consulting Engineers

Founded in 1991, AHA Consulting Engineers, Inc. has a 30+ year proven track record in the design of complex, high-performance buildings. We are consultants and advisors first, focused on our clients’ vision and success during and beyond every project.

AHA's Team of dedicated professionals in our Burlington and Boston, MA; Atlanta (Alpharetta), GA; Philadelphia, PA; and Ashburn, VA offices expertly advise, evaluate, model, design and commission high-performance building systems delivering trusted performance to our clients under the most challenging budget and schedule constraints.

As a multi-discipline building system consulting firm, our offerings include best-in-class HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) and Technology Design; Energy & Sustainability Consulting; Commissioning, BIM/VDC and Advisory Services; Arc Flash and Coordination Studies; and Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling.

We are a recognized expert in the AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) industry with a targeted focus on the Science & Technology, Mission Critical, Industrial, Academic, and corporate markets.

Lastly and most importantly, AHA is as committed to our Team Members as we are to our clients. Our benefits package, training program, and office culture supports our employees’ professional growth and well-being. AHA also promotes the continued personal and professional development of our dedicated professionals to stay current on the latest developments in the AEC industry through participation in professional organizations, industry seminars and trade shows, as well as continuing education classes and lunch-and-learns. Our AHA University program provides the opportunity for our professionals to be part of an AHA Team presenting information sessions of our building performance consulting expertise to our architectural, development, and end‑user clients. Furthermore, AHA has competitive salaries, PTO, health, and retirement benefits and, AHA is a partial ESOP company which further enhances our retirement benefits. And finally our unique Path to Partnership opportunity provides employees the guidance and mentorship to advance up the corporate ladder to leadership positions in the firm.

Why This Role Matters

The data center and mission critical market in Northern Virginia is one of the most active in the world. AHA's Ashburn office is at the center of that activity, and we are growing our commissioning team to match. This role gives a technically skilled field professional a direct path into the building commissioning industry, with full support for training, certifications, and long-term career growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform construction observations and review contract documents, drawing sets, and specifications during the commissioning process
• Execute pre-functional checklists and functional performance tests for electrical, mechanical, and controls systems in data center environments
• Perform Foreign Object and Debris (FOD) inspections to ensure cleanliness and safety of equipment and systems prior to energization or testing
• Install, operate, and interpret data from field testing equipment; collect, organize, and document field data accurately
• Support the development of commissioning test scripts, checklists, and issue logs under the direction of the Commissioning Specialist or Project Engineer
• Identify, document, and communicate system deficiencies and test results clearly in written reports and field logs
• Interface professionally with general contractors, subcontractors, equipment vendors, and AHA project team members on site
• Assist in the completion of commissioning reports and communicate results to project stakeholders in a timely manner
• Maintain organized project documentation including test records, photos, equipment data, and correspondence
• Stay current on equipment types, system sequences, and industry practices relevant to mission critical facilities

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on field experience working on, or directly supporting, data center or mission critical construction projects
• Solid understanding of the mechanical and electrical systems commonly found in data centers (UPS, PDUs, generators, chillers, CRAC/CRAH units, AHUs, switchgear, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings, one-line diagrams, and sequences of operation
• Experience in a technical trade, construction, or field service role; electrical trade experience strongly preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation and reporting
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow established test procedures and document results accurately
• OSHA 30 certification (AHA can provide training toward this certification)
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (AHA can provide training toward these certifications)
• NFPA 70E Qualified Person status or willingness to obtain (AHA can provide training)
• Valid driver's license (must be Real ID compliant) OR active U.S. passport for site access to federal and secure facilities
• Must be capable and comfortable conducting meetings and site communications in English
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced construction environments with shifting priorities and tight schedules
• Willingness to travel locally throughout the DMV region on a regular basis
• Ability to travel by air up to 10% for project needs outside the region

Preferred Qualifications

• Journeyman or Master Electrician license, or equivalent trade certification
• Prior experience supporting or executing commissioning activities on mission critical or large commercial construction projects
• Familiarity with building automation systems, controls sequences, or DCIM tools
• Experience working with electrical distribution, backup power systems (generators, UPS, static transfer switches), or precision cooling systems
• Ability to explain technical findings clearly to non-technical project stakeholders
• Knowledge of ASHRAE, NFPA, or industry-specific standards relevant to data center operations

Optional - What Success Looks Like (First 6-12 Months)

• Independently executing pre-functional checklists and functional tests on standard data center systems with minimal oversight
• Maintaining accurate, well-organized project documentation that requires little to no rework before submission
• Building productive working relationships with contractors and vendors across active DMV project sites
• Completing pursuit of a relevant industry certification (e.g., CxA, DCPRO)

At AHA, our success starts with our people - and we invest in creating an environment where you can grow and thrive. In addition to competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we offer programs that set us apart:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - giving you a real stake in AHA's long-term success
• Path to Partnership - a transparent, attainable leadership development framework
• Student Debt Repayment Program - direct financial support to help reduce student loan burden
• Flexible & Hybrid Work Schedules - supporting balance, autonomy, and professional growth
• Professional Development & Mentorship - including FE/PE exam support and structured training opportunities

At AHA, you're not just joining an engineering firm - you're building a career where your ideas matter and your contributions have a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AHA is an EO/AA Employer - M/F/Disability/Veterans

Staffing Firms Notice

AHA does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing firms unless a current, executed agreement is in place and has been expressly invited by AHA to submit candidates for a specific search.