Commissioning Engineer

Vertical Mechanical Group; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Technical training and development

Job summary

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is seeking a Commissioning Engineer to join our dynamic team in the DMV area. The role focuses on ensuring HVAC, plumbing, and controls systems are installed, tested, and fully operational before final commissioning.

The ideal candidate has a background in mechanical engineering, 4+ years of commissioning experience, and hands-on ability with system startup, testing, and performance verification. Travel to project sites within the DMV may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Mechanical Engineering, HVAC, Construction Management) and 4+ years of commissioning experience.
• Experience with MEP systems commissioning, testing, startup, controls, or related field is expected.
• Strong reading of mechanical drawings, specifications, submittals, and sequences of operation.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning activities for HVAC, plumbing, controls, and mechanical systems.
• Verify installed systems meet drawings, specs, and sequences of operation.
• Coordinate functional performance testing and reporting.
• Track deficiencies and coordinate corrective actions with project teams.
• Prepare commissioning logs, testing records, and closeout documentation.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, field teams, and subcontractors during turnover.

Skills

MEP systems

HVAC systems

BAS knowledge

Control systems

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Testing equipment

Job description

Commissioning EngineerAbout Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, Controls, and Mechanical Construction. Originally formed through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings decades of industry experience together with a forward-thinking approach to delivering high-quality mechanical solutions.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for a detail-oriented and technically strong Commissioning Engineer to join our Commissioning team. Reporting to the Commissioning Manager, this role plays a critical part in ensuring VMG's mechanical and plumbing systems are properly installed, tested, documented, and fully operational before final third-party commissioning.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong understanding of HVAC, plumbing, controls, and system operations who enjoys troubleshooting complex systems and collaborating with project teams to ensure successful project delivery.

What You'll Do

Support the Commissioning Process

• Support commissioning activities for commercial HVAC, plumbing, controls, and mechanical systems
• Verify systems and equipment are installed and operating according to project drawings, specifications, approved submittals, and sequences of operation
• Prepare systems for testing and verification prior to third-party Commissioning Agent inspections
• Coordinate functional performance testing and other commissioning activities
• Track commissioning progress, outstanding items, deficiencies, and corrective actions
• Support projects throughout startup, testing, commissioning, and final acceptance

Test & Verify System Performance

• Perform and coordinate equipment startup, testing, and system verification activities
• Review system operation to confirm equipment performs according to design requirements
• Assist with functional testing of HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, and control systems
• Evaluate system performance and identify operational or installation deficiencies
• Verify equipment settings, sequences, alarms, safeties, and control functionality
• Utilize diagnostic tools and testing equipment to evaluate system performance

Troubleshoot & Resolve Issues

• Identify commissioning deficiencies and work with project teams to determine appropriate corrective actions
• Troubleshoot mechanical, plumbing, and control system performance issues
• Review sequences of operation and verify systems are functioning as intended
• Coordinate with Project Managers, field teams, Controls Technicians, subcontractors, vendors, and equipment manufacturers to resolve issues
• Track deficiencies through completion and verify corrective work
• Help identify potential system issues before formal third-party commissioning

Coordinate Across Project Teams

• Work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, field personnel, Controls teams, and other project stakeholders
• Coordinate directly with third-party Commissioning Agents throughout the commissioning process
• Participate in commissioning meetings, project coordination meetings, and system reviews
• Communicate testing requirements, deficiencies, and project status clearly to internal and external teams
• Coordinate with other contractors and trades when system performance depends on multiple scopes of work
• Support successful turnover from construction through final commissioning and owner acceptance

Manage Commissioning Documentation

• Review mechanical drawings, specifications, submittals, sequences of operation, and control documentation
• Maintain accurate commissioning logs, testing records, deficiency lists, and project documentation
• Document equipment startup and functional testing results
• Assist with commissioning reports and closeout documentation
• Track required documentation and ensure commissioning deliverables are completed on schedule

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC, Construction Management, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience with MEP systems commissioning, testing, startup, controls, or a related field
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC and plumbing systems
• Understanding of Building Automation Systems (BAS), HVAC controls, and sequences of operation
• Experience with system startup, testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, submittals, and technical documentation
• Strong understanding of system operations and controls
• Familiarity with diagnostic tools and testing equipment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organization, documentation, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines
• Ability to travel to project locations throughout the DMV region as required

Preferred Experience

• Commissioning certification such as BCxP, CxA, CxT, CCP, or similar
• Experience commissioning large-scale commercial mechanical systems
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and controls
• Experience with functional performance testing and equipment startup
• Familiarity with hydronic systems, pumps, air-handling equipment, central plants, and related commercial HVAC equipment
• Experience coordinating directly with third-party Commissioning Agents
• Previous experience working for a commercial mechanical contractor

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Ongoing technical training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for continued career advancement
• Exposure to complex commercial mechanical and building systems
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced Project Management, Controls, Commissioning, and field teams
• A collaborative, team-oriented environment where your technical expertise makes an impact

Why VMG?

At VMG, commissioning is an important part of delivering the quality and performance our customers expect. Our Commissioning team works across projects to ensure complex mechanical systems aren't simply installed, but are tested, verified, and operating as designed before final turnover.

As a Commissioning Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with Project Managers, field teams, Controls professionals, third-party Commissioning Agents, and other project partners while developing deep technical expertise across a variety of commercial building systems.

If you're a technically minded professional who enjoys troubleshooting systems, solving problems, and ensuring complex mechanical equipment performs as intended, we'd like to hear from you.

VMG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary: $90000 per year