Commissioning Engineer - Controls

Praetorian Power Protection; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 83,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Praetorian Power Protection is seeking a Controls & Mechanical Commissioning Engineer in Fargo, ND to lead commissioning for data center cooling systems and controls integration. You will direct pre-energization walks, calibrate sensors, and oversee BMS, DDC, and PLC-based automation efforts with vendors and internal teams.

The role requires 5+ years in data center commissioning, with at least 2+ years in a leadership capacity, and a strong focus on safety and process documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical/Electrical/Controls Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in controls and mechanical commissioning for data centers with 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong expertise in data center mechanical systems (HVAC, cooling towers, chillers, air handlers) and BMS, DDC, PLC protocols.
• Experience managing data center commissioning with vendors, integrators, or Cx agents.
• Knowledge of LOTO/Control of Hazardous Energy Programs and electrical safety in data centers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pre-energization walks and automated loop checks for data center systems.
• Lead resolution of BMS, DDC, SCADA, and mechanical Cx issues to optimize performance.
• Coordinate access for L3/L4/L5 functional testing and manage badge access.
• Review and approve Method of Procedures and Scripted Control Sequences for Cx scope.
• Lead startup/shutdown activities, tune control loops, and calibrate sensors on cooling equipment.
• Coordinate with vendors, integrators, and trade partners for commissioning activities.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to resolve critical uptime issues in data centers.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Data center commissioning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

BMS

DDC

PLC protocols (Modbus BACnet EPMS)

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Fargo, ND 58102

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $60.00 - $65.00 Hourly

Praetorian Power Protection, the leader in NETA testing and staff augmentation to the mission-critical industry, is searching for a Controls & Mechanical Commissioning Engineer to join our Fargo, ND team. This is an awesome opportunity to get into a very fast-paced environment at the cutting edge of technology and be on the front lines of AI. This is a very critical position, and we are looking to move very quickly, so

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee pre-energization walks and automated loop checks for data center mechanical and instrumentation systems, ensuring compliance and managing third-party inspection support.
• Lead resolution of Building Management System (BMS), Direct Digital Controls (DDC), SCADA, and mechanical Cx software and technical issues to optimize data center system performance.
• Direct coordination of access for L3/L4/L5 functional testing of controls and mechanical systems, including escorts and badge access management.
• Manage technical documentation review for controls architecture, Sequence of Operations (SOO), and mechanical systems at gating levels (L3 Startup, L4 72hr Lookahead, etc.).
• Supervise startup/shutdown activities, control loop tuning, and sensor calibration for data center cooling equipment (e.g., HVAC, chillers, CRAC/CRAH units, VFDs) and lead L4/L5 readiness walks with the Cx Agent.
• Manage vendor, controls integrator, and trade partner coordination for L3 startup and L4/L5 automation commissioning activities.
• Oversee review and implementation of Method of Procedures (MOPs) and Scripted Control Sequences for Cx scope in data centers.
• Direct L3/L4 control script and sequence reviews for mechanical and automation systems, providing strategic input and approvals.
• Lead pre-energization walks to ensure field devices, control panels, and mechanical equipment readiness, coordinating with Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Superintendent teams.
• Manage Cx-related Project Management for control sequence, network signal, and mechanical system issue identification and resolution in data center environments.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with the Building Management System (BMS) and PLC teams to resolve L3/L4 operational and automation issues critical to data center uptime.
• Assign and oversee additional duties to achieve team, controls, and data center project objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in controls and mechanical commissioning for data centers, with 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Deep expertise in data center mechanical systems (e.g., HVAC, cooling towers, chillers, air handlers) paired with strong proficiency in BMS, DDC, PLC protocols (Modbus, BACnet, EPMS), and end-to-end Sequence of Operations (SOO) verification.
• Proven experience in data center commissioning management (vendor, controls integrator, Cx agent, subcontractor, or GC Cx management).
• Strong knowledge of LOTO/Control of Hazardous Energy Programs and electrical safety procedures specific to data centers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex automation and mechanical scopes in high-availability data center environments.