Commissioning Engineer - Controls

Praetorian Power Protection LLC; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Praetorian Power Protection LLC in Fargo, ND seeks a Controls & Mechanical Commissioning Engineer to join a fast-paced data center team on the cutting edge of AI technologies.

Lead cross-function commissioning activities for BMS, DDC, SCADA, and mechanical systems; supervise startup/shutdowns, tune control loops, and verify sequences of operations to ensure uptime and safety in critical environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 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.
• Deep expertise in data center mechanical systems (HVAC, chillers, VFDs) and BMS, DDC, PLC protocols.
• Strong knowledge of LOTO and electrical safety in data centers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pre-energization walks and automated loop checks for data center mechanical systems and instrumentation.
• Lead resolution of BMS, DDC, SCADA, and mechanical issues to optimize data center performance.
• Coordinate access for L3/L4/L5 functional testing and escorts.
• Review Method of Procedures (MOPs) and Scripted Control Sequences for Cx scope.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with BMS and PLC teams to resolve critical uptime issues.

Skills

Data center commissioning

Leadership

BMS

DDC

PLC protocols

SOO verification

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Electrical/Controls Eng

Tools

Modbus

BACnet

EPMS

Job description

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.

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.