Commissioning Engineer I

qtsdatacenters; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

QTS Data Centers is seeking an experienced Commissioning Engineer I to lead Level 3–5 commissioning of base building systems in data center environments.

You will coordinate with the development, engineering, and operations teams, document tests, and manage issues while supporting travel to multiple sites across the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• 3+ years in data center engineering, commissioning, or project management.
• Experience with CCTV, access control, telecom, and life safety systems.
• Ability to travel to other data center locations as required.
• Proficient with MS Office and related tools.
• U.S. Citizenship required by law for federal contracts.

Responsibilities

• Assist site construction activities with the development team and contractors.
• Develop commissioning plans for Level 3–5 base systems including infra and life safety.
• Conduct commissioning tests and validate installations per standards.
• Identify and resolve issues with project teams; drive improvements.
• Create testing procedures, reports, and as-built documentation.
• Witness equipment tests and validate operations documentation.
• Collaborate with design, project management, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Implement quality controls per regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Develop SOPs, MOPs, and ERP procedures with facilities operations.
• Provide training to end-users and maintenance personnel.

Skills

Project coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

CCTV & Access control systems

Networking equipment

Fire detection/suppression systems

Structured cabling (Copper/Fiber)

VLANs

IP Telephony

Job description

Who we are:

As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.

The Commissioning Engineer I is responsible for but not limited to Level 3, 4 and 5 commissioning of base building systems and components of a Data Center environment. This role will oversee, document, and track various aspects of commissioning activities. Activities will include but are not limited to testing and/or validation of connectivity, network infrastructure, security, life safety, other building subsystems and finishes, transformers, electrical switchgear, UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply), STS (Static Transfer Switch), PDU (Power Distribution Unit), electrical distribution equipment, Chillers, water loop components, and Cooling distribution equipment. This role will also serve as a project manager and liaison to cross-functional teams and/or contractors. This role requires work hours to support construction/commissioning activities of data center environments, which may include nights and/or weekends.

This role will be a platform role that may require an estimated 75% travel to other sites around the U.S.

RESPONSIBILITIES, other duties may be assigned.

• Assist in all site construction activity and installations, in coordination with QTS Development Team, external construction resources, to ensure system design, installation and testing adhere to operational standards.
• Develop comprehensive commissioning plans for Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 base systems, including connectivity, network infrastructure, security, life safety, and other building subsystems and finishes .
• Conduct thorough commissioning activities, ensuring that all systems are installed, tested, and validated according to industry standards and client specifications.
• Identify, track, and resolve any issues during the commissioning process, working closely with the project team to resolve technical challenges. Utilize findings and provide feedback to program management team to drive continuous improvement.
• Create and/or review detailed commissioning documentation, including test procedures, reports, and as-built documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Witness testing of all equipment during commissioning and validate sequence of operations and receipt of all operational documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design engineers, project managers, contractors, commissioning agents, and facilities operations to ensure seamless integration of systems during the commissioning phase without impact to operational portions of the campus or building.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure the highest standards are met during the build and commissioning process, adhering to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Develop and test site specific standard operating procedures (SOP), method of procedures (MOP), and emergency response procedures (ERP) in coordination with facilities operations.
• Provide training to end-users and maintenance personnel on the operation and maintenance of commissioned systems.
• Uses the Change Management Process to get approval for preventative and corrective maintenance. Commences & completes the maintenance along with the necessary documentation using the QTS process and software.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Computer Science, or a related field or equivalent professional experience
• Three or more years of work experience in data center engineering, commissioning, project management, or equivalent.
• Background in areas of building maintenance, CCTV and Access control systems, network, telecommunications, and/or fire detection/suppression systems.
• Ability to travel to other Data Center locations as required.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• US Citizenship for this position is required by law due to federal customer contracts

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Firm understanding of both security and network equipment, systems and design related to data centers.
• Experience with various security hardware and systems (Access controls, REX, pushbuttons, Biometric controls, Door hardware, CCTV/IP Cameras, Gate operators, etc.)
• Experience with various Telecom/Network systems (Switches, Structured cabling (Copper/Fiber), VLAN's, IP Telephony, etc.)
• Experience with various life safety systems (Fire Risers, VESDA, Smoke/Heat Detection, Gaseous Suppression, etc.)
• Knowledge of equipment/building operations and maintenance, including elevators, finishes, single line drawings, critical scripted work, and sequence of operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to analyze operation