Commissioning Engineer / Project Manager - Arlington, VA

Bala Consulting Engineers; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Employer-Paid Life Insurance

Tuition and Licensure Reimbursement

Federal Student Loan Assistance

Employee Referral Program

Volunteer Time Off

Job summary

Bala Consulting Engineers is seeking a Commissioning Engineer & Project Manager based in Arlington, VA, to manage mechanical systems projects, including data centers and infrastructure upgrades. The successful candidate will lead teams, execute proposals, and engage with clients to ensure project success.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least 5-7 years of experience in the field. Additional perks include health benefits and up to 5 weeks of PTO based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years’ experience in commissioning or a related field.
• Strong technical writing skills are essential.
• Experience with data centers is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage commissioning processes for various projects.
• Review RFPs and develop proposals.
• Interact with clients and lead project teams.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical systems knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Technical writing

Building codes knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant field

Tools

PE/CEM/CBCP/BCxP certification

Job description

Bala Consulting Engineers is a 200-person engineering firm headquartered just outside of Philadelphia in Wayne, PA with full-service offices in New York, NY, Boston, MA, Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC. We are seeking an ambitious individual to serve as a Commissioning Engineer & Project Manager (CxPM) with expertise in mechanical/controls systems based out of our Alrington,VA office. This position places the successful candidate into a team of industry‑leading commissioning/QA‑QC mechanical systems testing engineers who lead the commissioning process and provide technical oversight of mechanical equipment, controls, and distribution systems testing.

Project oversight includes mechanical system upgrades in existing facilities, new mechanical systems testing for Fortune 500 companies throughout the U.S., and work on data centers, trading floors, broadcast facilities, high‑rise infrastructure, healthcare, and high‑end office HVAC systems. Scope includes ASHRAE Level‑1 through Level‑5 commissioning, LEED Cx, Energy Code Cx, Retro Cx on mechanical infrastructure equipment, distribution and controls systems, as well as predictive preventative maintenance program planning and execution, and systemic component troubleshooting throughout the commissioning process.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as a project manager on select projects in the Cx Group, including data centers, new builds, renovations, fit‑outs, infrastructure upgrades, LEED Cx, Energy Code Cx, and Retro Cx.
• Client‑facing responsibilities: review RFPs, attend pre‑bid walkthroughs, and write proposals, test scripts, and reports; plan work, execute, and manage internal teams and clients day to day.
• Provide all management functions including scope, client management, scheduling, and financials.
• Assist other CxPMs across all locations.
• Based out of the Boston office, majority of time will be spent locally. Travel to other Bala offices encouraged as needed; national travel to project sites expected infrequently based on project requirements. Willingness to work various hours, days, nights, weekends as needed.

Project Staffing Support

• Review workforce projections and determine staffing relationships.
• Identify times and strategies to manipulate design schedules to work with staffing.
• Provide input on performance, advancement, and potential for individual staff members.
• Participate in staff performance reviews when appropriate.
• Drive ownership, accountability, and culture throughout the company.
• Interact with partners and executives regularly to advance growth and quality agenda.

Marketing / Business Development Support

• Identify potential business opportunities.
• Work with leadership team to develop fees on complex projects.
• Develop and maintain client relationships.
• Grow office market sectors volume and footprint.

Qualifications

• At least 5‑7 years’ experience in commissioning or adjacent field (construction, owner’s representative, etc.).
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other relevant field.
• PE/CEM/CBCP/BCxP preferred.
• Data center experience preferred.
• Experience managing projects and people.
• Strong interpersonal and team‑building skills.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Knowledge of building codes.
• Knowledge of industry best practices and latest technologies for mechanical/controls systems commissioning.
• Knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance package.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employer‑Paid Life Insurance.
• Up to 5 weeks of PTO based on years of experience and 8 paid holidays.
• 8 hours of Volunteer Time Off.
• Tuition and Licensure Reimbursement.
• Federal Student Loan Assistance including match up to $5,250 per year.
• Section 529 Plan (College Saving Plan).
• Employee Referral Program.
• Full‑time in‑office role with one day of remote work qualified.