Commissioning Manager

Ellaway Blues Consulting; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellaway Blues Consulting is seeking a Commissioning Manager to plan, coordinate, and oversee commissioning activities for large utility projects, ensuring subcontractor interfaces are aligned and systems are installed, tested, and handed over per contract and safety standards.

The role serves as a key liaison between engineering, construction, clients, and subcontractors to deliver fully functional systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• 5–10 years of commissioning management experience on large projects.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Prior client-facing experience.
• Experience in large utility substation or infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all commissioning activities from project planning through final turnover.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, division of responsibility with subcontractors, schedules, and procedures.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and project management teams to ensure system readiness.
• Oversee pre-functional testing, functional performance testing, and system start-up.
• Review design documents, specifications, and drawings for commissioning requirements.
• Manage commissioning documentation, reports, and closeout packages.
• Interface directly with clients, vendors, and subcontractors during commissioning phases.
• Identify, track, and resolve commissioning issues and deficiencies; coordinate with subcontractor and stakeholder teams.
• Ensure commissioning activities comply with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Support training of operations and maintenance personnel as required.
• Participate in project meetings and provide regular status updates.
• Adheres to internal standards, policies, and procedures.
• Performs special projects and complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Commissioning management

People relationship management

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Team building

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Commissioning Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing commissioning activities for assigned large utility projects to ensure subcontractor interfaces are aligned, systems are installed, tested, and turned over in compliance with contract requirements, safety standards, and project schedules. This role serves as a key liaison between engineering, construction, clients, and subcontractors to deliver fully functional systems.

Duties

• Lead and manage all commissioning activities from project planning through final turnover
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, division of responsibility with subcontractors, schedules, and procedures
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and project management teams to ensure system readiness
• Oversee pre-functional testing, functional performance testing, and system start-up
• Review design documents, specifications, and drawings for commissioning requirements
• Manage commissioning documentation, reports, and closeout packages
• Interface directly with clients, vendors, and subcontractors during commissioning phases
• Identify, track, and resolve commissioning issues and deficienciesCoordinate with subcontractor and stakeholder teams to ensure full alignment on scope, schedule and execution
• Ensure commissioning activities comply with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Support training of operations and maintenance personnel as required
• Participate in project meetings and provide regular status updates
• Adheres to internal standards, policies, and procedures
• Performs special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested

Required Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in commissioning management on large project execution • Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, and/or control systems
• Proven experience managing commissioning activities on complex projects
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Prior experience in a client-facing role
• Experience in large utility substation or infrastructure projects

Skills

• Strong people relationship management skills
• Self-starter and strong organizational skills
• Strong problem evaluation / solving skills
• Strong team building skills
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with the design team and construction teams
• Strong management and communication (electronic, written, and verbal) skills
• Proficiency with MS Office and project documentation tools

Travel will be required to the project site in Baltimore, MD as required (around 50%).