Commissioning Project Manager - Mission Critical (Traveling)

Ryan Companies US Inc; Chicago, Westmont (IL, IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

Retirement and Savings Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Ryan Companies US Inc is seeking a Commissioning Project Manager in Chicago, Illinois. The role involves overseeing commissioning activities for commercial data center projects, ensuring all systems function per design requirements.

The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of experience in construction project management with a focus on MEP systems. The position offers a salary range of $100,000 – $135,000 and includes competitive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience in construction project management focused on MEP systems.
• Deep knowledge of complex data center MEP systems and commissioning lifecycle.
• Experience with Liquid cooling systems and high-density data center environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning activities for commercial data center construction projects.
• Coordinate OFCI equipment tracking and management.
• Manage communication and issue resolution among stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership skills

Project management

Commissioning processes

MEP systems knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Procore

P6

Job description

Job Description

The Commissioning Project Manager serves as a key liaison between internal stakeholders, design teams, subcontractors, and owners to drive successful handover of high-performing facilities. The Project Manager with a Commissioning focus is responsible for the overall management and successful execution of all commissioning activities for commercial data center construction projects. This individual will ensure that all systems are installed, tested, and perform according to the owner's project requirements and the basis of design. The role focuses on the detailed planning and execution of Level 2 and Level 3 commissioning, meticulous tracking of Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) equipment, and providing critical support to the client and their third‑party commissioning agent during Level 4 and Level 5 testing phases.

Responsibilities

General Construction

• Participate in owner/client sales presentations.
• Assist in design development, budget preparation, and project schedule.
• Share job cost responsibility with supervising PM or Division Manager by keeping supervisor informed of efforts.
• Under supervision prepare and control budget, schedule, and bid documents; negotiate and award subcontracts; help prepare profit projections.
• Help conduct jobsite coordination meetings and job status reports.
• Conduct project close‑out duties, including final cost, punch list, final billing, and final collection of fees.

Commissioning Management

• Lead the planning and scheduling of L2 (Site Acceptance/Pre‑energization) and L3 (Functional Performance Testing) commissioning activities in coordination with the equipment vendors and trade partners.
• Assist the client’s hired commissioning agent in the execution of L4 (Integrated Systems Testing) and L5 (Post‑Occupancy/Seasonal Testing) commissioning scripts and procedures.
• Provide timely and clear communication of all commissioning‑related project risks, schedule impacts, and progress updates to the project team, clients, and third parties.
• Integrate commissioning and project schedules, issue tracking and closure, client communications, and general commissioning management.
• Manage coordination and issue resolution with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders when critical commissioning issues arise.
• Monitor progress of commissioning activities and ensure alignment with project milestones.
• Complete all requested commissioning documentation, including test reports, Cx checklists, deficiency logs, as‑built or record documents, warranties, and other procedures that support a successful project close‑out and handover.
• Ensure field inspections, functional testing, and documentation support the successful execution of the quality and commissioning program.

OFCI Management

• Create, organize, and meticulously update tracking logs for all Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) equipment, managing the process from factory witness testing to final installation and startup.
• Manage owner‑contracted vendors to review and approve OFCI submittals and track procurement issues through delivery to the site.
• Coordinate resolution of all vendor issues with all OFCI equipment for L2 through L5 activities.
• Escalate issues to the client with proactive and clear communication.
• Ensure project commissioning teams are aware of and aligned with design intent and performance criteria for all OFCI equipment.

MEP Trade Management

• Review and provide feedback on MEP submittals, RFIs, and Methods of Procedures (MOPs) to ensure they align with the project's commissioning and operational goals.
• Assist the field team with the development of MEP and commissioning‑specific tasks for the overall Project Schedule.

Team Leadership & Guidance

• Lead, mentor, and train a team of commissioning project engineers, superintendents, and consultants.
• Provide training and guidance to field teams on commissioning sequencing, durations, and expectations.
• Coordinate and lead commissioning kickoff meetings to describe commissioning objectives and requirements to equipment vendors, subcontractors, and owner representatives.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and accountability within the project team.

Continuous Improvement & Knowledge Sharing

• Implement and maintain commissioning KPIs and continuous improvement processes to prevent repeat deficiencies and minimize impacts to project schedules.
• Capture, document, and communicate lessons learned across projects to improve future commissioning efforts.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience in construction project management with a strong focus on MEP systems within a data center environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent work experience) is required.
• Deep knowledge of complex data center MEP systems and a demonstrated understanding of the full (L0–L5) commissioning lifecycle.
• Experience in planning and executing L2/L3 commissioning activities and familiarity with L4/L5 integrated systems testing is essential.
• Proven experience managing OFCI equipment procurement, delivery, and installation processes.

Working knowledge of construction management tools such as Procore and P6 is required.

A high level of professionalism, honesty, and integrity, with the ability to work with limited supervision and travel as needed for project success.

Professional certifications related to commissioning, building systems, or project management (e.g., CxA, CEM, PE, PMP) are a plus.

Experience commissioning liquid cooling and high density data center environments (hyperscale / colocation) is a plus.

Compensation

Salary range: $100,000 – $135,000. Salary base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation, including commission and/or an incentive program.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Retirement and Savings Benefits
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
• Parenting Benefits
• Employee Discount Programs
• Pet insurance
• Ryan Foundation – charitable matching funds
• Paid Time for Volunteer Events

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis. For information about your rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, please visit our EEO policy.