Commissioning Specialist - Aviation & Federal

Burns & McDonnell; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell in Arlington, VA is seeking a Commissioning Specialist to lead commissioning and retro-commissioning projects for building systems. You will plan, review designs, perform testing, and prepare documentation across the project lifecycle while mentoring junior staff.

You will collaborate with clients, design teams, and contractors to meet owner requirements, drive energy efficiency, and contribute to energy modeling efforts. Travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 8+ years related experience or an associate degree with 6+ years, or a bachelor’s degree with 4+ years.
• Extensive experience leading commissioning projects in data centers, healthcare facilities, labs, and similar.
• Strong knowledge of energy modeling tools (DOE-2, eQUEST, EnergyPro) and ability to interpret results.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and retro-commissioning of projects for commercial, institutional, industrial facilities.
• Manage project planning, scheduling, execution, and delivery within budget and client objectives.
• Perform functional testing of HVAC, controls, and energy systems; review sequences of operation and design documents.
• Mentor junior staff and coordinate with clients, design teams, and contractors to drive project success.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Travel readiness

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology

Bachelor Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology

Tools

DOE-2

eQUEST

EnergyPro

Job description

Description

The Commissioning Specialist leads commissioning and retro-commissioning projects for new and existing buildings and complex electro-mechanical systems. This role serves as a technical expert, ensuring building systems perform as intended and meet owner operational requirements. Working independently, the Staff Commissioning Specialist manages commissioning activities throughout the project lifecycle, including planning, design reviews, functional testing, issue resolution, and final documentation. The role collaborates with clients, design teams, contractors, and other stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes while providing mentorship to junior team members and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

• Lead with commissioning, retro-commissioning, monitoring-based commissioning, energy efficiency retrofit, and demand response projects for commercial, institutional, industrial, and mission critical facilities
• Manage project planning, scheduling, execution, and delivery while ensuring quality, budget, and client objectives are achieved
• Analyze building and energy performance data to identify operational deficiencies, energy-saving opportunities, and system optimization strategies
• Evaluate HVAC systems, building automation systems, and controls sequences to diagnose performance issues and develop corrective actions
• Lead functional performance testing of HVAC, lighting, power, and control systems and oversee issue resolution through project completion
• Conduct and lead ASHRAE energy audits, facility assessments, and operational evaluations to identify energy, reliability, and performance improvements
• Develop energy savings analyses, lifecycle cost evaluations, and strategic recommendations for clients
• Prepare and review commissioning reports, assessment findings, measurement and verification documentation, and project plans
• Review sequences of operation, design documents, equipment performance data, and construction documentation to ensure project requirements are met
• Provide technical leadership for building energy modeling activities and interpret results to support project recommendations
• Serve as a primary client contact, facilitating meetings, presenting findings, and providing trusted advisory support
• Lead design and construction document reviews, providing technical guidance and recommendations to project teams
• Oversee project documentation, testing records, and commissioning deliverables to ensure compliance with company and industry standards
• Direct commissioning efforts for new construction, renovation, and existing building projects
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the development of commissioning tools, procedures, and best practices
• Mentor and develop junior staff while fostering strong relationships with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders
• Support business development activities, including proposal development, client engagement, and identification of new project opportunities
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent and 8 years related experience required. Or,
• Associate Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power & Controls or a relevant field of study. Applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement and 6 years related experience required. Or,
• Bachelor Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power & Controls or a relevant field of study. Applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement and 4 years related experience required.
• Extensive experience supporting and leading commissioning projects involving central utility plants, data centers, healthcare facilities, laboratories, water/wastewater facilities, building controls, building envelope systems, TAB, electrical testing, renewable energy systems, or related specialties.
• Strong knowledge of energy modeling platforms such as DOE-2, eQUEST, EnergyPro, or similar software, with the ability to interpret results and develop actionable recommendations.
• Advanced understanding of site safety requirements and procedures, including electrical safety protocols and safe work practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and industry-standard commissioning, energy analysis, and project management tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical information to clients, leadership, contractors, and project teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior staff, and coordinate complex project activities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a focus on quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to build trusted client relationships, identify business opportunities, and contribute to project growth and business development efforts.
• Recognized technical expertise with the ability to independently manage complex assignments and provide strategic guidance on commissioning and building performance initiatives.
• Ability to travel to project sites, as required.
• Certification in the Commissioning Process, as an Energy Manager, or LEED Accreditation a plus.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain access authorization to facilities and data of existing and potential clients, including, but not limited to DOE, aerospace, military, food and consumer product manufacturers, pharmaceutical, laboratories, and others necessary to sell and complete work.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job

Business Development/Sales

Primary Location

US-VA-Arlington

Other Locations

US-VA-Roanoke

Schedule

Full-time

Travel

Yes, 25 % of the Time

Req ID

263652

Job Hire Type

Experienced #A&F