Data Center Commissioning Manager

Kiewit; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier health plans (medical, dental

Retirement plans with matching

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Kiewit is seeking a Commissioning Manager to oversee end-to-end commissioning for industrial projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timeliness. The role coordinates with architects, engineers, trade partners, and operations to deliver fully compliant projects.

The position requires extensive commissioning expertise, site leadership, and the ability to travel up to 100% as client needs dictate. A strong background in MEP systems and startup processes is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Civil, Architectural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or 10–15 years of equivalent field experience.
• Minimum eight years of construction management or commissioning experience, preferably with an MEP contractor or commissioning firm.
• Mastery of the commissioning process and associated QA/QC concepts.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end commissioning activities for new or retrofit facilities from Level 1 to Level 5.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, trade partners, and operations to ensure compliant project delivery.
• Develop and manage commissioning and QC plans per contract turnovers to clients.

Skills

Construction management

Commissioning

Leadership

Travel up to 100%

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

The Commissioning Manager performs the essential job duties and functions of overseeing assigned projects with the overall objective of defining and establishing a pre‑commissioning, commissioning, Start‑Up and handover execution framework on the project(s) while ensuring the safety, quality, value, timeliness, of the assigned project(s). This includes developing, managing, and executing all commissioning and related activities in conformance with company policies and procedures, contracts, plans, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates. This role directs staff in various functions necessary in their roles to meet or exceed all project commissioning objectives. It requires authoritative knowledge and extensive technical & operational background, holistic grasp of complex situations with the ability to move between intuitive and analytical approaches with ease and see the overall picture and alternative approaches.

District Overview

Kiewit’s Industrial and Water Engineering Group has the ability and the responsibility to greatly influence the successful outcome of our projects. Our team is multi‑faced, with best‑in‑class technical expertise focused on EPC and design‑build delivery of industrial projects in markets such as Food & Beverage, Mineral Processing, Renewable Fuels, Pulp and Paper, Steel & Aluminum, Industrial Buildings, and Industrial Energy, Water and Utilities.

Location

One of the many things that makes Kiewit’s culture unique is that we go where the work is, which exposes your career to abundant opportunities. We relocate our teams based on the work that is available, combined with the development plans, skill sets and career goals of each team member. This means your Kiewit adventure is custom‑designed to meet our shared needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage site‑specific end‑to‑end Commissioning activities during Level 1 through Level 5 for delivery of new or retrofit of existing facility.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with architects, engineers, trade partners, and operations teams to streamline and improve project delivery and to ensure fully compliant project.
• Implement policies and procedures necessary to support project schedule, contractual obligations, and deliver fully compliant project.
• Coordinate with project site Quality Control (QC) and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) teams for MEP scope to assure checklists, engineering documents, and commissioning activities are successfully completed and follow approved test scripts and commissioning plan.
• Comprehensive understanding of major milestones, client/General Contractor (GC) contractual and trade partner/GC obligations, and commissioning plans created by client’s third‑party Commissioning Agent.
• Manage Commissioning and QC plan per contractual turnovers to client.
• Define and manage on‑site resource requirements for trade partners, equipment vendors, commissioning agent, and project staff to achieve project schedule.
• Create, manage iterations, and integrate Start‑up and Commissioning schedules into project schedule, incorporating time for required testing, cleaning, and site inspections by Commissioning Agent. Commissioning schedule should include thorough and sequenced plan of Level 3 through Level 5 activities and minimize overlap of Level 4 activities.
• Collaborate with Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) equipment vendors for efficient installations and provide feedback to client and QC Managers.
• Manage equipment vendors adherence to QC plan and provide appropriate resources, field documentation, and checklists prior to start‑up (Energization). Establish checkpoints to ensure documentation and installation quality prior to moving to next phase of Commissioning.
• Facilitate Start‑up and Commissioning meetings to communicate QC Plan and schedule updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Civil, Architectural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or 110 to 15 years of equivalent field experience.
• Minimum eight years of construction management or commissioning experience, preferably with an MEP Contractor or Commissioning firm.
• Expert understanding of how design, construction, start‑up, commissioning, and turnover align within the project delivery process.
• Mastery of the commissioning process, L0‑L5, and solid understanding of key construction documents and their relationship to QA/QC.
• Comprehensive understanding of building systems across disciplines and fundamental knowledge in at least one discipline such as HVAC, plumbing/piping, electrical, lighting, instrumentation, and controls, or building envelope systems.
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently and anticipate project work, delegate workload, and balance workload within a team.
• Proven positive and professional attitude with excellent customer service skills and ability to coach and lead teams.
• Ability to travel up to 100%.

Other Requirements

• Regular, reliable attendance.
• Work productively and meet deadlines timely.
• Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment.
• Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
• Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
• May work at various different locations and conditions may vary.

We offer our full‑time staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry, including top‑tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.