Electrical Commissioning Lead

DataQuestCX; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DataQuestCX is seeking an experienced Electrical Commissioning Lead to join an active data-center project. This field role requires hands-on expertise in electrical distribution systems, testing, and leadership to drive turnover readiness.

You will collaborate with commissioning teams, contractors, vendors, and clients, oversee Level 3–5 testing, and mentor junior staff while maintaining safety and scheduling discipline on site.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of electrical construction, startup, testing, commissioning or related field experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical commissioning activities on data-center projects.
• Execute Level 3, 4 and 5 commissioning activities as required.
• Review procedures, tests, drawings, specs and vendor docs.
• Coordinate activities with construction, controls, vendors and client teams.
• Support equipment energization and startup.
• Lead or participate in Functional Performance Testing and IST.
• Identify deficiencies and drive resolution.
• Maintain accurate commissioning docs and logs.

Skills

Electrical systems knowledge

Team leadership

Field testing

Communication

Tools

BMS

EPMS

One-line diagrams

Job description

DataQuestCX provides commissioning and technical execution services for mission-critical and data-center facilities. We support owners, developers, general contractors, MEP contractors, and other project stakeholders from construction completion through functional testing, integrated systems testing, and final turnover.

We are looking for an experienced Electrical Commissioning Lead who can step onto an active data-center project and immediately contribute.

This is a field execution role. We need someone who understands the equipment, understands the commissioning process, can lead people, identify problems, communicate clearly, and drive systems toward successful turnover.

The Role

The Electrical Commissioning Lead will lead and support electrical commissioning activities across mission-critical and data-center projects.

The position will work closely with commissioning teams, contractors, vendors, engineers, construction management, and client representatives to safely execute commissioning activities and maintain project readiness.

Responsibilities may include Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Functional Performance Testing, Integrated Systems Testing, energization, load banking, troubleshooting, deficiency management, documentation, and turnover.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead electrical commissioning activities on data-center projects.
• Execute and oversee Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 commissioning activities as required.
• Review commissioning procedures, test scripts, drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, and vendor documentation.
• Coordinate electrical commissioning activities with construction, mechanical, controls, vendors, and client teams.
• Support equipment energization and startup.
• Lead or participate in Functional Performance Testing and Integrated Systems Testing (IST).
• Identify commissioning deficiencies and drive issues through resolution.
• Verify system readiness before testing begins.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment during startup and commissioning.
• Coordinate and execute load-bank testing.
• Maintain accurate commissioning documentation, test results, punch lists, and issue logs.
• Conduct or participate in daily commissioning meetings and readiness reviews.
• Maintain strong safety standards during energization and testing activities.
• Provide clear reporting to project and commissioning leadership.
• Mentor and support junior commissioning personnel when required.
• Represent DQCX professionally with clients, contractors, vendors, and other project stakeholders.

Required Experience

7+ years of electrical construction, startup, testing, commissioning, or related field experience.

Direct data-center or mission-critical project experience.

Strong hands-on understanding of electrical distribution systems.

Experience with:

• UPS systems
• Standby and emergency generators
• MV/LV switchgear
• Switchboards
• ATS/STS systems
• PDUs
• Transformers
• Breakers and protective devices
• Electrical distribution systems
• Load banks
• Demonstrated Level 4 commissioning experience.
• Strong experience with Functional Performance Testing and/or Integrated Systems Testing.
• Experience working around energized electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, schematics, specifications, electrical drawings, and commissioning procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience leading commissioning crews or electrical testing teams.
• Level 5 / IST leadership experience.
• Data-center hyperscale or colocation project experience.
• Experience with critical power failure scenarios and integrated electrical testing.
• Familiarity with BMS and EPMS interfaces.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• NFPA 70E knowledge or certification.
• Familiarity with applicable OSHA, CFR, NFPA, NEC, and project safety requirements.
• Electrical testing or commissioning certifications are beneficial.
• OEM startup or field-service experience is beneficial.

What We Are Looking For

We are not looking for someone who has only observed commissioning. We want someone who has personally executed it.

You should be comfortable explaining:

• What equipment you personally commissioned.
• What Level 4 testing you personally performed.
• What IST scenarios you have participated in or led.
• What happened when a test failed.
• How you diagnosed the problem.
• How you determined whether a system was actually ready for testing.
• How you managed contractors and vendors during commissioning.
• How you maintained safety while working around energized systems.

Travel

This position requires significant travel to project locations.

Candidates must be comfortable working where the projects are. Assignments may require extended periods at a project location depending on the commissioning schedule.

For the right person, the travel is part of what makes the position interesting—you will work on major mission-critical projects, different facilities, different systems, and different commissioning challenges.

Success in This Role

Success is measured by execution. We expect our Electrical Commissioning Leads to:

• Understand the systems.
• Know the commissioning process.
• Identify problems before they impact testing.
• Keep testing moving safely.
• Communicate issues clearly.
• Hold contractors and vendors accountable.
• Protect the commissioning schedule.
• Help deliver systems that perform as designed.

We are building a strong commissioning organization and want people who take pride in being the ones who make sure the facility actually works when it matters.