Existing Building Commissioning EBCx Project Manager

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Houston, Texas, is seeking an Existing Building Commissioning Project Manager II. This role involves managing HVAC projects and ensuring effective client communication while implementing quality control measures. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and at least 5 years of experience in HVAC commissioning. Key responsibilities include project scheduling, coordination with sub-contractors, and preparation of technical reports. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years related project experience in HVAC Troubleshooting, Commissioning, and/or Retro Commissioning.
• Technical report writing experience with Office and other relevant software.
• Professional Engineer Licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned existing building commissioning projects of medium to high scope.
• Facilitate communication between the client and the project team.
• Prepare and implement a proactive Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plan.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

BAS/Direct Digital Control Systems

Technical Writing Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Detail-Oriented

Judgment and Decision-Making Skills

Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Overview

The Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) Project Manager II holds overall responsibility for assigned existing building commissioning projects of medium to high scope and complexity. Duties include systems field verification and testing, HVAC systems (CUPs, AHUs, and terminal units) troubleshooting, Building Automation Systems (BAS) and building optimization. Other duties include planning and executing a specific project plan, delivering quality products and services to the client in a timely manner, managing project financials, and serving as the primary contact between the SSR project team and the client. The EBCx PM ensures that projects are executed according to the plan and is responsible for the results of assigned projects (total Project Success).

Essential Functions

• Completes and maintains project schedule and directly supports the Service Line Manager and Sr. Project Managers.
• Completes definition of project scope requirements and schedule with the client and communicates scope and requirements to the project team.
• Monitors manpower requirements.
• Analyzes information gathered from building plans, specifications, and documentation.
• Facilitates communication between the client and the project team and documents important issues.
• Regularly attends project update meetings with both clients and team members.
• Works to address client needs while managing client expectations.
• Coordinates with sub-contractors on project needs, schedules, and deadlines.
• Monitors, manages, and advises appropriate Program staff regarding "scope creep," as necessary.
• Participates in prospective project interviews as necessary.
• Communicates directly with client representatives, external project team, industry professionals, and potential clients under the supervision of Service Line Manager or Sr. Project Manager.
• Engages in self‑education and training to keep up with current industry trends and changes.
• Acts and performs activities inside and outside the office consistent with ethical engineering standards in the company handbook.
• Prepares and implements a proactive Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plan for projects.
• Assists the design and construction teams in troubleshooting HVAC controls related problems.
• Performs project job‑site visits to investigate field conditions, monitor progress, and maintains client expectations.
• Participates in BD activities including proposal writing and fee creation.
• Coordinates with other disciplines to determine HVAC sequence procedures, and provide technical information.
• Performs specific engineering studies and other design analyses using industry software such as AFDD and M&V.
• Participates in the job closeout process to ensure documentation, lessons learned, and filings are complete.
• Participates in planning and budgeting processes, which includes preparing monthly billing projections and budget metrics as required by management.
• Monitors accounts receivables on projects and initiates corrective action as needed.
• Assists management in the training and mentoring of less experienced colleagues within the EBCx group.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Knowledge of different BAS/Direct Digital Control Systems (e.g., Siemens, Trane, JCI, Niagara).
• Knowledge of project approach and systems design.
• Knowledge of the engineering discipline of one's expertise.
• High level knowledge of building codes and regulations as they pertain to assigned projects.
• Knowledge of Commissioning and/or Retro Commissioning.
• Knowledge of Contracts and project management.
• General knowledge of accounting and how to create and maintain budgets.

Skills and Abilities

• Comprehension – ability to understand information, ideas, and direction presented in writing and/or verbally communicated.
• Written Communication Skills – ability to clearly deliver a message through written words using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Speech Clarity – ability to speak clearly and in a common language so that others can understand you.
• Detail‑Oriented – ability to achieve accuracy and thoroughness when accomplishing a task; pays attention to details and is able to understand the cause of a certain outcome.
• Judgement and Decision‑Making Skills – ability to make reasoned judgments that are logical and well thought out; constructively questioning and analyzing information to make the best conclusion.
• Technical Writing Skills – skilled in summarizing or explaining technical information concisely and accurately.
• Presentation Skills – effective in a variety of presentation settings both inside and outside the organization; commands attention and can manage group processes during the presentation; can change tactics midstream when something isn't working.
• Interpersonal Skills – ability to interact positively and work effectively with others.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years related project experience in HVAC Troubleshooting, Commissioning, and/or Retro Commissioning.
• Technical report writing experience with Office, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Energy Audit experience of 1–3 years.
• Time‑management skills, presentation skills, strong interpersonal skills, and problem‑solving skills.
• Professional Engineer Licensure preferred.
• Building Automation Systems, Direct Digital Controls, HVAC systems, and design experience preferred.
• BSME and/or Professional Engineer license preferred.
• CEM and CxA certifications preferred.
• Knowledge of contracts and project management preferred.

Physical Demands

• Frequently use a computer for several hours at a time.
• May need to periodically maneuver over, under, and around barriers, and climb ladders on a job site.
• May need to periodically ride swing stages and boom lifts on a job site as necessary.
• Frequently travel by car or plane to visit job sites and attend meetings, conferences, and events.
• Requires the ability to climb stairs and move around a job site for several hours at a time.

Work Environment

• Indoors in a normal office environment with some exposure to excessive noise, darkness/poor lighting, fumes, or dust.
• May travel to and navigate construction sites, some of which may be at high altitudes or small spaces with dirt or dust particles.
• Frequent travel (about 25–50% of the time) to visit job sites and attend meetings, conferences, and events.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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