Field Commissioning Specialist (51567)

Gradian Thermal Solutions; Osseo (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Vision & Dental in one plan

401k matching

PTO & holidays

Job summary

Gradian is seeking a Field Commissioning Specialist to lead startup, commissioning, and validation of commercial HVAC systems at customer sites across North America. You will work with contractors, engineers, and end users to ensure equipment operates per design, codes, and customer expectations, delivering high-quality performance and reliable operation in dynamic environments.

Role requires 50–80% travel regionally or nationally, regular overtime, and strong emphasis on safety, documentation,

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in HVAC, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–7+ years of experience in commercial HVAC service, commissioning, or field engineering.
• Experience with large commercial systems (chillers, boilers, air handlers, controls) strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, refrigeration cycles, and airflow principles.
• Knowledge of control systems and building automation (BACnet, Modbus, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools, meters, and commissioning software.

Responsibilities

• Startup, commissioning, and functional testing of commercial HVAC systems (e.g., chillers, rooftop units, air handlers, VRF systems).
• Verify installation compliance with manufacturer specifications, engineering drawings, and applicable codes.
• Adjust system parameters, controls, and sequences of operation to optimize performance.
• Document commissioning procedures, test results, and equipment performance data.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Provide on-site technical support to contractors, service teams, and customers.
• Interface with factory engineering teams for advanced issue resolution.
• Conduct root cause analysis and recommend corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary on-site representative during commissioning activities.
• Deliver customer training on system operation, maintenance, and controls.
• Provide clear documentation and reports to stakeholders.
• Promote strong customer relationships and ensure satisfaction.
• Verify proper operation of BAS and control interfaces.
• Ensure correct communication between HVAC equipment and building systems.
• Perform point-to-point checks and sequence validation.
• Follow all company safety policies and industry regulations (OSHA, NEC).
• Conduct site safety assessments and adhere to lockout/tagout procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and training.
• Complete startup reports, commissioning checklists, and service documentation.
• Provide detailed field reports, including deficiencies and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of site visits, labor, and system performance.

Skills

HVAC systems knowledge

Field engineering experience

Reading drawings

BACnet/Modbus knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in HVAC or related field

Tools

Diagnostic meters

Commissioning software

Building automation interfaces

Job description

Gradian is an engineering-led, full-line thermal solutions partner serving data center and other mission-critical, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Maple Grove, MN, with additional facilities across North America, we design and manufacture liquid cooling systems, air handling equipment, heat rejection units, and modular, factory-assembled thermal management solutions.

Gradian was founded through the unification of four complementary, established brands: MAS HVAC, Daedex, DeepCoolAI, and EcoChillers. Together, we act as a single-source provider, deploying cooling technologies as scalable systems optimized for efficiency, spatial constraints, and overall performance. With a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing model, we pair rapid design turnaround with precision fabrication, so customers can move faster on complex projects where reliability, timeline, and quality all matter.

At Gradian, you'll work alongside others who get genuinely fired up by complex problems, see your work go from first sketch to job site in weeks, not years, and know that while we're developing the technologies critical for AI infrastructure to scale, our culture remains people-first by design.

It is core to our identity that we operate as one team — driving to win together, energizing others, and building lasting relationships that make the work fun and rewarding.

Position Summary

The Field Commissioning Specialist is responsible for startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and validation of commercial HVAC systems at customer sites. This role ensures installed equipment operates according to design specifications, manufacturer standards, and customer expectations. The specialist serves as a technical expert, working closely with contractors, engineers, and end users to deliver high-quality system performance and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning & Startup

• Perform startup, commissioning, and functional testing of commercial HVAC systems (e.g., chillers, rooftop units, air handlers, VRF systems).
• Verify installation compliance with manufacturer specifications, engineering drawings, and applicable codes.
• Adjust system parameters, controls, and sequences of operation to optimize performance.
• Document commissioning procedures, test results, and equipment performance data.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Provide on-site technical support to contractors, service teams, and customers.
• Interface with factory engineering teams for advanced issue resolution.
• Conduct root cause analysis and recommend corrective actions.

Customer Interaction & Training

• Serve as the primary on-site representative during commissioning activities.
• Deliver customer training on system operation, maintenance, and controls.
• Provide clear documentation and reports to stakeholders.
• Promote strong customer relationships and ensure satisfaction.

Controls & Integration

• Verify proper operation of building automation systems (BAS) and control interfaces.
• Ensure correct communication between HVAC equipment and building systems.
• Perform point-to-point checks and sequence validation.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and industry regulations (OSHA, NEC, etc.).
• Conduct site safety assessments and adhere to lockout/tagout procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and training.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete startup reports, commissioning checklists, and service documentation.
• Provide detailed field reports, including deficiencies and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of site visits, labor, and system performance.

Production & Assembly

• Support Gradian facility production as needed

Required

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in HVAC, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–7+ years of experience in commercial HVAC service, commissioning, or field engineering.
• Experience with large commercial systems (chillers, boilers, air handlers, controls) strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, refrigeration cycles, and airflow principles.
• Knowledge of control systems and building automation (BACnet, Modbus, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools, meters, and commissioning software.

Preferred

• OEM experience with major HVAC manufacturers (e.g., Trane, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls).
• Experience with commissioning protocols (ASHRAE guidelines).
• Certifications such as EPA 608, CEM, or commissioning-related credentials.
• Experience with advanced controls platforms and analytics.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Frequent regional or national travel (50–80% depending on territory).
• Regular overtime expected, averaging 10–15 additional hours per week based on project demands, startup schedules, and customer timelines.
• Ability to work on construction sites, rooftops, and mechanical rooms.
• Must be able to lift equipment, climb ladders, and work in varying environmental conditions.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Group term life insurance coverage
• HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care plans available
• 8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, and generous PTO policy
• 401k matching
• Company paid events
• Annual safety shoe allowance
• Education assistance program

EEO Statement

Gradian is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status.

Employment decisions at Gradian are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and actively promote a culture of fairness, equity, and opportunity.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable laws.