Principal Specialist, Quality Commissioning - Construction Projects

NTT Global Data Centers Americas, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NTT Global Data Centers Americas, Inc. is seeking a Principal Data Center Quality Commissioning Specialist.

You will lead the development of quality management plans and inspection plans for data center construction, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with rigorous QA and commissioning readiness. You will oversee civil, structural, architectural, and MEP systems, conduct FAT/SAT/IST, and drive NCR/CAPA initiatives to uphold industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical) required.
• 10+ years QA/QC in mission-critical or large-scale construction; 5+ years in data center projects.
• Experience with hyperscale and colocation data centers preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ASHRAE, Uptime Institute, TIA-942, NFPA and IEC standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of PQMPs and ITPs for data center construction projects.
• Ensure compliance with approved quality procedures, method statements, specs, and industry standards.
• Facilitate quality planning meetings, reviews, and continuous improvement for project delivery.
• Monitor and report project quality KPIs and performance metrics.
• Oversee quality inspections for civil, structural, and architectural works.
• Verify MEP installations and conduct FAT/SAT/IST witness activities.
• Lead NCRs, CAPA investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Maintain quality records, turnover docs, and commissioning handover packages.

Skills

QA/QC management

Inspection planning

Root cause analysis

MEP systems

Quality metrics

Commissioning

Project management

Leadership

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical or Electrical)

Tools

QMS (Quality Management Systems)

Job description

Make an impact at NTT Global Data CentersJoin NTT Global Data Centers and be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability in the digital world. With over 150 data centers across more than 20 countries globally, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and transformative projects. Experience a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.Your role at a glanceThe Principal Data Center Quality Commissioning Specialist is a highly skilled subject matter expert, responsible for supporting with the management of on-site quality and commissioning activities. This role supports with the implementation and management of the quality and commissioning process for Global Data Center facilities on time and on budget. The process is designed to identify and resolve issues early in the design and construction process to ensure quality, reliability, safety, and cost effectiveness of Global Data Center projects.This role is responsible for ensuring that equipment and systems are functioning at the efficiency level for which they were designed. This includes development of a project specific quality-oriented Commissioning Process for achieving, verifying, and documenting that the performance of the facilities, systems, and assemblies meets the defined objectives and criteria.This role is responsible for delivery of critical facility projects that have vetted designs, fully tested systems and equipment and can deliver mission immediately upon delivery to Global Data Center operations.What we are looking forKey Responsibilities:Lead the development and implementation of Project Quality Management Plans (PQMPs) and Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs) for data center construction projects.Ensure compliance with approved quality procedures, method statements, project specifications, and industry standards throughout the project lifecycle.Facilitate quality planning meetings, quality reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project delivery and quality performance.Monitor, track, and report project quality KPIs and performance metrics.Construction Quality OversightOversee quality inspections and compliance activities for civil, structural, and architectural works, including foundations, concrete works, structural steel, roofing, raised floors, waterproofing, and façade systems.Review material approvals, testing results, inspection records, and construction documentation to ensure adherence to project requirements.Conduct punch-list inspections and support final acceptance activities.MEP Quality AssuranceVerify installation quality and compliance of critical mechanical systems, including cooling plants, chillers, CRAH/CRAC units, cooling towers, HVAC systems, piping networks, fuel systems, and water treatment systems.Witness and review mechanical testing activities such as pressure testing, flushing, cleaning, balancing, and mechanical completion processes.Inspect and verify electrical systems including utility connections, generators, UPS systems, switchgear, transformers, busways, grounding systems, and battery installations.Witness electrical testing activities including insulation resistance, continuity, relay testing, and energization readiness.Ensure plumbing and fire protection systems are installed and tested in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and applicable codes.Inspection, Testing & CommissioningConduct routine quality surveillance inspections across all construction phases.Review contractor quality documentation and inspection records.Witness Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and Integrated Systems Testing (IST).Validate Mechanical Completion (MC), Substantial Completion, and commissioning readiness requirements.Support Level 1–5 commissioning activities, including pre-functional and functional testing.Confirm system quality readiness prior to start-up, energization, and client handover.Non-Conformance & Quality ImprovementManage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and drive timely resolution of quality issues.Lead root cause investigations and verify implementation of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).Escalate critical quality concerns and risks to project leadership as required.Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement across project teams and contractors.Documentation & ReportingMaintain complete and accurate quality records, turnover documentation, inspection reports, and quality dossiers.Prepare and present weekly and monthly quality performance reports.Track key quality metrics such as NCR closure rate, first-time-pass inspection rate, audit compliance, commissioning readiness, and documentation completion.Support mechanical completion verification, commissioning readiness assessments, and final quality handover packages.Vendor & Contractor Quality ManagementConduct quality audits of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.Review vendor quality plans, manufacturing records, and supplier documentation.Participate in factory audits and manufacturing inspections to ensure compliance with project quality requirements.Monitor contractor quality performance and drive adherence to project standards and expectations.Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:Technical KnowledgeStrong understanding of data center design, construction, and commissioning practices.Knowledge of critical environment infrastructure and mission-critical facility requirements.In-depth understanding of mechanical cooling systems, including chillers, cooling plants, CRAH/CRAC units, HVAC systems, and associated piping networks.Strong knowledge of electrical power distribution systems, including generators, UPS systems, switchgear, transformers, grounding, and battery systems.Understanding of commissioning processes, mechanical completion, integrated systems testing, and commissioning readiness requirements.Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and construction quality assurance and control programs.Familiarity with inspection, testing, verification, and acceptance methodologies across construction and commissioning activities.Understanding of international and industry standards, including:ISO 9001 Quality Management SystemsASHRAE GuidelinesUptime Institute StandardsTIA-942NFPA StandardsIEC StandardsIEEE StandardsLocal building codes and regulatory requirementsKnowledge of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) requirements applicable to construction projects.Professional SkillsExpertise in QA/QC management and construction quality processes.Strong inspection planning and execution capabilities.Experience in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action management.Working knowledge of MEP systems and critical infrastructure installations.Ability to conduct quality audits and assess contractor, supplier, and vendor performance.Experience in commissioning readiness reviews, quality verification, and project handover activities.Knowledge of quality metrics, reporting, and performance monitoring.Leadership & Behavioral AttributesStrong leadership skills with the ability to influence project teams and contractors.Effective stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate complex technical and quality-related issues.High attention to detail and commitment to quality excellence.Proactive approach to identifying and mitigating project risks.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.Collaborative and team-oriented with a focus on achieving project quality objectives.Academic Qualifications and Certifications:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.Preferred certifications include ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), Data Center Commissioning Professional (DCCP), Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, and Uptime Accredited Professional (ATD/AP).Required Experience:• 10+ years of QA/QC experience in mission-critical or large-scale construction projects.Minimum 5 years' experience in data center projects.Experience with hyperscale and colocation data center developments preferred.Strong background across both Base Build and MEP systems.Who we areAs the third largest data center provider, we operate over 150 data centers in more than 20 countries and regions. We understand that every business – large and small – has its own unique needs and goals. We offer local-to-global data center expertise, aligned with our connected platform of AI-ready data centers to create solutions that enable our clients to seamlessly scale their digital businesses, anywhere and anytime.