Project Manager – Data Center Commissioning

Altorfer Inc; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Education assistance

Retirement plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Altorfer Industries in the United States seeks a Project Manager to lead data center power-system projects from packaging to customer acceptance. You will coordinate with customers, dealers, and internal teams to ensure on-time startup and commissioning.

This role requires strong organizational skills, experience with packaged generator sets and control systems, and the ability to manage budgets, schedules, and risks.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in power generation, electrical infrastructure, construction, or related mission critical industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, Construction Management, or related field is preferred.
• PMP certification is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of OSHA, ISO and Electrical Safety is a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Manage data center projects from equipment readiness through shipment, installation, startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Coordinate with packaging partners, Caterpillar dealers, and internal teams to verify readiness and document deficiencies.
• Review specifications, drawings, submittals, and contractual requirements to understand interfaces and acceptance criteria.
• Serve as primary project contact for customers, contractors, and internal teams during field execution.
• Coordinate equipment delivery with logistics and site teams, confirming readiness and documenting damages.
• Develop and maintain project schedules aligning personnel, installation, startup, and commissioning with milestones.
• Coordinate technical support and resolve installation issues with specialists and suppliers.
• Conduct readiness reviews to identify installation deficiencies and safety concerns.
• Manage budgets, scope changes, and risks to protect profitability and ensure customer satisfaction.

Skills

Project management

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

AutoCAD

Communication

Scheduling

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

PMP certification (preferred)

OSHA/ISO knowledge

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Inventor

MS Project

Job description

Working Hours/Days

This is a full-time, exempt position. The employee will be expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the position's duties. Typical work schedule is Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm, weekend work as needed.

Overview

The Project Manager plays a pivotal role in bringing mission-critical data center power systems online, leading the coordination required to deliver reliable backup power for some of the most demanding facilities in our territory. Reporting to the Data Center Support Manager, this position oversees the transition of large generator sets from enclosure packager shipment through jobsite installation, startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance.

Working closely with customers, contractors, supplier partners, and Altorfer’s technical and service teams, the Project Manager coordinates equipment quality and readiness at shipment and drives successful field execution. Responsibilities include managing schedules, resources, costs, documentation, and deliverables; resolving equipment deficiencies; confirming site readiness; and aligning installation support and commissioning activities with customer milestones. Success requires strong organization, attention to detail, proactive communication, and effective problem-solving to protect profitability and meet customer expectations.

Basic Duties

• Manage assigned data center projects from equipment readiness and quality review at the enclosure packager through shipment, jobsite installation support, startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Coordinate with packaging partners, supplying Caterpillar dealers, and internal project teams to verify equipment readiness for shipment, review inspection and testing records, and ensure deficiencies are documented, assigned, and tracked to resolution.
• Review project specifications, drawings, submittals, and contractual requirements to understand equipment interfaces, installation requirements, commissioning scope, and customer acceptance criteria.
• Serve as the primary project contact for customers, general contractors, electrical and mechanical contractors, supplying dealers, and Altorfer’s service and technical teams during field execution.
• Coordinate equipment delivery with logistics personnel and jobsite teams, confirming site readiness, receiving arrangements, and documentation of shipping damage or missing items.
• Develop and maintain project schedules that align Altorfer’s personnel, installation support, startup, testing, and commissioning activities with customer and contractor milestones.
• Coordinate technical support for field technicians and installation contractors, engaging Altorfer specialists, packaging partners, equipment suppliers, and Caterpillar resources to resolve installation and equipment issues.
• Conduct jobsite visits and readiness reviews to identify installation deficiencies, incomplete work, and other conditions that could affect safe startup, commissioning, or equipment performance.
• Coordinate startup, functional testing, load bank testing, and integrated systems testing, as required by the project scope, and track outstanding items through customer acceptance.
• Manage project budgets, costs, scope changes, and risks; document additional work and obtain required authorization to protect project profitability.
• Maintain accurate project records, including schedules, meeting notes, issue logs, inspection and test reports, warranty documentation, operation and maintenance manuals, and customer closeout packages.
• Coordinate customer training and the transition of completed projects to Altorfer’s ongoing service and support teams.
• Promote safe work practices and compliance with applicable site requirements throughout Altorfer’s project activities.
• Identify lessons learned and recurring quality issues, and work with internal teams, supplying dealers, and packaging partners to improve future project execution.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in power generation, electrical infrastructure, construction, or related mission critical industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field is preferred.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of OSHA, ISO and Electrical Safety is a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with clean driving record. This includes no more than 2 minor violations within the past 3 years and no major violations within the past 5 years (Motor Vehicle Report will be performed on final candidate).

Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-phase projects involving packaged generator sets, switchgear, fuel systems, and control systems.
• Experience applying electrical engineering principles to power generation, switchgear, controls, and electrical distribution systems.
• Prior experience with data center, hospital, or other emergency standby power projects is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget while maintaining high customer satisfaction.
• Experience working directly with OEMs, contractors, engineers, and end users to coordinate successful project delivery.
• Familiarity with Caterpillar products or other major generator set manufacturers.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems in backup and standby power applications.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, vendors, and customers.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and project submittals.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or Autodesk Inventor for reviewing, marking up, or developing equipment layouts and technical drawings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Project) and general project management tools.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.

Altorfer Industries offers an industry leading compensation and benefit package:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave and Funeral Leave
• Paid Time Off: Prorated 80 hours of PTO
• Education Assistance
• Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental Insurance, Accident, Critical and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Assistance and Identity & Fraud Protection

Payrate: $80,000 - $100,000 annually

Posted Min

USD $80,000.00/Yr.

Posted Max

USD $100,000.00/Yr.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Why Work for Altorfer?

At Altorfer, our iron is just the beginning. Our people make our company successful, and we would not be who we are without them. As a third generation, family-owned company created in 1957, we bring our values into how we do business. Everyone from technicians, sales representatives, administrative professionals, or somewhere in between is part of the “A-Team” and is critical to our success. Here at Altorfer, we have over 35 locations and 1300 employees with long tenure for you to learn from. We have a collaborative, family valued culture, with a great reputation in the industry. A company that offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a remarkable team of people to work with.

Working Conditions:

Work is normally performed both indoors and outdoors with moderate noise conditions. Limited exposure to all weather conditions is associated with this position. Physical requirements may include speaking, listening, writing, typing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, sitting for extended periods, and managing stress. Occasionally required to walk or stand for short durations on manufacturing floors or job sites. Job hazards may include tripping, slipping, falling, jobsite hazards, hand injuries, driving related hazards, equipment movement, overexertion due to stress and fatigue. Required to follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment depending on the environment or location. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Noise level in the office environment is usually moderate to low. Must be flexible to work varying schedules and hours as needed. Occasional travel may be required. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.