Senior Data Center Project Manager

USTBC ABB Installation Products Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ABB is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the start-up and commissioning of power delivery equipment for large-scale data centers. You will own the planning and execution of commissioning activities for MV/LV switchgear, busway, and related critical power systems, ensuring go-live accuracy and safety.

This high-visibility role combines engineering, construction, and operations. The work model is remote within the U.S., with a preference for West Coast or Mountain Region candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years managing complex technical projects.
• Direct experience in data centers, critical facilities, or heavy industrial power distribution.
• Strong understanding of electrical power systems (MV/LV) and protective relays.
• Experience with commissioning processes and IST.
• Familiarity with EPMS/BMS, SCADA, and controls integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end start-up and commissioning projects for electrical power systems within data centers.
• Develop and own the commissioning project plan including scope, schedule, budget, risk register, and resources.
• Serve as single point of contact for commissioning activities with internal teams, customers, and contractors.
• Coordinate and oversee commissioning of MV/LV switchgear, transformers, busways, and protection systems.
• Review and approve commissioning scripts, test procedures, and method statements; track deficiencies.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for commissioning issues.
• Manage safety, quality, and compliance across sites; ensure documentation and turnover packages are delivered.

Skills

Project management

Data center experience

Electrical power systems

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Leadership

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Power/Mechanical Eng

Tools

MS Project/Primavera

MS Office

EPMS/BMS/SCADA

Job description

At ABB , we help industries run leaner and cleaner-and every person here makes that happen. You'll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to: Service Project Management Manager

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the start-up and commissioning of power delivery equipment for large-scale data centers. In this role, you will own the planning and execution of commissioning activities for MV/LV switchgear (AIS and GIS), busway, and related critical power systems , ensuring that hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centers go live safely, on time, and exactly as designed.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role at the intersection of engineering, construction, and operations , ideal for someone who thrives in complex technical environments and enjoys being on the critical path of data center delivery.

The work model for the role is: Remote within the U.S.; preference given to candidates located in the West Coast or Mountain Region .

#LI-Remote

This role is contributing to the Electrification Service Data Center Services COE in the United States.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Ownership

Lead end-to-end start-up and commissioning projects for electrical power systems within data centers-from pre-functional checks through Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and handover.

Develop and own the commissioning project plan , including scope, schedule, budget, risk register, and resource plan.

Serve as the single point of contact for all commissioning-related activities with internal teams, customers, and contractors.

Technical & Commissioning Execution

Coordinate and oversee commissioning activities for:

Medium and low voltage switchgear / switchboards

Transformers, Busway / bus duct and protection relays and metering

Ensure commissioning is executed in accordance with owner's project requirements, design basis, specifications, and industry standards (e.g., NFPA, IEEE, IEC, ASHRAE, Uptime).

Review and approve commissioning scripts, test procedures, and method statements , and ensure that deficiencies are documented, tracked, and closed out.

Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for issues uncovered during L2-L4 commissioning and IST.

Stakeholder & Customer Management

Act as the key liaison between clients (including hyperscale cloud, enterprise, and colo customers), EPCs, OEMs, Cx agents, and internal engineering/service teams .

Run regular progress meetings and technical reviews , clearly communicating status, risks, and recovery plans.

Build strong working relationships on-site and represent the company with professionalism and confidence.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

Champion a "zero harm" safety culture on all commissioning sites, ensuring compliance with company and customer safety policies and procedures.

Enforce quality standards and ensure all work is executed to the highest levels of craftsmanship and reliability.

Ensure all required documentation, test reports, as-builts, redlines, and turnover packages are complete, accurate, and delivered on time.

Planning, Controls & Reporting

Develop and maintain detailed commissioning schedules aligned with construction milestones and data center go-live dates.

Track costs, change orders, and earned value for commissioning scope; proactively manage variances and opportunities.

Provide regular project reporting to leadership and customers, including KPIs, risk/issue logs, punch lists, and lessons learned.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

Coordinate and direct multidisciplinary site teams (field engineers, technicians, subcontractors, and third-party Cx agents).

Mentor less-experienced engineers and support staff on commissioning best practices, documentation, and customer communication.

Contribute to continuous improvement of standard commissioning procedures, templates, and tools .

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

7+ years managing complex technical projects, with at least 3+ years focused on start-up and commissioning of power or MEP systems.

Direct experience in data centers, critical facilities, or heavy industrial power distribution environments.

Strong understanding of electrical power systems (MV/LV), short circuit/coordination concepts, protective relays, and critical power architecture (N, N+1, 2N).

Demonstrated experience with commissioning processes (levels 1-5), electrical acceptance testing, and integrated systems testing.

Familiarity with EPMS/BMS, SCADA, and controls integration is a plus.:

Proven track record managing scope, schedule, cost, risk, and stakeholders on multi-million-dollar projects.

Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent) and the MS Office suite.

Willingness an