Start-Up/Commissioning Lead (Data Centers)

Jacobs; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 170,271,000 - 234,192,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Start-Up/Commissioning Lead to oversee start‑up, energization, and commissioning of facilities, including data centre projects. You’ll develop plans, create documentation, and ensure GDP‑compliant execution with a focus on safety and quality.

You’ll coordinate with OEMs and construction teams while applying expertise in HVAC, instrumentation, and controls. The role offers hybrid work and opportunities to grow in a global engineering firm.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering or equivalent years of experience in lieu of degree.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop Start‑Up and Commissioning Plan and execution strategies.
• Lead the team in Developing System Start‑Up and Commissioning Plans for black utility and HVAC systems.
• Lead the team in Generating and executing Start‑Up and Commissioning documents per GDPs.
• Startup equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Facilitate meetings for the start‑up team.
• Maintain action item lists and change logs.
• Provide technical assistance and input.
• Coordinate with OEM service technicians as needed.
• Coordinate with construction management firm as needed.
• Apply engineering knowledge of HVAC, black utilities, instrumentation and controls.

Education

BS in Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Our People & Places Solutions business – reinforces our drive to improve the lives of people everywhere and epitomizes the "why" of what we do – the tremendous positive impact and value our solutions bring to our communities and society as a whole. From facilities delivering life‑saving therapies and ensuring clean water to enabling the connection of people through all modes of transportation and providing access to technology – we're integrating a multitude of these solution elements to build the smart environments of tomorrow.

Start your Jacobs career with a company that inspires and empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow.

Here at Jacobs, we apply our expertise and knowledge as we look into the future with great optimism and focus. We don’t settle until we give our best and know that we’re making a difference.

As a Start-Up/Commissioning Lead, you’ll join our collaborative team providing Commissioning and Start‑Up services to clients in the Advanced Manufacturing Industry. The position provides an excellent opportunity to work for a Global Engineering Firm and support clients that manufacture life‑changing products. This position shall be responsible for the development of start‑up and commissioning plans, commissioning documentation, and execution of these documents for a variety of facilities, utility systems, and equipment. This role will involve working on world‑class data centre projects, a rapidly growing and innovative sector in the construction industry. You will have a unique chance to learn and grow in the cutting‑edge field of data centre construction, even if you don’t have prior experience in this specific area. You’ll be at the forefront of technology infrastructure development, gaining valuable insights into the intricate systems that power our digital world.

We are looking for a passionate Start‑Up/Commissioning Lead who is driven by collaboration, exceeding expectations, and challenging the status quo.

You’ll be accountable for oversight, coordination, and execution of the start‑up, energization, commissioning, and visual inspection of facilities, black utility systems and HVAC. You will also be responsible for the following duties

• Develop Project Start‑Up and Commissioning Plan and execution strategies
• Lead the team in Developing System Start‑Up and Commissioning Plans for black utility and HVAC systems
• Lead the team in Generating and executing Start‑Up and Commissioning documents according to Good Documentation Practices (GDPs)
• Startup equipment in a safe and effective manner
• Facilitate meetings for the start‑up Team
• Maintain action item lists
• Maintain engineering change control logs
• Provide technical assistance and input
• Coordination of OEM Service technicians as needed
• Coordination with construction management firm as needed
• Apply engineering knowledge of, and experience with, HVAC, black utilities, instrumentation, controls, and automation to support clients

This role offers a unique opportunity to expand your skillset and knowledge base in the rapidly evolving field of data centre construction. You'll be exposed to cutting‑edge technologies and innovative construction techniques, positioning you at the forefront of this dynamic industry. The experience gained in this position will be invaluable for your career growth in the construction and technology sectors. Bring your curiosity, talent for multi‑taskingand collaboration, and extreme organizational skills and we’ll help you grow, pursue and fulfill what drives you – so we can make big impacts on the world, together.

Here’s what you’ll need

• BS in Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering or equivalent years of experience in lieu of degree
• 5-14 years of Start‑Up and Commissioning experience in the data centre and/or life sciences industry
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Understanding of Good Documentation Practices (GDPs)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office – Word, Excel
• Flexibility and willingness to travel and work at various clients’ locations
• Ability to work well with diverse, multi‑disciplined groups
• Ability to effectively communicate with management and fellow project team members
• Ability to negotiate/compromise with other project team members to achieve project goals
• Ability to listen and respect fellow project team member’s ideas and opinions and work through conflicts or disagreements

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to a 401(k) plan, as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $123,600.00 to $170,000.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on July 14, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.