Start-up & Commissioning Manager

RK Mechanical, Inc.; Cheyenne, Northern (WY, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

RK Mechanical, Inc. is seeking an experienced Start-Up & Commissioning Manager to lead startup, testing, and turnover of mechanical systems on complex projects.

You will coordinate activities from planning through final turnover, ensuring systems operate safely and meet project requirements. You will collaborate with project management, field ops, engineering, quality, safety, subcontractors, vendors, owners, and commissioning agents to identify issues early and deliver fully operational systems

Qualifications

• 7+ years of mechanical construction, commissioning, startup, or related field.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and commissioning processes.
• Experience leading commissioning on large commercial/industrial projects.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and control diagrams.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Proficient with MS Office; Procore experience preferred.
• Knowledge of codes (OSHA) and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead startup and commissioning activities through project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain commissioning plans, schedules, procedures, and checklists.
• Coordinate with PMs, Supervisors, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and vendors.
• Review drawings, specs, equipment docs, and control sequences.
• Establish milestones and align with project schedule.
• Manage functional testing and system verification.
• Coordinate equipment startup, testing, balancing, and controls integration.
• Ensure turnover documentation and client training.
• Track progress and report to leadership weekly.
• Travel to project sites as required.

Skills

Leadership

Project coordination

Mechanical systems

Startup & commissioning

P&ID reading

Documentation

Safety compliance

Communication

Job description

Position Summary

RK Mechanical is seeking an experienced Start-Up & Commissioning Manager to lead and manage the successful startup, commissioning, testing, and turnover of mechanical systems on complex industrial and commercial construction projects. This position will be responsible for coordinating commissioning activities from project planning through final turnover, ensuring systems are installed, tested, documented, and operating safely and in accordance with project requirements.

The Start-Up & Commissioning Manager will work closely with project management, field operations, engineering, quality, safety, subcontractors, vendors, owners, and commissioning agents to identify issues early, drive resolution, and deliver fully operational systems to the client.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all startup and commissioning activities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain project-specific commissioning plans, schedules, procedures, and checklists.

• Coordinate startup and commissioning activities with Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and VDC teams.

• Review project drawings, specifications, equipment documentation, control sequences, and commissioning requirements.

• Establish commissioning milestones and coordinate activities with the overall project schedule.

• Manage functional performance testing of mechanical systems and equipment.

• Coordinate equipment startup, testing, balancing, controls integration, and system verification.

• Work directly with equipment manufacturers, vendors, controls contractors, TAB contractors, and third-party commissioning agents.

• Verify that equipment and systems are installed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, manufacturer requirements, and applicable codes.

• Identify deficiencies, develop corrective action plans, and drive issues through resolution.

• Maintain commissioning logs, deficiency reports, testing documentation, startup forms, and turnover packages.

• Participate in pre-functional and functional testing activities.

• Coordinate system energization and startup activities while maintaining strict safety requirements.

• Support troubleshooting of mechanical, piping, HVAC, plumbing, process, and controls systems.

• Review and verify equipment startup documentation and manufacturer requirements.

• Ensure all required inspections, testing, certifications, and documentation are completed prior to turnover.

• Coordinate final system demonstrations and owner training.

• Assist with final project closeout and turnover documentation.

• Track commissioning progress and provide regular updates to project leadership and senior management.

• Communicate project risks, schedule impacts, deficiencies, and outstanding commissioning activities.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, owners, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal project teams.

• Ensure all startup and commissioning activities are performed in accordance with RK Mechanical safety policies and project requirements.

• Travel to project sites as required.

Systems & Equipment

Experience with some or all of the following is preferred:

• HVAC systems and equipment

• Chillers and cooling towers

• Boilers and hydronic systems

• Pumps and pumping systems

• Air handling units

• Rooftop units

• VAV systems

• Exhaust and ventilation systems

• Plumbing systems

• Process piping

• Compressed air systems

• Steam systems

• Heat exchangers

• Mechanical equipment

• Building automation and controls

• Variable frequency drives (VFDs)

• Equipment requiring startup and functional performance testing

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical construction, commissioning, startup, or related field.

• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, construction processes, and equipment startup.

• Previous experience leading commissioning or startup activities on large commercial, industrial, manufacturing, data center, or process projects preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, P&IDs, equipment schedules, and control diagrams.

• Strong understanding of commissioning processes, testing procedures, and project turnover requirements.

• Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical systems and identify root causes of deficiencies.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to coordinate multiple teams and activities while maintaining project schedules.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• Experience with project management and construction software such as Procore is preferred.

• Knowledge of applicable mechanical codes, OSHA requirements, and industry standards.

• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively within a project team.

Preferred Experience & Certifications

• Commissioning certification or formal commissioning training.

• HVAC or mechanical certifications.

• OSHA 30.

• EPA certification where applicable.

• Experience with TAB and controls integration.

• Experience with industrial process systems.

• Experience working with third-party commissioning firms.

• Experience with large-scale equipment startup and functional performance testing.

Key Competencies

Leadership: Ability to lead commissioning teams and coordinate multiple stakeholders.

Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of mechanical systems, equipment operation, controls, and startup procedures.

Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot complex issues and develop practical solutions.

Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with field personnel, project leadership, clients, vendors, and engineers.

Organization: Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple commissioning activities, deadlines, and documentation requirements.

Safety: Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment during all startup, testing, and commissioning activities.

Work Environment

This position is primarily project-site based and may require extended periods in active construction environments. The position may require travel and extended stays at project locations depending on project requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in active construction and industrial environments.

• Ability to walk construction sites and access mechanical rooms, rooftops, equipment areas, and elevated locations.

• Ability to climb ladders and stairs as required.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, or shifts when required to support startup and commissioning activities.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this position means delivering mechanical systems that are safely started, properly tested, fully documented, and ready for reliable operation and owner turnover. The ideal candidate will proactively identify commissioning risks, maintain schedule accountability, solve problems quickly, and ensure a high-quality final product for RK Mechanical and its clients.