Start-up & Commissioning Manager

RK Industries; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

RK Industries is seeking a Start-Up and Commissioning Leader to own the closeout of mechanical construction projects. You will plan, direct, and coordinate start-up, commissioning, and final turnover to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and peak technical performance.

You will work hands-on with project managers, superintendents, subcontractors, vendors, and owners' commissioning agents, serving as the technical authority and driving accountability through the project’s most visible phase.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in mechanical construction closeout and commissioning.
• Ability to independently make decisions on complex issues.
• Acts as liaison to internal and external teams to drive project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate the closeout of mechanical construction projects.
• Lead start-up, commissioning, and turnover activities to meet schedule and budget.
• Supervise start-up foremen and field teams to ensure quality and safety.
• Troubleshoot commissioning issues and document resolution steps.
• Coordinate with project teams, subcontractors, and vendors for seamless handoffs.
• Interface with owners' commissioning agents to validate systems performance.

Job description

Bring complex mechanical projects across the finish line as a Start-Up and Commissioning Leader, where your expertise directly impacts project success, client satisfaction, and operational excellence. In this role, you will own the critical closeout phase of mechanical construction by planning and coordinating start-up, commissioning, and final turnover while ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, on budget, and to the highest technical standards. You will work hands-on with project managers, superintendents, subcontractors, vendors, and owners' commissioning agents, serving as the technical authority who solves problems, drives accountability, and maintains momentum through the most visible phase of the project. If you thrive in high-impact roles that combine leadership, deep technical knowledge, and autonomy and want to be the person who ensures systems perform exactly as designed, this is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on every project you support.

Self. Made. At RK

At RK, Self. Made. isn't a tagline, it's how work gets done. People here build more than projects; they build capability, confidence, and careers they can be proud of. With so much work designed and fabricated in-house, ideas move quickly from concept to shop floor to job site. Teams collaborate across disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and grow through hands-on work that truly matters.

RK Company Overview

RK Industries is a second-generation family-owned company led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning. With seven specialized business units working together, we deliver construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and building services with a focus on safety, quality, and craftsmanship.

People join RK for the craftsmanship, complexity, and the ability to make a real impact. Our in-house capabilities mean employees see their ideas become real solutions, creating meaningful collaboration and clear visibility into how work gets built. Growth happens through challenging projects, mentorship from experienced builders, and opportunities that stretch your skill set.

With RK University, accredited apprenticeships, competitive benefits, and deep community investment, RK offers the stability of a family-owned company with the opportunity and momentum of an industry leader.

Position Summary

Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities involved in the closeout of mechanical construction projects. Ensure that project goals are achieved in a timely manner and within budget, either by personally performing duties or through the supervision of subordinate team members. Manage the start-up and commissioning schedule, coordinating closely with project teams and subcontractors to facilitate activities related to start-up, commissioning, and overall project closeout.

Role Responsibilities

• Review and comprehending project contract documents.
• Support project managers in maintaining equipment tracking and start-up matrix.
• Supervise and schedule the start-up of all mechanical and plumbing equipment.
• Manage and schedule start-up foremen and superintendents.
• Conduct troubleshooting and forensic investigations of construction-related issues.
• Collaborate with project teams to uphold the project schedule from start-up to closeout.
• Interface directly with mechanical equipment vendors for vendor-designated start-ups.
• Collaborate closely with and assist the owner's commissioning agent.
• Provide technical support and assistance in addressing commissioning issues.
• Maintain schedule and manpower projections related to start-up activities.
• Oversee and document installation verification and pre-functional testing.
• Work with temperature controls subcontractors and test and balance subcontractors throughout the commissioning phase.
• Coordinate and manage project team activities to assist with smoke control testing.

Qualifications

• Provides indirect supervision.
• Applies advanced techniques and knowledge within their function.
• Utilizes diversified knowledge of applicable principles and practices across a wide range of assignments.
• Independently makes decisions concerning complexities and methods.
• Receives supervision and guidance primarily related to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters.
• Acts as a liaison to groups within and outside their organization, with the autonomy to make independent decisions regarding matters related to their function.
• Holds a college/university degree with 7+ years of relevant experience or possesses an equivalent combination of skills and experience generally expected for specified technical roles.

What Sets RK Industries Apart

• Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental
• Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
• Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards
• Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
• Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law