Data Center Commissioning Engineer

Position Overview Detail Information Job Title Commissioning Engineer Location Red Oak, TX (Ellis County, Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex) Department Commissioning Reports To Director of Mission Critical Operations Job Type Full-Time, W-2 Salaried, Exempt

Compensation

$130,000 – $160,000 annual base salary, dependent on experience About the Opportunity Southern Staffing Group is hiring an experienced Commissioning Engineer to lead commissioning on a mission critical data center project in Red Oak, TX. This is a full-time, salaried role for a hands-on leader who wants to own L1–L5 commissioning from planning through turnover on one of the fastest-growing data center corridors in North Texas. Job Summary The Commissioning Engineer leads commissioning activities on a mission critical data center construction project in Red Oak, TX. The role coordinates planning, staffing, scheduling, quality, safety and testing throughout the commissioning phase. Reporting to the Director of Mission Critical Operations, you will ensure all work follows approved procedures and that equipment performance meets design requirements. You will work closely with internal team members, consultants, general contractors, equipment manufacturers and commissioning agents to plan, schedule and execute Level 1 through Level 5 commissioning. You will also support a smooth handoff to facility operations teams. Success in this role requires a strong command of MEP systems, schedule and risk analysis, and disciplined documentation through project closeout.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning Planning & Execution

• Manage end-to-end commissioning processes and delivery to satisfy Owner requirements and support a smooth transition to facility operations teams.
• Manage site-specific Level 1 through Level 5 (L1–L5) commissioning for new and expansion projects.
• Lead a multidisciplinary, project-specific commissioning plan, including review and verification of system design, installation, functional performance and reliability.
• Review project submittals, including all startup and commissioning procedures supplied by vendors and consultants.
• Enforce Owner practices across the commissioning team, including subcontractors and equipment vendors, to ensure commitment to safety and performance on site. Schedule, Risk & Performance Management
• Collaborate with the General Contractor (GC), equipment manufacturers, Commissioning Agent and internal team to build and integrate startup and commissioning schedules into the overall project schedule.
• Analyze project schedules and deliver monthly reports identifying potential delays, critical path impacts and optimization opportunities.
• Develop risk assessment models and identify key risk factors affecting project budgets and schedules.
• Track project performance against schedule targets with project managers, contractors and the broader project team. Stakeholder Coordination & Procurement
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with architects, engineers, trade partners and facility operations teams to streamline delivery and ensure fully compliant projects.
• Manage the commissioning RFP process, from RFP creation through award.
• Lead or support commissioning-related onboarding of new trade partners, vendors and consultants. Design & Construction Oversight
• Review design documents and specifications to confirm Owner standards and requirements are met.
• Participate in design and construction reviews and provide technical input on the most cost-effective, schedule-efficient construction methods.
• Monitor electrical, mechanical, fire alarm (FA), fire protection (FP) and controls subcontractors for schedule performance and conformance to contract documents. Documentation, Deficiency Management & Closeout
• Manage commissioning documentation and record-keeping for all equipment and materials.
• Run weekly meetings with vendors, trade partners and commissioning agents to drive punch list and open items to resolution.
• Establish and manage a punch list prevention plan and track commissioning deficiencies with the project team.
• Oversee development and population of project closeout documentation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. Experience
• 5+ years leading commissioning on mission critical facilities.
• Experience developing, implementing and overseeing commissioning plans, scripts and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of mission critical construction technology, equipment, materials and methods.
• Well-rounded knowledge of MEP systems and construction processes across all trades, including means and methods, installation procedures and tolerances.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS), including environmental controls and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS).
• Experience with access control and CCTV systems.
• Experience with construction cost forecasting, accrual reporting, pay applications, and construction scheduling and planning.
• Deep understanding of project management principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of NETA guidelines and standards.

Skills

• Ability to interpret contract documents, Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), drawings, specifications, system schematics, sequences of operation, MEP scopes of work and project schedules.
• Proficiency with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6, and schedule assessment methods such as the DCMA 14-Point Assessment.
• Proficiency with web-based project management systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong performance management, ensuring tasks are completed on time and efficiently.
• Excellent time management and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including explaining complex technical concepts to clients, team members and non-technical stakeholders.
• Growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning.

Working Conditions

• Primarily on site at the Red Oak, TX data center project, with travel to other project sites as assignments require.
• Ability to support night shift and weekend testing. Energization events, load bank tests and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) often occur on nights and weekends to avoid impacting construction activities.
• Extended hours expected during critical phases, particularly energization, IST, turnover and project closeout. Physical Requirements All work is performed on site at active data center construction projects. Essential physical functions include:
• Working in construction and industrial environments, including outdoor and unconditioned interior exposure to extreme heat and cold, high winds, dust, vibration and high noise, and work near energized electrical systems and rotating machinery.
• Remaining on foot and mobile for most of the day, walking extended distances across large sites, including uneven and unfinished terrain.
• Climbing ladders, permanent and temporary stairs and fixed access points; riding construction personnel hoists; accessing roofs, mezzanines, catwalks and elevated platforms; working from lifts and scaffolding with fall protection.
• Entering and working in confined and restricted spaces, including electrical rooms, equipment enclosures, pits and mechanical chases, and self-extracting from a confined space in an emergency.
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting and reaching overhead to inspect equipment interiors, terminations and below-equipment connections.
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds frequently, and carrying inspection equipment and documentation throughout the shift.
• Maintaining vision, hearing and situational awareness to read drawings and instrument displays, receive radio, verbal and audible alarm communication in high-noise conditions, and respond rapidly to changing site conditions and emergencies. Compensation & Benefits
• $130,000 – $160,000 annual base salary, dependent on experience
• Health benefits: medical, dental, vision, LTD/STD, Life and AD&D
• Retirement: 401(k), discretionary pension and profit sharing, subject to plan documents
• 15 days paid time off (prorated based on start date) and 8 paid holidays
• Company credit card for qualified travel expenses
• NFPA 70E Arc Flash training provided Professional development and certification reimbursement