Start-up & Commissioning Manager

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

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.