Startup and Commissioning Specialist

About this position

Founded in 1994, O  is a provider of mission‑critical cooling technology services, including repair and rebuild, inspection, maintenance, and related field services across the United States. Headquartered in Northwood, Ohio, with more than 400 employees, O  serves a number of end markets through 12 offices, including semiconductor, water and wastewater, food and agriculture, power generation, commercial, healthcare, petrochemical, refinery, and data centers, among others.

Backed by an experienced engineering team and deep expertise in the cooling technology space, O  helps customers improve reliability, performance, and long‑term system life.

The Startup and Commissioning Specialist will be responsible for planning, executing and documenting the commissioning and startup activities for new or upgraded industrial equipment. This role ensures that all systems are installed correctly, tested thoroughly and efficiently transitioned from construction to customer operations.

The ideal candidate possesses strong technical knowledge, hands‑on experience and a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset. The Startup and Commissioning Specialist will travel to O  customer sites (data centers, refineries, power plants, steel mills, paper mills, etc.) to provide on‑site startup and commissioning activities to include but not limited to data collection, troubleshooting, general cooling tower inspections and mechanical adjustments.

The successful candidate will be expected to travel approximately 80% of the time.

• Plan, coordinate, and perform startup activities for new or upgraded equipment, ensuring that all systems are properly integrated and calibrated.
• Perform general VFD setup and programming providing lockout of undesirable frequencies based on vibration analysis.
• Perform baseline vibration data collection during cooling tower start‑ups.
• Collaborate with the controls and automation team to ensure proper integration of vibration monitoring systems with control systems.
• Identify and resolve technical issues that arise during startup and commissioning phases.
• Maintain detailed commissioning documentation, including test results, punch lists, and turnover packages.
• Provide training and technical support to operations and maintenance teams.
• Support continuous improvement of commissioning processes and best practices.
• Configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot vibration sensors, accelerometers and other diagnostic tools integrated into the control systems.
• Perform cooling tower inspections of both internal and external components verify installation quality, conduct functional and performance testing, and ensure readiness for operation.
• Enter confined spaces and climb structures to inspect, collect data, take photographs, and prepare technical reports to communicate findings to customers and internal teams.
• Develop technical reports to communicate findings and recommendations identified during on‑site data collection.
• Ensure all company and client safety policies, procedures, standards, etc., are adhered to throughout each project.
• Submit expense reports for all company expenses.
• Perform other duties as directed by O  Supervisor.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong technical knowledge and hands‑on field experience analyzing, diagnosing, and mitigating electrical, control, and mechanical related issues with industrial equipment.
• Working knowledge of vibration analysis and mechanical maintenance best practices.
• Familiarity with control systems, including VFDs, PLCs and related automation tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with computer‑based reporting tools.
• Good organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
• Self‑starter with willingness to learn and contribute.
• Willingness to travel up to 80% of the time.

The following physical demands are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities or medical restrictions.

• Work in both…