Start-up & Commissioning Manager

Start-Up & Commissioning Manager

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.

• 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.

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

• 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…