Project Manager; Data Center - Commissioning

Senior Commissioning Project Manager – Data Center Construction

We are seeking an experienced Senior Commissioning Project Manager to lead and manage the commissioning process for large-scale, ground-up data center construction projects in the South Chicago region. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all commissioning activities across complex, mission-critical MEP systems to ensure facilities are delivered fully tested, validated, and ready for reliable operation.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge of data center infrastructure, strong project management skills, and proven experience driving integrated testing, system validation, and turnover on high-performance facilities.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in North America; visa sponsorship is not available.

• Develop and manage the overall commissioning plan from design review through integrated systems testing (IST) and final turnover.
• Establish commissioning scope, sequencing, milestones, and documentation requirements aligned with project schedules.
• Lead commissioning efforts across all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, controls, and life-safety systems.
• Act as the primary point of contact for commissioning-related activities across internal teams, contractors, and client stakeholders.

• Oversee commissioning of mission-critical systems including medium- and low-voltage electrical distribution, generators, UPS systems, switch gear, cooling plants, CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water systems, fuel oil systems, fire protection, and BMS/EPMS integration.
• Ensure all systems are properly installed, pre‑tested, started up, and functionally tested in accordance with design intent and owner requirements.
• Plan and execute Integrated Testing (IT / IST), validating redundancy, failover, and system interoperability.
• Coordinate commissioning activities with General Contractors, subcontractors, vendors, third‑party commissioning agents, and design teams.
• Review and approve commissioning schedules, method statements, test scripts, and procedures.
• Ensure contractors meet commissioning readiness requirements prior to functional and integrated testing.
• Drive issue resolution, retesting, and corrective actions to maintain schedule and quality.

• Manage commissioning documentation including test plans, checklists, functional performance reports, deficiency logs, and final commissioning records.
• Ensure accurate and complete turnover packages including O&M manuals, as‑builts, test results, and training materials.
• Support client operations teams during system handover, training, and early operations.
• Ensure systems are delivered fully commissioned and ready for client acceptance.

• Identify commissioning risks related to design, installation, schedule, and testing sequencing.
• Implement mitigation strategies to prevent late‑stage failures or delays.
• Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement across future projects.
• Support QA/QC and Safety teams to ensure commissioning activities are executed safely and in compliance with site requirements.

• Provide clear commissioning status reports, risk assessments, and readiness updates to internal leadership and client teams.
• Participate in OAC meetings, commissioning reviews, and schedule coordination meetings.
• Serve as a trusted commissioning advisor to clients and project leadership.

• 8–12+ years of experience in commissioning or project management on large-scale data center, mission‑critical, or industrial projects.
• Strong technical expertise across electrical and mechanical systems, with deep understanding of redundancy and reliability concepts.
• Proven experience leading Integrated Systems Testing on ground‑up data center projects.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across fast‑paced construction environments.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects or project phases simultaneously.
• Hands‑on mindset with strong field presence.

• Experience with hyperscale or multi‑phase data center programs.
• Formal commissioning certification (CxA, BCxP, CCP, or equivalent).
• Background in MEP engineering, construction management, or trade supervision.
• Familiarity with commissioning management platforms and construction software such as Procore or Bluebeam.

This is a critical leadership role in delivering high‑performance, mission‑critical data center infrastructure. If you are driven by technical excellence, system reliability, and seamless project delivery, this role offers the opportunity to lead commissioning on complex, ground‑up data center builds in the Chicago market.