Commissioning Manager (Contractor) – Hyperscale Data Center Projects

Position Overview

The Commissioning Manager is responsible for leading the commissioning and turnover process for Hyperscale Data Center projects from pre-functional testing through integrated systems testing, client acceptance, and final handover. Working on behalf of the contractor, the Commissioning Manager will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, vendors, and client stakeholders to ensure all critical systems are installed, tested, documented, and transitioned into operations safely and efficiently.

This role requires extensive experience in mission-critical environments, including electrical, mechanical, controls, and life safety systems, as well as a strong understanding of data center commissioning methodologies and operational readiness requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning Leadership

• Develop and implement the project commissioning strategy in alignment with Google commissioning requirements and project milestones.
• Lead the planning, execution, and completion of all commissioning activities from construction completion through client handover.
• Establish commissioning schedules, resource plans, and testing sequences to support project delivery objectives.
• Coordinate commissioning activities across electrical, mechanical, BMS, EPMS, controls, and life safety systems.
• Ensure commissioning activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved procedures.

Project Planning & Coordination

• Collaborate with project management, construction, quality, and engineering teams to develop integrated commissioning plans.
• Participate in design reviews and constructability assessments to identify commissioning requirements and risks.
• Manage commissioning interfaces between contractors, subcontractors, vendors, consultants, and Google stakeholders.
• Coordinate system readiness reviews and turnover planning.
• Ensure commissioning activities are aligned with construction completion and energization schedules.

Testing & Validation

• Oversee development and execution of:
  • Pre-Functional Checklists (PFCs)
  • Functional Performance Testing (FPT)
  • Integrated Systems Testing (IST)
  • Failover and resiliency testing
  • Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) participation where required
• Verify performance of critical infrastructure systems including:
  • Medium and Low Voltage Electrical Systems
  • UPS Systems
  • Generators
  • Switchgear
  • Mechanical Cooling Systems
  • Chillers and Cooling Towers
  • CRAH/CRAC Units
  • Building Management Systems (BMS)
  • Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS)
  • Fire Detection and Suppression Systems
  • Security and Access Control Systems
• Lead integrated testing scenarios simulating real-world operational conditions.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Ensure commissioning documentation is developed, reviewed, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Verify completeness and accuracy of:
  • Commissioning Scripts
  • Test Procedures
  • Deficiency Logs
  • System Turnover Packages
  • As-Built Documentation
  • Operations and Maintenance Manuals
• Track commissioning progress through commissioning management platforms and reporting tools.
• Manage issue resolution and closeout processes.

Operational Readiness & Handover

• Lead system turnover and handover activities to Hyperscale operations teams.
• Ensure all commissioning deliverables are completed and accepted prior to handover.
• Coordinate operator training programs with vendors and subcontractors.
• Support operational readiness reviews and risk assessments.
• Verify systems meet reliability, availability, maintainability, and redundancy requirements.

Safety Leadership

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture throughout all commissioning activities.
• Ensure commissioning activities comply with Google EHS requirements and contractor safety programs.
• Manage commissioning risks associated with:
  • Electrical Energization
  • Live System Testing
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Temporary Power Systems
  • Mechanical Start-Up Activities
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action implementation where required.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary commissioning interface between contractor teams and Google commissioning representatives.
• Attend project meetings and provide regular commissioning progress updates.
• Escalate risks, constraints, and schedule impacts in a timely manner.
• Foster collaboration between construction, engineering, commissioning, and operations teams.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years of commissioning experience in mission-critical, industrial, pharmaceutical, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience managing commissioning activities on hyperscale data center projects.
• Strong knowledge of commissioning processes, system integration, and testing methodologies.
• Experience with critical electrical and mechanical infrastructure systems.
• Excellent leadership, planning, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of project controls, scheduling, and turnover processes.

Preferred

• Previous experience delivering Hyperscale Data Center projects.
• Experience with other hyperscale clients including AWS, Microsoft, Meta, or Oracle.
• Professional Engineering registration or chartered status.
• Data center commissioning certifications or mission-critical commissioning qualifications.
• Experience with commissioning management software and digital turnover platforms.
• Knowledge of operational readiness and facility operations requirements.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team management.
• Strategic planning and execution.
• Technical expertise in mission-critical systems.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Risk management and mitigation.
• Quality-focused mindset.
• Ability to perform under demanding project schedules.

Working Conditions

• Site-based role within active Hyperscale Data Center construction projects.
• Frequent interaction with contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and client representatives.
• Involvement in system start-up, energization, and integrated testing activities.
• May require extended hours, shift work, or weekend support during commissioning and testing periods.

Success Measures

• Safe execution of all commissioning activities.
• Achievement of commissioning milestones and project schedule objectives.
• Successful completion of integrated systems testing and client acceptance.
• Timely turnover of fully documented and operational systems.
• Minimal commissioning-related defects at handover.
• Positive client feedback and successful operational readiness outcomes.
• Delivery of a reliable, resilient, and fully validated data center facility.