Commisioning Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Commissioning Specialist  

Location: Birmingham, Alabama  

Position Type: Full-Time  

Position Summary  

The Commissioning Specialist is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting commissioning activities for industrial, commercial, or utility systems and equipment. This role ensures that installed systems perform according to design intent, applicable codes, and client requirements. The Commissioning Specialist works closely with project managers, design engineers, contractors, and end users to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient systems.

Key Responsibilities  

Project & Commissioning Planning

- Review design drawings, specifications, submittals, and control sequences to understand system intent and performance requirements.  

- Develop commissioning plans, procedures, checklists, and functional test scripts.  

- Coordinate with the project manager for commissioning activities with internal teams, contractors, and clients to align with project schedules and milestones.  

- Participate in design reviews to identify commissioning requirements and potential operability issues.

Field Testing & Start-Up

- Perform pre-functional and functional testing of mechanical, electrical, controls, and ancillary systems (e.g., power distribution, instrumentation, automation).  

- Oversee equipment start-up, calibration, and integration, ensuring compliance with design and manufacturer requirements.  

- Verify operation of safety systems, alarms, interlocks, and emergency shutdown procedures.  

- Troubleshoot system performance issues and provide field-based technical solutions.

System Verification & Optimization

- Validate system performance against design criteria, owner project requirements, and applicable standards.  

- Identify deficiencies, root causes, and corrective actions related to equipment, controls, and installation.  

- Collaborate with design and operations teams to implement system optimization and performance improvements.  

- Support reliability initiatives through data collection, analysis, and recommendations.

Documentation & Reporting  

- Prepare commissioning documentation, including test reports, deficiency logs, punch lists, and final commissioning summaries.   

- Maintain accurate records of test results, configuration changes, and as-built system conditions.  

- Provide technical input on operation and maintenance manuals, SOPs, and training materials for end users.  

- Present commissioning findings and status updates to project stakeholders.

Stakeholder Communication & Training

- Provide technical guidance and on-site training to client operations and maintenance staff.  

- Participate in project meetings and contribute to risk mitigation and schedule planning related to commissioning activities.

Required Qualifications & Skills  

Education & Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science, or related discipline; OR equivalent combination of education and relevant field experience.  

- 2-5 years of experience in commissioning, start-up, or field engineering for industrial, commercial, or utility systems.

Technical Skills

- Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems (e.g., ‘, process equipment, switchgear, PLCs, instrumentation, building automation systems).  

- Experience executing functional tests, start-up procedures, and troubleshooting field issues.  

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, one-lines, wiring diagrams, and control narratives.  

- Proficiency with standard office and engineering software (e.g., MS Office, PDF markup tools); familiarity with commissioning or CMMS platforms is a plus.  

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to synthesize test data and identify root causes.

Professional & Interpersonal Skills

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and stakeholder interaction.  

- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a project environment.  

- Ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.  

- Willingness and ability to travel to project sites and work in industrial and construction environments as required.

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Preferred Qualifications & Skills  

- Hands-on experience with PLCs, DCS, SCADA, or BAS/BMS systems and communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, BACnet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).  

- Prior experience leading or coordinating commissioning teams or subconsultants.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements  

- Ability to work in industrial, construction, or plant environments, including exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.  

- Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders and stairs, and access equipment and elevated work areas as required.  

- Ability to lift and carry test equipment and tools (typically up to 50 lbs.).  

- Ability to use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all site safety rules.

- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and non-discrimination  

- At-will employment status  

- Background checks, drug screening, and employment eligibility (I-9 / E-Verify)  

- ADA accommodation information and physical requirements notation  

- Confidentiality and proprietary information obligations  

- Eligible for full company benefits

- Any other required corporate or legal disclaimers