Commissioning Superintendent
Mission-Critical Data Center Construction | Owner’s Representative & Construction Management
LOCATION
Buffalo,NY (US) + Travel
TRAVEL
Site-based; up to 100%
EXPERIENCE
8+ years, field Cx / startup
Compensation:
- $130k - $170k Annual base salary, dependent on experience and location
Position Summary
Vertex Innovations is seeking a Commissioning Superintendent to lead day-to-day commissioning field operations on large-scale, mission-critical data center construction projects. Reporting to the Commissioning Project Manager, you are the on-site leader responsible for executing the commissioning plan in the field—directing technicians, coordinating contractors and vendors, and driving the schedule across both mechanical and electrical systems through startup, functional testing, and integrated systems testing (IST).
As the senior commissioning presence on site, you own the daily pace and quality of commissioning work. You translate the commissioning plan into executable field activity, keep safety and quality front and center, and ensure every test is properly staged, witnessed, and documented so that systems reach turnover ready and on schedule.
This is a field-based position requiring regular weekly travel and on-site work at client project locations, as assigned. The initial assignment is near Buffalo, NY. The initial assignment is expected to last several months, with future assignments varying based on project needs and client requirements. Candidates must maintain a permanent residence and be willing to travel to assigned project sites on a weekly basis. The company offers travel expense reimbursement in accordance with company policy.
Key Responsibilities
Field Leadership & Schedule
- Direct daily commissioning field operations across the site, sequencing startup, pre-functional checks, functional performance testing, and IST for both mechanical and electrical systems.
- Own and drive the field commissioning schedule in coordination with the Commissioning Project Manager and the general contractor’s superintendent, identifying constraints and keeping activities ahead of turnover milestones.
- Lead and supervise commissioning technicians and coordinate the activities of subcontractors, equipment vendors, and startup crews to ensure work is staged, resourced, and ready to test.
- Run daily field coordination including commissioning huddles, look-ahead planning, and readiness walks, and report progress, constraints, and risks to the Commissioning Project Manager.
Test Execution & Witnessing
- Verify installation readiness confirming that systems and equipment are complete, energized/charged, and ready before each level of testing begins.
- Stage, witness, and document field testing including pre-functional checklists, functional performance tests, load bank and thermal-load testing, and “pull-the-plug” / failure-mode and recovery scenarios.
- Coordinate cross-discipline integrated testing between electrical and mechanical systems and controls to execute IST safely and in the correct sequence.
- Manage the field issues and deficiency log capturing findings in real time, driving corrective action with the responsible trades, and tracking items to verified closure.
Safety, Quality & Documentation
- Lead commissioning safety on site enforcing lockout/tagout, energization and de-energization procedures, NFPA 70E and confined-space requirements, and all site-specific safety protocols during startup and testing.
- Enforce field QA/QC performing installation verification and ensuring testing is executed to the approved scripts, specifications, and manufacturer requirements.
- Maintain commissioning records in Procore (or the project’s designated platform), keeping checklists, test results, photos, and turnover documentation complete, current, and auditable.
- Support turnover and closeout assembling field commissioning packages, confirming as-built and training completion, and verifying systems are operationally ready for the owner’s facilities team.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in a technical or construction field, or completion of a recognized electrical/mechanical trade apprenticeship, is a plus.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in commissioning, startup, or MEP field supervision, with at least 3 years leading field operations as a superintendent, lead technician, or foreman.
- Demonstrated field experience on data centers or comparable mission-critical environments (e.g., hospitals, semiconductor, pharmaceutical facilities).
- Hands-on working knowledge of the Levels 1–5 commissioning process and integrated systems testing (IST) execution in the field.
- Practical understanding of both electrical and mechanical systems—switchgear, generators, UPS, ATS, PDUs, chillers, CRAC/CRAH units, pumps, and cooling distribution.
- Strong jobsite safety leadership, including lockout/tagout, NFPA 70E awareness, and OSHA 30 certification (or ability to obtain).
- Proficiency with commissioning and construction management software, particularly Procore, and comfort using tablets and digital checklists in the field.
- Excellent coordination and communication skills, with the ability to direct crews, resolve field conflicts, and report clearly to project leadership.
- Ability to work on-site full-time at active construction environments, including extended hours, nights, and weekends to support critical testing milestones.
Preferred Qualifications
- Recognized commissioning credential (e.g., CxA, ACG/AABC CxA, or NEBB certification).
- Journeyman or master electrician / mechanical (HVAC) license or equivalent trade certification.
- Prior experience in an Owner’s Representative or third-party commissioning capacity.
- Familiarity with hyperscale and colocation data center delivery standards and Uptime Institute Tier topologies.
- Experience leading large load bank and IST campaigns across N+1 and 2N redundancy configurations.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Work is performed full-time on active data center construction sites, with exposure to typical construction conditions and energized/operating equipment during startup and testing.
- Must be able to traverse construction sites for extended periods, climb ladders and stairs, and access rooftops, mechanical and electrical rooms, and equipment yards; capable of lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all site and electrical safety protocols.
- Extended hours, including occasional nights and weekends, may be required to support critical testing milestones.
Compensation & Benefits:
- $130,000 - $170,000, dependent on experience and location
- Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD/STD, Life-AD&D
- Retirement: 401(k), discretionary Pension & Profit sharing, subject to Plan documents
- 15 days paid time off (prorated based on start date) and 8 holidays
- Company credit card for qualified travel expenses
- NFPA 70E Arc Flash training provided
- Professional development and certification reimbursement opportunities
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- Successful completion of a background check.
- Successful completion of drug testing.
- Must have a valid US driver's license
- Must have permanent residence in CONUS with access to a primary airport for weekly travel
Why Vertex Innovations
At Vertex Innovations, our people are the foundation of the mission-critical projects we deliver. We offer a competitive compensation package, comprehensive health benefits, retirement contributions, professional development and certification support, and the opportunity to work on some of the most advanced data center programs in the industry alongside a team that values precision, accountability, and integrity.
Vertex Innovations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. To apply, submit a resume and brief summary describing your field commissioning and startup experience.
