Commissioning Engineer

Commissioning Engineer | PE Required Northern Virginia • Full-Time • Commercial / Industrial / Mission-Critical Facilities Position Overview FST Technical Services is seeking a PE-licensed Commissioning Engineer to support complex building and industrial systems projects in Northern Virginia. This position focuses on commissioning, functional performance, and integration of mechanical, electrical, controls, and life-safety systems. The successful candidate understands not only individual equipment performance, but also how interconnected systems operate together to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient facilities. Key Responsibilities • Plan, coordinate, and execute commissioning activities, including commissioning plans, checklists, functional performance testing (FPT), integrated systems testing (IST), and final documentation. • Verify installation, startup, operation, and interoperability of HVAC, building automation, electrical distribution, and life-safety systems against design intent and sequences of operation. • Evaluate pumps, fans, motors, air ventilation systems, chillers, boilers, steam distribution, heat absorption/thermal systems, and associated controls. • Review design drawings, specifications, submittals, control diagrams, and sequences of operation; identify commissioning risks and performance deficiencies. • Troubleshoot system interfaces, coordinate corrective action with contractors and design teams, and retest to verify resolution. • Assess building performance, system optimization, operational reliability, and energy-efficiency opportunities. • Coordinate with owners, general contractors, trade partners, design engineers, equipment vendors, and facility operations teams; maintain issue logs and deliver clear commissioning reports. Required Qualifications • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required; ability to obtain Virginia licensure by comity/reciprocity if required for the assignment. • At least 3 years of direct, hands-on commissioning experience with commercial, industrial, or mission-critical building systems. • At least 5 years of total relevant experience in commissioning-related engineering, construction engineering, industrial engineering, commercial construction engineering, or a closely related technical field. The 3 years of commissioning experience may count toward the 5-year total. • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; extensive relevant field engineering experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, provided the candidate meets PE licensure and experience requirements. • Demonstrated ability to manage or oversee interconnected mechanical, electrical, and building automation systems; read technical drawings and troubleshoot sequences of operation. • Experience coordinating field activities with contractors, engineers, and facility stakeholders. Technical Systems Experience • Mechanical: HVAC, air handling and ventilation, pumps, fans, motors, chillers, boilers, chilled-water and steam distribution, thermal/heat-absorption systems. • Automation and controls: BAS/BMS, controls integration, sequences of operation, trending, functional testing, and system optimization. • Electrical and life safety: electrical distribution, motor controls, fire alarm systems, and cross-system interface testing. Preferred Qualifications • Commissioning experience on data centers, large commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or other mission-critical projects. • Experience leading multi-discipline commissioning activities and integrated systems testing. • Knowledge of ASHRAE commissioning guidance, applicable codes, construction turnover, and operational readiness. • Strong documentation, communication, and technical problem-solving skills. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Work takes place in active construction and operational facility environments. Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods, navigate stairs and ladders, access mechanical/electrical areas, wear required PPE, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed. Site conditions may include indoor and outdoor work. Salary is open for discussion/negotiation based on candidate experience $100k-$140k