Commissioning Senior Manager (data centers)

As Senior Manager, Commissioning, you will lead the planning and execution of commissioning across large-scale greenfield data center developments and complex retrofit projects within live, mission-critical environments. You will partner across Construction, Operations, Engineering, customers, contractors, consultants, and equipment vendors to ensure new capacity is tested, validated, and ready for operation. This is a highly visible role for a commissioning leader who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, influencing cross-functional teams, developing strong vendor partnerships, and driving consistency across multiple projects. What You'll Do Lead Commissioning Strategy & Execution • Develop and execute commissioning plans and schedules across multiple data center projects and facilities. • Lead commissioning activities for both new-build and live mission-critical environments. • Partner with Construction and Operations teams to integrate commissioning requirements into overall project plans and milestones. • Manage the regional short- and medium-term commissioning pipeline to support resource and capacity planning. • Develop electrical and mechanical Functional Performance Test procedures and Factory Acceptance Test procedures. • Maintain commissioning logs, equipment checklists, test documentation, and project tracking tools. • Support project budgeting and forecasting for commissioning activities. • Identify opportunities to strengthen Critical Environment and commissioning programs. Drive Operational Readiness • Help ensure infrastructure and critical systems are thoroughly tested and ready to support safe, reliable operations. • Identify commissioning risks, deficiencies, and testing challenges early and drive them toward resolution. • Capture equipment startup and testing trends and partner with equipment vendors to improve future performance. • Translate lessons learned into practical improvements for future projects. Partner With Customers • Serve as a senior commissioning contact for customers throughout the commissioning lifecycle. • Present commissioning progress, key milestones, risks, and readiness status to customers and internal stakeholders. • Partner with project teams to support achievement of Ready for Sales (RFS) commitments. • Lead the resolution and communication of commissioning-related customer escalations. Strengthen Processes & Standards • Develop standardized commissioning scopes, schedules, and testing approaches based on project and customer requirements. • Identify opportunities to improve commissioning processes, tools, standards, and execution. • Use project data and lessons learned to drive greater consistency and predictability across the commissioning portfolio. Lead Reporting & Performance Insights • Provide clear internal and external reporting on commissioning progress, risks, milestones, and project readiness. • Prepare comprehensive test procedures, commissioning reports, functional checklists, deficiency tracking, and operational recommendations. • Contribute commissioning data and insights to broader analytics, metrics, and performance reporting. • Communicate complex technical information in a way that enables effective business and project decisions. Lead Vendors & External Partners • Lead and manage commissioning consultants and other external resources. • Develop project-specific commissioning RFPs, manage bid clarifications, evaluate proposals, and make recommendations for consultant selection. • Establish vendor performance expectations and KPIs. • Conduct vendor performance and quarterly business reviews focused on quality, delivery, collaboration, and continuous improvement. • Lead commissioning meetings and drive accountability for actions, risks, decisions, and project milestones. • Facilitate lessons-learned reviews and turn findings into improvements for future projects. What We're Looking For • Significant experience commissioning complex, mission-critical infrastructure. • Typically 7+ years of data center commissioning experience or equivalent experience within comparable mission-critical environments. • Typically 3+ years of leadership experience within a mission-critical, construction, engineering, or commissioning environment. • Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems and commissioning methodologies. • Demonstrated experience developing and executing commissioning plans, Functional Performance Testing, and Factory Acceptance Testing. • Experience leading external commissioning providers, consultants, contractors, and equipment vendors. • Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information, project status, risks, and recommendations to customers and senior stakeholders. • Strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive issues to resolution in complex project environments. • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred, or equivalent relevant experience. • Ability to travel regionally up to 50%. The Opportunity This role offers the opportunity to combine technical commissioning expertise, leadership, customer engagement, and program-level influence. You will help shape how complex infrastructure moves from construction to operational readiness while improving the processes, partnerships, and standards that support future growth. The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are: United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 136,000 - 204,000 USD / Annual United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 163,000 - 245,000 USD / Annual United States - Chicago Office CHO : 150,000 - 224,000 USD / Annual Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location. The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training. The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position. Equinix Benefits As an employee, you become important to Equinix's success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we're providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you'll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work. Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees. US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms.