Commissioning Superintendent
LOCATION
Buffalo,NY (US) + Relocation
TRAVEL
Site-based; up to 100%
EXPERIENCE
8+ years, field Cx / startup
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.
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.
