LotusWorks is seeking an experienced and safety-focused
Senior Data Center Commissioning Manager to lead the end-to-end commissioning program for a major data center project in Grafton, Wisconsin. This role will be responsible for planning, executing, documenting, and turning over the commissioning program while ensuring MEP, controls, electrical, and life-safety systems perform in accordance with the Basis of Design (BOD), Owner's Project Requirements (OPR), and project requirements. The Senior Data Center Commissioning Manager will own the end-to-end commissioning program for the facility - planning, execution, documentation, and turnover - and is the single point of accountability that the MEP, controls, and life-safety systems perform to the Basis of Design and OPR before the operations team accepts them.
Responsibilities:Planning and pre-construction- Develop and maintain the Cx Plan, Cx specification (Div 01 91 13 / 25 08 00 etc.), and Level 1-5 definitions
- Review OPR/BOD, design drawings, sequences of operations, and submittals for commissionability and testability
- Build the integrated Cx schedule and tie it to the CM's master schedule; define Cx milestones and gating criteria
- Define the Cx budget, staffing model, and test equipment/instrumentation needs
- Establish the issues log, document control, and Cx software workflow (CxAlloy, BlueRithm, Facility Grid, etc.)
Execution- Direct Cx engineers and field technicians; assign systems and coordinate with contractors' startup teams
- Author or approve pre-functional checklists, functional performance tests, and IST scripts, including failure scenarios (utility loss, generator/UPS transfers, chiller failover, controls loss)
- Witness L2-L3 (factory/site startup, QA/QC), run L4 functional testing, and lead L5 integrated systems testing under load
- Manage load bank strategy, method of procedure (MOP) reviews, and energized-work safety controls
- Chair Cx meetings; drive issue resolution and re-test; escalate schedule or quality risks to the owner and CM
- Coordinate with the BMS/EPMS integrator on point-to-point, trending, alarms, and graphics verification
Quality and documentation- Own the Cx issues log through closure; verify corrective work rather than accepting contractor sign-off
- Manage test data, trend logs, and evidence packages per system
- Produce the Final Cx Report, systems manual inputs, and lessons-learned
- Verify O&M manuals, as-builts, training, and warranty documentation are complete before turnover
Turnover and operations handoff- Lead operator training coordination and confirm operations staff witness key tests
- Define and execute the turnover criteria and any seasonal/deferred testing plan
- Support first-year warranty issues and any post-occupancy performance verification
InterfacesOwner's rep/PM, CM/GC, MEP subcontractors, controls integrator, design engineers, AHJ/fire marshal, utility, and the incoming facilities O&M team.
Skills Required:- 8-12+ years of experience in MEP construction, startup, commissioning, or a related field, with 3+ years of hyperscale or colocation data center experience.
- Proven experience leading end-to-end commissioning programs from pre-construction through final turnover.
- Strong experience with Level 1-5 commissioning, including L2-L3 startup/QA/QC, L4 functional testing, and L5 Integrated Systems Testing (IST).
- Experience developing and maintaining Commissioning Plans, Cx specifications, integrated commissioning schedules, milestones, and gating criteria.
- Strong understanding of OPR/BOD, design drawings, sequences of operation, specifications, and submittals, with the ability to evaluate systems for commissionability and testability.
- Experience leading and coordinating Cx engineers, field technicians, contractors, and startup teams.
- Strong knowledge of data center MEP, electrical, controls, and life-safety system.
- Working knowledge of Uptime Tier and TIA-942 criteria, NFPA 70/72/110, ASHRAE 90.1/0.5
- Fluent in BMS/EPMS platforms, medium-voltage switchgear, gensets, UPS, chilled water/air-cooled plants, and fire suppression
Education / Licenses / Certifications- CxA (ACG), CCP, QCxP, or CBCxP; EIT/PE or trade license a plus.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 required
Benefits:- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Training and Education Assistance
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Extra Annual Leave with Years of Service
- Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Recognition Rewards