Job Description: Commissioning Manager – MEP (Data Centre)

Sector: Data Centre Construction – Main Contractor

Reports to: Project Director / Construction Director (site-based, or MEP Lead depending on org structure)
Role Purpose

Owns the commissioning process for all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems on a data centre build — from FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) through IST (Integrated Systems Testing) — ensuring the facility is handed over fully tested and ready for live operation.

Key Responsibilities

Lead commissioning planning across Cx1–Cx6 stages (component to fully integrated system testing)
Coordinate FAT for critical equipment (chillers, generators, UPS, switchgear) before delivery to site
Manage IST, ensuring electrical, mechanical and controls systems perform together under simulated load/failure conditions
Liaise directly with the client's operations/CFM team, design consultants (M&E), and MEP subcontractors to align commissioning sequence with construction handover
Develop and track the commissioning schedule, integrating it with the overall project programme
Review and validate commissioning documentation (test scripts, method statements, red-line drawings)
Identify and resolve punch list / snagging items arising from testing before Ready for Service (RFS) or handover milestones
Ensure commissioning activities comply with client uptime standards (e.g. Tier III/IV, Uptime Institute) and local authority requirements
Manage a team of commissioning engineers/technicians across electrical and mechanical disciplines

Requirements

Requirements

Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent)
8–12+ years in MEP construction, with at least 3–5 years specifically in data centre commissioning
Prior experience with hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data centre projects
Strong working knowledge of critical systems: chilled water/CRAC/CRAH, generators, UPS, switchgear, BMS/EPMS
Familiarity with Uptime Institute Tier standards or equivalent client commissioning frameworks
Experience managing subcontractors and multi-disciplinary teams on live construction sites
Strong stakeholder management — comfortable presenting test results and issues to client ops teams

What Good Looks Like

Has personally signed off IST on at least one completed data centre (not just involved — led it)
Can speak to specific commissioning failures/issues encountered and how they were resolved
Understands the handover boundary between construction completion and operational readiness

MEP Commissioning Manager / Senior Manager - Data Centre