Energy Marshal, Data Centers

About the Role

The Energy Marshal is responsible for project-level planning, coordination, verification, and authorization of startup, hazardous-energy-control, and controlled system-state activities on Mission Critical (MC) projects. This role ensures compliance with Energy Marshal (EM) Program standards, contractual and client requirements, applicable regulations, and approved project procedures. The Energy Marshal serves as Suffolk’s Gate Check Warden, integrating inputs from various stakeholders to authorize startup activities while maintaining independence from other functions.

Responsibilities

• Startup Planning and Energy-Control Implementation:
  • Develop and maintain project-specific startup governance, hazardous-energy-control, access-control, and documentation processes.
  • Review startup procedures, Methods of Procedure (MOP), switching and isolation plans, permits, and system diagrams.
  • Identify systems approaching startup and coordinate transitions to formal energy-control governance.
  • Verify trade partners designate qualified personnel and administer lock, tag, permit, and access-control processes.
  • Escalate scope gaps, conflicting activities, unauthorized conditions, and startup risks.
• Startup Readiness and Gate Check Warden Duties:
  • Lead startup planning and readiness reviews, verifying completion of prerequisites.
  • Serve as the final independent integration point for startup authorization.
  • Confirm accountability of Operations, Quality, Commissioning (Cx), Safety, and other stakeholders.
  • Document startup authorization decisions and verify safety controls and procedures.
  • Coordinate startup and system-state transitions across interdependent systems.
• Field Assurance, Documentation, and Incident Control:
  • Audit field practices against approved standards and require corrective actions.
  • Manage energy-control deviations, unauthorized access, and procedural violations.
  • Maintain audit-ready records of startup status, permits, approvals, and system-state changes.
  • Support investigation of startup-related incidents and near misses.
• Stakeholder, Training, and Team Leadership:
  • Serve as the primary project interface for startup and hazardous-energy governance.
  • Lead implementation of the Gate Check Warden process, including training and orientation.
  • Verify personnel qualifications and direct assigned Deputy Energy Marshals.
  • Provide lessons learned and improvement recommendations to the EM Program Manager.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Safety, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum five years of experience in MC construction, startup, Cx, critical-facility operations, or hazardous-energy control.
  • Strong technical competence in at least one core MEP discipline.
  • Experience reviewing system diagrams, MOPs, and permits.
  • Working knowledge of NFPA 70E, OSHA requirements, and NEC provisions.
  • OSHA 30 certification or ability to obtain within 90 days.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work extended or rotating shifts.
• Preferred:
  • Hyperscale data center or critical-facility experience.
  • Relevant technical license or engineering credential (NFPA, NETA, CSP, PE, etc.).
  • Experience with formal LOTO systems and startup authorization platforms.
  • Experience investigating startup incidents and near misses.

Working Conditions

The role involves regular office work with quiet to moderate noise levels, as well as job site walking. Physical requirements include sitting, standing, walking, and fine motor skills. Specific vision abilities are needed for close and distance work.

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to protected characteristics as required by law.