Senior Data Center Project Manager
ABB · United States · Yesterday
RemoteRemoteProject Management$101k–$161k/yrFull-time
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end start-up and commissioning projects for electrical power systems within data centers—from pre-functional checks through Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and handover.
- Develop and own the commissioning project plan, including scope, schedule, budget, risk register, and resource plan.
- Serve as the single point of contact for all commissioning-related activities with internal teams, customers, and contractors.
- Coordinate and oversee commissioning activities for: Medium and low voltage switchgear / switchboards, Transformers, Busway / bus duct and protection relays and metering.
- Ensure commissioning is executed in accordance with owner’s project requirements, design basis, specifications, and industry standards (e.g., NFPA, IEEE, IEC, ASHRAE, Uptime).
- Review and approve commissioning scripts, test procedures, and method statements, and ensure that deficiencies are documented, tracked, and closed out.
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for issues uncovered during L2-L4 commissioning and IST.
- Act as the key liaison between clients (including hyperscale cloud, enterprise, and colo customers), EPCs, OEMs, Cx agents, and internal engineering/service teams.
- Run regular progress meetings and technical reviews, clearly communicating status, risks, and recovery plans.
- Build strong working relationships on-site and represent the company with professionalism and confidence.
- Champion a “zero harm” safety culture on all commissioning sites, ensuring compliance with company and customer safety policies and procedures.
- Enforce quality standards and ensure all work is executed to the highest levels of craftsmanship and reliability.
- Ensure all required documentation, test reports, as-builts, redlines, and turnover packages are complete, accurate, and delivered on time.
- Develop and maintain detailed commissioning schedules aligned with construction milestones and data center go-live dates.
- Track costs, change orders, and earned value for commissioning scope; proactively manage variances and opportunities.
- Provide regular project reporting to leadership and customers, including KPIs, risk/issue logs, punch lists, and lessons learned.
- Cookordinate and direct multidisciplinary site teams (field engineers, technicians, subcontractors, and third-party Cx agents).
- Mentor less-experienced engineers and support staff on commissioning best practices, documentation, and customer communication.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of standard commissioning procedures, templates, and tools.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- 7+ years managing complex technical projects, with at least 3+ years focused on start-up and commissioning of power or MEP systems.
- Direct experience in data centers, critical facilities, or heavy industrial power distribution environments.
- Strong understanding of electrical power systems (MV/LV), short circuit/coordination concepts, protective relays, and critical power architecture (N, N+1, 2N).
- Demonstrated experience with commissioning processes (levels 1–5), electrical acceptance testing, and integrated systems testing.
- Familiarity with EPMS/BMS, SCADA, and controls integration is a plus.
- Proven track record managing scope, schedule, cost, risk, and stakeholders on multi-million-dollar projects.
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent) and the MS Office suite.
- Willingness and ability to travel to project sites (10-20% travel).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, comfortable presenting to both technical and executive audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading commissioning for hyperscale or large colocation data centers.
- Hands-on background as an electrical field engineer, commissioning engineer, or Cx agent before moving into project management.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CxA, CPQ, or equivalent.
- Familiarity with NFPA 70/70E, IEEE, IEC, and data center-specific standards/owner specifications.
- Demonstrated experience building and scaling processes for repeatable commissioning across multiple sites or regions.