Commissioning Manager

Role: Commissioning SpecialistOur Vision: RigUp is where the best workers power the world’s most successful projects. We are united by a common mission: to deliver services and technology that fundamentally change how skilled workers and the businesses they serve get hard work done.

Job Description

This is an experienced leadership position responsible for leading commissioning, startup, testing, and operational readiness for complex power generation and critical infrastructure projects. This role is ideal for a technical professional with extensive experience in gas turbines, power generation, electrical and mechanical systems, controls, and large-scale infrastructure commissioning.The successful candidate will coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, OEMs, contractors, and client stakeholders to ensure projects meet performance, safety, quality, and operational requirements. The role focuses on mobile, truck-mounted gas turbine generator sets and high-power deployments. The Commissioning Manager serves as the primary on-site lead, representing directly to the customer and coordinating internal teams, OEM representatives, utility providers, and subcontractors to execute commissioning safely and on schedule.

Responsibilities

Commissioning & Startup Leadership:Lead commissioning, startup, functional testing, performance verification, and operational handover activitiesOversee commissioning activities from mechanical completion and system turnover through final acceptanceCoordinate engineering, field service, construction, operations, and OEM teams to resolve technical issues and maintain project schedulesEstablish commissioning plans, testing procedures, readiness reviews, and turnover documentationDevelop and maintain a commissioning plan for each deployment, including scope, sequence, prerequisites, acceptance criteria, schedules, and readiness gatesVerify mechanical and electrical readiness, including equipment checks, cable terminations and torque, phase rotation, insulation-resistance testing, grounding and bonding, and system protectionLead and verify generator controls and protection checks, including governor and automatic voltage regulator (AVR) setup, voltage/frequency setpoints, synchronization, load sharing, and emergency-stop functionalityDirect operational testing such as step-load response, frequency stability, power-factor capability, load testing, and endurance runs; ensure issues are corrected and retestedCoordinate OEM/vendor support and maintain configuration control for equipment identification, firmware, settings, test records, and as-left documentationPower Generation & Critical Infrastructure:Provide technical leadership across gas turbines, generators, electrical systems, mechanical equipment, controls, and balance-of-plant systemsApply power generation and industrial facility experience to support reliable, safe, and efficient infrastructure startupSupport troubleshooting, performance validation, root cause analysis, and corrective action planningCoordinate technical evaluations and commissioning readiness assessments for complex systemsProject & Team Management:Direct multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and technical stakeholders throughout commissioning and startupMonitor project milestones, technical deliverables, quality requirements, and operational readinessCommunicate project status, risks, mitigation plans, and technical recommendations to senior leadership and client representativesBuild strong working relationships with engineering, construction, operations, and equipment manufacturersServe as the primary on-site commissioning contact for the customer and coordinate daily execution meetings, readiness reviews, site walkdowns, and cross-trade issue resolutionLead field-team task assignments, staffing coverage, shift handoffs, coaching, and performance expectations across commissioning technicians, electrical/mechanical technicians, controls personnel, OEM representatives, and subcontractorsDrive punch-list closure and deliver complete turnover packages, including signed checklists, test reports, operating and maintenance documentation, warranty-start records, training records, and readiness-for-service documentationSafety, Quality & Operational Readiness:Maintain rigorous safety and quality standards throughout commissioning and startupLead risk assessments, readiness reviews, and hazard mitigation planningSupport compliance with LOTO, JSA/JHA, process safety, and applicable site proceduresApply root cause analysis and reliability principles to improve equipment performance and reduce operational riskLead commissioning safety planning for isolation/lockout-tagout (LOTO), permits, JSAs/JHAs, start and switching authorizations, grounding/bonding, fuel handling, and exclusion zonesExercise stop-work authority and escalate unsafe conditions or non-compliant practices; ensure corrective actions are verified before work proceedsAdditional Commissioning Execution Responsibilities:Coordinate site readiness prerequisites, including installation completion, fueling, cabling, permits, switching/start authorizations, and customer acceptance criteria before commissioning activities beginVerify mechanical checks such as fluids, leaks, cooling, exhaust routing, and equipment stability before startup and load testingConfirm generator operational performance, including step-load response, frequency stability, power-factor capability, endurance testing, and emergency-stop functionalityMaintain staffing and coverage plans, including rotations, shift handoffs, and fatigue management during extended field assignmentsLead onboarding and provide on-the-job coaching for commissioning and technical field personnel; reinforce site rules, commissioning standards, tool control, housekeeping, and professional conductCoordinate utility-provider interfaces and resolve conflicts between trades, vendors, subcontractors, OEMs, and internal stakeholdersEnsure commissioning documentation is complete and accurate, including signed checklists, test reports, equipment configuration records, punch-list closure, and customer handover recordsSkills and Qualifications:Required Qualifications:At least 10 years of hands-on responsibility managing end-to-end commissioning and startup for high-power deployments; experience limited to supporting commissioning is not sufficientDemonstrated high-power data center or comparable critical-power deployment experience, including switchgear and transformer commissioningStrong power-generation background focused on gas turbine generator sets, including generator fundamentals, governor/AVR controls, synchronization, and load sharingExperience directing multi-party field execution and leading teams under demanding schedules, with a strong working knowledge of energized-work controls, permits, arc-flash requirements, and LOTOExtensive experience in power generation, commissioning, startup, industrial facilities, or other complex critical infrastructure environmentsDemonstrated leadership coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams and external contractorsBachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred; equivalent combinations of education, specialized training, and directly relevant professional experience may be consideredStrong knowledge of gas turbines, generators, electrical and mechanical systems, controls, and balance-of-plant equipmentExperience with commissioning processes, equipment testing, troubleshooting, operational readiness, and technical risk managementStrong communication, project coordination, and problem-solving skillsAbility to travel regularly to project sites and support client requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting data centers or other mission-critical facilitiesExposure to critical power distribution, backup generation, UPS systems, switchgear, transformers, and integrated systems testingExperience with EPC contractors, OEMs, large infrastructure projects, and complex equipment installationsProfessional certifications in reliability, root cause analysis, project management, or related disciplinesEngineering degree or equivalent technical experienceExperience with temporary power-distribution systemsSCADA/telemetry experience for mobile generator fleetsElectrical credentials or commissioning certificationsExperience developing commissioning procedures, checklists, and training materialsFamiliarity with emissions compliance and fuel-quality managementEducation & Experience:A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred; equivalent combinations of education, specialized training, and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degreeRequired experience is 10+ years in commissioning/startup or field engineering with turbine generator sets or mobile power deployments, including hands-on ownership of end-to-end execution rather than support-only participationDeep knowledge of generator fundamentals and temporary power-distribution systems, including automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and governor controls, synchronization, load sharing, and protection systemsEmployment & Site Requirements:Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorshipA valid driver's license is required. Employment is contingent on meeting company driving standards, including an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR)Candidates must successfully complete applicable pre-employment screening, which may include a background check, drug screening, fit testing, and aptitude or competency assessmentsReliable, predictable attendance and effective spoken and written English communication are required for safe coordination with customers, supervisors, coworkers, and emergency-response personnelMust be able to follow site safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including flame-resistant clothing, hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, hearing protection, and task-appropriate gloves when required by the sitePhysical Requirements & Work Environment:The role may involve a mix of office, customer-site, warehouse, shop, and outdoor field environmentsSite work may include walking, climbing, bending, reaching, kneeling, prolonged periods at a computer, and independently lifting up to 25 poundsField conditions can include moving machinery, loading/unloading activity, falling-object risks, slips/trips/falls, hazardous materials, noise up to approximately 85 dB, and hot, cold, or inclement weatherRequired PPE and site safety policies must be followedWork hours may occasionally include early mornings, evenings, or weekends based on project needsRole Details:Location & Travel Requirements:Location: Candidates may reside anywhere in the United States; no specific home base is required. Relocation assistance is available if needed for the Houston, TX area, or candidates may work remotely.Travel: This is a heavy-travel position requiring frequent travel from site to site.Commissioning Schedule: Candidates should expect to work approximately four consecutive weeks during commissioning windows. Actual schedules will depend on project requirements and commissioning timelines.Flexibility: Candidates must be comfortable with extended on-site assignments and adapting to changing project schedules.Pay: $300K/ Year Depending on experience