Leads commissioning programs across multiple data center projects or campuses, overseeing client relationships, budgets, schedules, profitability, staffing, technical execution, quality assurance, and risk escalation. Provides technical oversight of MEP systems, controls, commissioning plans, factory acceptance testing, functional testing, and integrated systems testing. Supervises project managers and engineering teams, audits site execution, and ensures vendor and contractor compliance. Regional travel up to 50% is required.
About Overwatch Mission Critical
Overwatch is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) certified through the National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC), offering construction professional services, talent acquisition, and general contractor support for the mission-critical infrastructure industry. Our mission is the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers with the precision and reliability this industry demands. From high-end engineers to seasoned professionals, we deploy the people you need to get your data center off the ground. At Overwatch, it's more than a job. Its purpose.
Overview:
We are a premier provider of mission-critical infrastructure services, specializing in comprehensive data center commissioning from Level 0 through Level 5.
Core Capabilities
- Commissioning of mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), controls, and life-safety systems
- Technical validation that infrastructure is ready for safe, reliable operations
Clients and Impact
We partner with global hyperscalers, colocation providers, and enterprise clients. By connecting rigorous field execution with engineering excellence, we help ensure that critical systems perform as designed before operational turnover.
Position Summary
The Program Manager of Data Center Commissioning provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across multiple concurrent data center projects or large-scale multi-facility campus builds. This role sits at the intersection of engineering excellence and executive execution, responsible for managing project teams, optimizing resource allocation, driving profitability, and serving as the primary point of contact for hyperscale clients and general contractors.
The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in mission-critical Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems, building automation, and the full Level 0 through Level 5 (L0–L5) commissioning lifecycle, with a proven track record of steering complex, fast-paced technical programs.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Program & Client Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for client leadership, and project managers across a portfolio of projects.
- Establish commissioning scopes of work, project roadmaps, master timelines, and baseline budgets during the pre-construction phase.
- Develop and review project proposals while also ensuring adequate profit margins.
- Manage multi-project program performance against contract obligations, track revenue forecasts, coordinate change orders, and deliver regular executive status reports.
- Act as the final escalation point for technical conflicts, site-level quality barriers, and schedule compression risks.
Team Leadership & Resource Optimization
- Directly and indirectly supervise on-site Project Managers, Cx Leads, and discipline engineers (Electrical, Mechanical).
- Evaluate regional staffing needs and dynamically allocate engineering resources across active and upcoming projects to maximize utilization and protect schedules.
Technical Execution & Quality Assurance
- Provide high-level technical oversight for the development of written commissioning plans, factory acceptance testing, functional test scripts, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) protocols.
- Review complex MEP drawings, building automation system (BAS/BMS) architectures, and vendor documentation to identify design conflicts or execution risks early in the lifecycle.
- Audit active project sites to verify that field execution, commissioning databases, and equipment status logs comply with company standards, industry codes, and client requirements.
- Ensure equipment vendors and trade partners adhere strictly to quality control plans, safety policies, and site turnover sequences.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related quantitative technical field. Equivalent military or industrial training with extensive field experience will also be evaluated.
- Minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in technical program management, construction management, or commissioning within mission-critical environments.
- At least 3 years of experience specifically managing multi-discipline project portfolios, establishing commissioning budgets, and leading cross-functional engineering teams.
Technical & Software Requirements
- Mastery of the data center commissioning lifecycle.
- Deep technical fluency in critical infrastructure systems, including medium/low voltage power distribution, generators, UPS systems, industrial cooling (chillers, CRAHs, direct-to-chip), and PLC/EPMS/BMS controls.
- Advanced proficiency with commissioning management software platforms such as CxAlloy or equivalent databases.
Certifications & Personal Attributes
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is strongly preferred.
- Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), Accredited Commissioning Authority (CxA), or equivalent industry certifications are highly desirable.
- Strong problem-solving leadership with the capability to thrive in rapid, ambiguous, and high-stakes deployment environments.
- Exceptional communication skills with a demonstrated ability to negotiate subcontract agreements and navigate high-pressure customer interactions.
Travel & Work Environment
- This position requires onsite execution and leadership, with regional travel expected up to 50% of the time depending on portfolio demands.
- Must be physically capable of conducting comprehensive construction site walkthroughs in various weather environments.
Benefits
Overwatch Construction offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and relocation assistance available.
OVERWATCH is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. OVERWATCH considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
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