Commissioning Manager

Company Description

Working at Knobelsdorff

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core values. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, Knobelsdorff (KE) is the place for you.

Job Description

What You Will Do 

We’re seeking a driven and forward-thinking Commissioning Manager to lead and scale our commissioning function as Knobelsdorff continues rapid growth.
This role is both technical and strategic — responsible for building the core foundations, processes, and leadership culture that ensure every system we commission performs flawlessly and every project we deliver sets a new benchmark for quality. You will establish the framework for how KE approaches commissioning: from start-up, testing, and system checkout to client turnover and closeout — ensuring consistency, safety, and excellence at scale.

Leadership & Strategic Growth

• Lead all operational aspects of the Commissioning Team — safety, quality, schedule, staffing, logistics, and field operations.
• Develop, mentor, and coach commissioning staff, fostering technical depth and leadership capability to the projects the team supports.
• Serve as a trusted resource that collaborates with field and operational leaders.
• Forecast staffing needs, resource plans, and skill development to meet project demand.
• Collaborate with executive and operational leaders to define and refine KE’s commissioning strategy capable of supporting a growing national EC footprint.
• Promote KE’s culture and values through accountability, innovation, and teamwork.

2. Commissioning Planning & Execution

• Manage all commissioning phases: startup, testing, system checkout, client turnover, and closeout.
• Lead pre-commissioning meetings to define scope, responsibilities, and testing strategies.
• In support of Project Managers, assist in the planning and scheduling of commissioning activities, ensuring alignment with project milestones.
• Ensure documentation, reporting, and closeout deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Champion a “right the first time” approach — preventing rework and ensuring systems operate as designed.

3. Technical Expertise & Field Leadership

• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting for complex startup and testing scenarios.
• Maintain deep understanding of testing procedures across a variety of equipment types and manufacturers.
• Ability to read and interpret P&ID's (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams)
• Understanding of electrical instrumentation and control checkout procedures incorporating analog/digital I/O (point to point, loop checks, etc).
• Oversee field readiness, safety, and logistics to ensure efficient commissioning execution.
• Guide electrical and control system commissioning — PLC, VFD, SCADA, and instrumentation systems.
• Validate system performance under startup and temporary operational conditions.

4. Quality, Safety, & Compliance

• Develop and enforce commissioning safety and quality control procedures.
• Ensure adherence to electrical codes, standards, and best practices and
• Oversee QA/QC documentation, pre-functional checklists, and final acceptance testing.
• Verify that all startup and performance data are documented and compliant with KE standards.

5. Customer, Vendor, & Partner Relations

• Serve as the primary commissioning liaison for clients, regulatory agencies, and equipment manufacturers.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers and key suppliers.
• Lead commissioning-related negotiations and agreements with clients and partners.
• Ensure commissioning deliverables meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Communicate progress and performance clearly, managing client confidence throughout project closeout.

6. Process, Systems, & Continuous Improvement

• Design and implement standardized commissioning procedures and documentation systems.
• Create and refine tools, templates, and workflows that improve consistency and scalability.
• Lead lessons-learned sessions to identify opportunities for process optimization.
• Ensure the commissioning team has the right tools, technology, and training to succeed.
• Partner with internal groups (Engineering, PM, Field Ops) to align commissioning with broader business goals and drive OpEx in testing and safety protocols.

7. Business Development & Market Presence

• Represent KE’s commissioning capabilities with customers, OEMs, and industry partners.
• Support estimating and proposal development strategies.
• Identify emerging technologies and methods that can improve efficiency or expand service offerings.
• Act as an ambassador for KE’s commissioning excellence in the marketplace.

8. General Requirements

• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed, including extended stays.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and familiarity with project management methodologies and software.
• Alignment with KE’s high ethical standards and values.

Qualifications

What You Bring 

• The requirements listed in job descriptions are guidelines, not fixed rules. You do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If you feel you are an excellent candidate, we encourage you to apply!
• Experience forecasting resource requirements at 1-2-3 year term.
• Ability to solicit input and develop a comprehensive commissioning plans on reoccurring basis.
• 5-10 years of Electrical Construction Commissioning/Start-up experience.
• A deep knowledge of electrical construction.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that represents a history of safe & competent driving.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Additional Information

Pay Range 

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in. 

Total Rewards Statement

• As a full-time employee at Knobelsdorff, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Profit sharing and performance-based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Typical requirements may include:

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, walk, and work on your feet for long periods of time
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions, including extreme hot and cold temperatures
• Ability to dig, backfill, and manually move materials
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact Knobelsdorff Human Resources at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer

Knobelsdorff is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

We believe in hiring the best person for the job, period. If you’ve got the skills, work ethic, and mindset to Own It, you’ll find a place here.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.

• Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
• EEO is the Law poster English– Spanish
• EEO is the Law Supplement poster English– Spanish
• Pay Transparency Policy Statement English