Senior Commissioning Lead

Job Description

Senior Commissioning Lead
Oakland, California (Hybrid)
$155,000 - $175,000 Base Salary + Full Benefits

Our client is a leading building performance and commissioning consultancy that is transforming the way owners, developers, and project teams deliver high-performing buildings. By combining deep engineering expertise with cutting-edge analytics and technology, they help clients move beyond traditional commissioning to achieve measurable operational, energy, and performance outcomes.
Due to continued growth across Northern California, they are seeking an experienced Senior Commissioning Lead to spearhead project delivery, strengthen client relationships, mentor engineering teams, and help expand their presence throughout the Bay Area.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically accomplished commissioning professional who enjoys leading complex projects, developing client relationships, and playing a strategic role in the growth of a forward-thinking engineering organization.

The Opportunity
As Senior Commissioning Lead, you will take ownership of a portfolio of high-profile commissioning and building performance projects while serving as a key leader within the Bay Area operation.
You will work directly with building owners, design teams, contractors, facility leaders, and executive stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered successfully from concept through occupancy and ongoing optimization.
In addition to project leadership, you will help grow the business through client development, industry engagement, and mentoring the next generation of engineers and project managers.

Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Delivery
Lead complex new construction commissioning and building performance projects from inception through completion
Provide technical oversight for design reviews, submittal reviews, commissioning planning, functional performance testing, and project closeout
Manage project budgets, schedules, resources, and client expectations
Deliver exceptional outcomes across healthcare, commercial, institutional, mission-critical, and large-scale development projects

Building Analytics & Performance
Utilize advanced analytics platforms and commissioning tools to identify issues early and improve building performance
Leverage Fault Detection & Diagnostics (FDD) and data-driven methodologies to optimize systems and reduce operational risk
Analyze building system performance and develop practical recommendations for owners and operators

Existing Building Commissioning & Energy Performance
Lead ASHRAE Level I and II energy audits
Develop and evaluate energy conservation measures (ECMs)
Support retro-commissioning, optimization initiatives, and measurement & verification activities
Present findings and recommendations to both technical and executive audiences

Client Development & Market Growth
Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, developers, facility teams, and industry partners
Support proposal development, project pursuits, pricing strategies, and business development activities
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and professional associations throughout Northern California
Contribute to the continued growth of the firm's regional presence and service offerings
Leadership & Mentorship
Mentor engineers and project managers across technical delivery and professional development
Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture
Help develop innovative processes, tools, and best practices that enhance project delivery and client outcomes

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
Professional Engineer (PE) License – Mechanical or Electrical
10+ years of experience within commissioning, building performance, MEP engineering, controls engineering, or energy engineering
Proven experience leading large-scale commissioning and building performance projects
Strong client management and stakeholder engagement experience
Demonstrated success developing new business opportunities and expanding client relationships
Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills

Technical Expertise
Deep understanding of HVAC systems, hydronic systems, air-side distribution, central plants, and electrical systems
Strong knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS) and complex control sequences
Experience utilizing commissioning analytics platforms and Fault Detection & Diagnostics (FDD) tools
Expertise in commissioning processes, energy audits, retro-commissioning, and performance optimization

Preferred Qualifications
Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP)
BCxA Certification
Experience with large-scale institutional, healthcare, commercial, or mission-critical facilities

What Success Looks Like

During your first year, you will:
Take ownership of multiple active commissioning projects and successfully guide them through completion
Establish and strengthen key client relationships across the Bay Area market
Utilize advanced analytics tools to improve project delivery and building performance outcomes
Mentor junior engineers and project managers while helping scale regional operations
Contribute to business growth through client engagement, proposal support, and market development initiatives

What's on Offer
Base salary of $155,000 - $175,000 per annum
Comprehensive benefits package
Hybrid working environment based in Oakland, CA
Opportunity to lead high-profile, technically challenging projects
Exposure to innovative building analytics and performance technologies
Clear pathway for continued leadership and career progression
Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture focused on technical excellence and innovation

This position is ideal for a senior commissioning professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills, commercial awareness, and a passion for improving building performance through innovation and data-driven decision making.