Job title: Senior Commissioning Lead
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Smart World
Salary type: Annual
Salary from: USD $160,000.00
Salary to: USD $180,000.00
Location: Irvine, CA
Job published: 04/06/2026
Job ID: 244419

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.