Electrical Commissioning Advisor - Mission Critical

Engineering data centers with precision and expertise.     At Strategic Mission Critical, we are more than just engineers; we are experts focusing solely on mission critical facilities. Our seasoned leadership team brings together decades of experience, equipping data center providers worldwide with robust, reliable solutions  that keep pace with the evolving digital landscape.   As demand for high-performance infrastructure accelerates - fueled by AI and the expanding digital landscape - SMC continues to lead through technical rigor and operational excellence. We’re seeking leaders who think beyond projects to improve the way we deliver them: individuals who elevate people, process, and performance across the firm.   OVERVIEW SMC’s Commissioning and Operations Advisory (CxOA) Team is seeking an Electrical Commissioning Advisor to support mission critical data center projects. This is a field-based role requiring approximately 60–70% travel to active project sites , with the Advisor serving as SMC’s on-site technical representative and supporting the Owner throughout the commissioning process. In this role, you’ll help drive commissioning activities from construction and equipment startup through functional testing, integrated systems testing (IST), and turnover. You’ll work directly with Owners, GCs, Commissioning Agents (CxAs), electrical contractors, vendors, design teams, and operations personnel to coordinate testing readiness, maintain commissioning schedules, identify risks and deficiencies, and help drive issues through resolution. The role requires a strong background in data center electrical commissioning and critical power systems, along with the ability to understand technical issues, ask the right questions, coordinate across project teams, and help ensure commissioning is executed safely, thoroughly, and in alignment with the Owner’s expectations. RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as an on-site technical advisor to the Owner, supporting electrical commissioning from construction and equipment startup through functional testing, integrated systems testing (IST), and turnover. Help drive the commissioning schedule and day-to-day execution, coordinating with the Owner, GC, Commissioning Agent (CxA), electrical contractors, vendors, design teams, and operations personnel to maintain testing readiness and project milestones. Monitor commissioning activities across critical electrical systems, including medium- and low-voltage switchgear, transformers, generators, UPS systems, ATS/STS, PDUs/RPPs, protective relays, and EPMS. Support commissioning activities through L1–L5, including equipment readiness, startup, pre-functional and functional testing, load-bank testing, failure scenarios, and integrated systems testing. Identify and track commissioning deficiencies, technical issues, schedule risks, and testing roadblocks, working with project teams to drive issues through resolution and closeout. Review commissioning plans, test scripts, MOPs/SOPs, NETA test reports, equipment startup reports, submittals, sequences of operation, and other commissioning documentation for completeness and alignment with project requirements. Perform field observations of electrical installations and equipment to verify installation quality, commissioning readiness, and conformance with design documents, specifications, and approved submittals. Participate in commissioning meetings and provide clear status updates, issue tracking, technical observations, and project reporting to senior CxOA personnel and the Owner. Coordinate testing dependencies and readiness across contractors, vendors, and the CxA, helping to ensure equipment, documentation, personnel, and prerequisites are in place before scheduled testing. Work independently in the field while knowing when to escalate technical, schedule, safety, or project risks to senior team members and project leadership. QUALIFICATIONS Approximately 5+ years of data center commissioning experience, with direct involvement in electrical systems through startup, testing, integrated systems testing (IST), and turnover. Demonstrated experience driving commissioning activities, including testing readiness, schedule coordination, deficiency resolution, and coordination across Owners, GCs, Commissioning Agents (CxAs), contractors, vendors, and operations teams. Strong working knowledge of critical electrical infrastructure, including systems such as MV/LV switchgear, transformers, generators, UPS systems, ATS/STS, PDUs/RPPs, protective relays, and EPMS. Experience supporting the L1–L5 commissioning process, with direct involvement in equipment startup, functional performance testing, load-bank testing, failure scenarios, and integrated systems testing. Ability to identify technical and project risks, communicate issues clearly, and drive them toward resolution while working independently in an active data center construction environment. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Commissioning experience across multiple data center projects, campuses, or client programs, providing exposure to different project teams, standards, and commissioning approaches. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent field experience will be considered. Familiarity with commissioning and construction tools such as CxAlloy, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Procore, and Bluebeam; PE, EIT, or relevant commissioning/industry certifications are a plus. COMPENSATION Base Compensation: $90,000 - $160,000 Annually (Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skills and/or location) SMC offers a competitive benefits package, with a 36-hour standard work week, hybrid working arrangement, 13 paid holidays, 100% coverage of medical, health, and dental insurance premiums for our full-time employees, and reimbursement of