Senior Data Center Project Manager

ABB is a company that helps industries run leaner and cleaner, and they are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the start-up and commissioning of power delivery equipment for large-scale data centers. This role involves planning and executing commissioning activities, ensuring that data centers go live safely and on time, while collaborating with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end start-up and commissioning projects for electrical power systems within data centers—from pre-functional checks through Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and handover
• Develop and own the commissioning project plan, including scope, schedule, budget, risk register, and resource plan
• Serve as the single point of contact for all commissioning-related activities with internal teams, customers, and contractors
• Coordinate and oversee commissioning activities for: Medium and low voltage switchgear / switchboards, Transformers, Busway / bus duct, Protection relays and metering
• Ensure commissioning is executed in accordance with owner’s project requirements, design basis, specifications, and industry standards (e.g., NFPA, IEEE, IEC, ASHRAE, Uptime)
• Review and approve commissioning scripts, test procedures, and method statements, and ensure that deficiencies are documented, tracked, and closed out
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for issues uncovered during L2-L4 commissioning and IST
• Act as the key liaison between clients (including hyperscale cloud, enterprise, and colo customers), EPCs, OEMs, Cx agents, and internal engineering/service teams
• Run regular progress meetings and technical reviews, clearly communicating status, risks, and recovery plans
• Build strong working relationships on-site and represent the company with professionalism and confidence
• Champion a “zero harm” safety culture on all commissioning sites, ensuring compliance with company and customer safety policies and procedures
• Enforce quality standards and ensure all work is executed to the highest levels of craftsmanship and reliability
• Ensure all required documentation, test reports, as-builts, redlines, and turnover packages are complete, accurate, and delivered on time
• Develop and maintain detailed commissioning schedules aligned with construction milestones and data center go-live dates
• Track costs, change orders, and earned value for commissioning scope; proactively manage variances and opportunities
• Provide regular project reporting to leadership and customers, including KPIs, risk/issue logs, punch lists, and lessons learned
• Coordinate and direct multidisciplinary site teams (field engineers, technicians, subcontractors, and third-party Cx agents)
• Mentor less-experienced engineers and support staff on commissioning best practices, documentation, and customer communication
• Contribute to continuous improvement of standard commissioning procedures, templates, and tools

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 7+ years managing complex technical projects, with at least 3+ years focused on start-up and commissioning of power or MEP systems
• Direct experience in data centers, critical facilities, or heavy industrial power distribution environments
• Strong understanding of electrical power systems (MV/LV), short circuit/coordination concepts, protective relays, and critical power architecture (N, N+1, 2N)
• Demonstrated experience with commissioning processes (levels 1–5), electrical acceptance testing, and integrated systems testing
• Familiarity with EPMS/BMS, SCADA, and controls integration is a plus
• Proven track record managing scope, schedule, cost, risk, and stakeholders on multi-million-dollar projects
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent) and the MS Office suite
• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites (10-20% travel)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, comfortable presenting to both technical and executive audiences
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Experience leading commissioning for hyperscale or large colocation data centers
• Hands-on background as an electrical field engineer, commissioning engineer, or Cx agent before moving into project management
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CxA, CPQ, or equivalent
• Experience with major OEM low and medium voltage equipment and protective relay platforms
• Familiarity with NFPA 70/70E, IEEE, IEC, and data center-specific standards/owner specifications
• Demonstrated experience building and scaling processes for repeatable commissioning across multiple sites or regions