Commissioning Engineer

Hoffman Estates, IL

Position Overview

A growing engineering and construction services firm specializing in the retrofit and renovation of public sector facilities is seeking an experienced Building Commissioning Engineer to support projects throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

This role is responsible for leading and executing commissioning activities on building systems for renovation, retrofit, and energy performance projects across municipal, K-12, higher education, healthcare, and other public facilities. The Commissioning Engineer will ensure that mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building automation systems are designed, installed, tested, and operating according to project requirements and owner expectations.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of commissioning, controls, or building systems experience, strong technical knowledge of building systems, and recognized commissioning certifications.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning Execution

Lead and manage building commissioning activities from design through project closeout.
Review design documents, specifications, and submittals to verify alignment with Owner Project Requirements (OPR) and Basis of Design (BOD).
Develop commissioning plans, pre-functional checklists, and functional performance tests.
Coordinate commissioning schedules with project managers, contractors, and facility stakeholders.
Perform and document functional performance testing of building systems.

System Expertise

Commissioning activities will typically include:

HVAC systems (air handling units, boilers, chillers, heat pumps, VRF systems)
Building Automation Systems (BAS) / Controls
Electrical distribution systems
Lighting controls
Domestic hot water systems
Energy efficiency systems and retrofits

Field Activities

Conduct site visits and system inspections during installation and start-up phases.
Identify deficiencies and coordinate resolution with contractors and project teams.
Verify system sequences of operation and control integration.
Witness equipment startup and system performance testing.

Documentation & Reporting

Prepare commissioning reports, issue logs, and test documentation.
Maintain commissioning documentation throughout project lifecycle.
Assist with training and turnover documentation for facility staff.
Provide technical input on energy performance and system optimization.

Client & Team Coordination

Interface with engineers, contractors, and public sector facility owners.
Support internal project teams including project managers, engineers, and energy specialists.
Participate in project meetings and provide commissioning status updates.

Required Qualifications

7+ years of experience in building commissioning, HVAC engineering, building controls, or related field.
Strong technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical building systems.
Experience commissioning retrofit and renovation projects.
Ability to perform functional testing and troubleshoot building systems.
Experience reviewing construction documents and technical specifications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to travel to project sites across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

Preferred Certifications

One or more of the following certifications is strongly preferred:

Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP) – Building Commissioning Association
CxA – Certified Commissioning Authority – AABC Commissioning Group
BCxP – Building Commissioning Professional – ASHRAE
LEED AP
Professional Engineer (PE) – preferred but not required

Preferred Background

Experience commissioning public sector facilities, including:
- K-12 schools
- Universities
- Municipal buildings
- Healthcare facilities
Experience with energy retrofit or performance contracting projects
Familiarity with ASHRAE commissioning guidelines and industry standards.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field preferred.
Equivalent technical experience will be considered.

Work Environment

Based in Hoffman Estates, IL with regional travel to project sites throughout the Midwest.
Combination of office work, remote coordination, and field site visits.
Collaborative team environment focused on improving building performance and energy efficiency for public sector clients.

Why Join

Work on impactful projects improving public infrastructure and energy performance
Exposure to complex building systems and high-value retrofit projects
Opportunity to grow within a firm focused on technical excellence and sustainable building performance