MEP Commissioning Project Manager

Contract-to-Hire Opportunity
Location: Key West, FL

Position Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced MEP Commissioning Project Manager to lead and manage commissioning activities for three newly constructed facility buildings in Key West, Florida, through project closeout.

The Commissioning Project Manager will serve as the primary liaison between the owner, contractors, subcontractors, design consultants, and government stakeholders. This position will be responsible for ensuring that all Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems are properly installed, tested, documented, and performing in accordance with project requirements, applicable federal standards, and facility operational needs.

The ideal candidate will have strong commissioning and construction management experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to effectively coordinate multiple stakeholders within an active, secure construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning Leadership

• Direct and oversee the commissioning process for all MEP systems across three ground-up facility buildings.
• Develop, maintain, and execute the commissioning plan, schedule, testing procedures, and protocols.
• Coordinate commissioning activities with construction, quality control, safety, and facility operations teams.
• Ensure commissioning activities comply with project specifications, Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), federal standards, and applicable Coast Guard requirements.
• Establish commissioning milestones and monitor progress through project completion and turnover.

Mechanical Systems

• Lead commissioning activities for HVAC systems, chillers, boilers, air handling units, exhaust systems, pumps, controls, and energy management systems.
• Verify proper installation, startup, system operation, balancing, and functional performance.
• Review Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) reports and coordinate resolution of deficiencies.
• Witness functional performance testing and verify systems operate in accordance with design requirements.
• Coordinate with mechanical contractors and controls specialists to resolve system issues.

Electrical Systems

• Manage testing and commissioning of electrical distribution systems, switchgear, transformers, generators, lighting controls, grounding systems, and associated equipment.
• Coordinate power quality testing and emergency power system verification.
• Verify electrical systems perform in accordance with design documents and project specifications.
• Coordinate testing of life safety and emergency systems.
• Identify deficiencies and ensure corrective actions are completed and documented.

Plumbing & Fire Protection Systems

• Oversee commissioning of domestic water, sanitary, storm drainage, fuel, and specialty piping systems.
• Coordinate testing and verification of fire suppression, fire alarm, and other life safety systems.
• Verify system performance and compliance with applicable codes and project requirements.
• Review testing documentation and ensure deficiencies are properly tracked and resolved.

Project Management

• Manage commissioning schedules to support project completion, inspection, occupancy, and turnover milestones.
• Conduct commissioning meetings and provide regular progress updates to government representatives, owners, contractors, and project leadership.
• Track commissioning issues, deficiencies, corrective actions, and resolutions through completion.
• Conduct contractor readiness reviews prior to functional testing.
• Coordinate and witness system startup and functional performance testing.
• Review submittals, startup reports, testing documentation, O&M materials, and training documentation.
• Coordinate commissioning activities with project schedules and construction sequencing.
• Ensure all required commissioning documentation is complete and organized prior to facility turnover.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure commissioning activities comply with:
  • U.S. Coast Guard requirements
  • Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)
  • Federal and state building codes
  • Project specifications and contract requirements
  • OSHA safety regulations
• Monitor contractor quality control processes and verify compliance with project requirements.
• Identify project risks, deficiencies, and potential schedule impacts.
• Develop and implement corrective actions to maintain project schedule and performance objectives.
• Maintain accurate commissioning records and documentation.

Stakeholder Coordination

Serve as the primary point of contact for commissioning-related activities among:

• U.S. Coast Guard representatives
• Owner and facility personnel
• General contractors
• Design engineers and consultants
• MEP contractors
• Specialty subcontractors
• Testing and balancing contractors
• Controls and systems specialists
• Support final inspections, punch-list completion, system acceptance, training, and project closeout.
• Coordinate resolution of outstanding commissioning issues prior to final turnover.
• Assist with ensuring the facilities are fully operational and ready for occupancy.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Systems Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, commissioning experience, and technical training may be considered.

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in MEP commissioning, construction management, building systems engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing commissioning activities for large-scale, ground-up construction projects.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, controls, and life safety systems.
• Experience coordinating multiple contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and owners.
• Federal, military, government, or mission-critical facility commissioning experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience working within secure or controlled-access facilities is a plus.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, system startup, functional testing, deficiency tracking, and project closeout.

Preferred Skills

• Working knowledge of Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and federal construction requirements.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and building automation/controls.
• Ability to interpret construction documents, specifications, submittals, and system testing documentation.
• Experience with TAB processes and functional performance testing.
• Strong project scheduling, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead meetings and effectively communicate with government representatives, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple commissioning activities and priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.

Work Environment

This position will be based at an active construction site within a secure U.S. Coast Guard facility in Key West, FL. The role requires frequent coordination with government personnel, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and facility representatives.

The successful candidate must be comfortable working in an active construction environment and following all applicable site security, safety, and access protocols.