Commissioning and Startup Lead - Seattle, WA*

About the role

Cmtsllc is seeking a Commissioning and Startup Lead to join their team in Seattle, Washington. This role oversees the full commissioning process for projects and leads startup activities to ensure systems operate as intended. The position requires close coordination with engineering, construction, and operations teams throughout the entire project lifecycle. The lead is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting commissioning and startup procedures from the earliest planning stages through final completion. This individual plays a critical role in ensuring that all systems are properly tested, validated, and handed over to operations staff. The commissioning and startup Lead works within a dedicated project team that spans multiple disciplines and specialties. This position reports to senior engineering leadership and contributes to the continuous improvement of commissioning practices across the organization.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead and manage the full commissioning process for assigned projects from initial planning through final completion.

Develop detailed commissioning plans, schedules, and procedures that are tailored to meet each project scope.

Coordinate closely with engineering and construction teams to verify that all system installations meet design intent.

Oversee startup activities to bring systems online safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements.

Prepare and review comprehensive commissioning documentation, status reports, and as-built records for project records.

Conduct functional performance testing to validate that system operations meet all specified criteria and benchmarks.

Identify and resolve technical issues that arise during commissioning and startup phases of each project.

Communicate commissioning status, findings, and recommendations to project stakeholders, leadership, and cross-functional teams.

Ensure all commissioning and startup work complies with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Mentor and guide junior commissioning staff on proper procedures, documentation practices, and industry best practices.

Collaborate with vendors and equipment manufacturers to resolve technical questions during the commissioning phase.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies in commissioning and startup.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field is required for this position.

Several years of hands-on experience in commissioning, startup, or a closely related discipline.

Proven track record of leading commissioning projects from initial planning through final handover.

Strong understanding of system integration, testing methodologies, and operational verification procedures.

Ability to coordinate across multiple teams and manage competing priorities effectively.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and presenting findings.

Willingness to travel to project sites as needed for on-site oversight and support.

Experience working in a structured project environment with defined milestones and deliverables.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.

Nice to have

Professional certification relevant to commissioning, project management, or a related technical area.

Prior experience in a specific industry sector such as energy, industrial, or facilities.

Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory frameworks for commissioning and startup work.

Experience with digital commissioning tools or data management platforms is considered a plus.

Knowledge of relevant project management software and digital tools for tracking commissioning progress.

Experience with pre-commissioning reviews and risk assessment methodologies in a project environment.

Skills & tools

Project management methodologies and scheduling software for planning and tracking.

Functional testing and performance verification techniques for system validation.

Technical documentation and reporting standards for commissioning records.

System integration and commissioning planning tools and software platforms.

Safety management and risk assessment practices for field operations.

Stakeholder communication and coordination frameworks for cross-team collaboration.

Practical notes

This role is based in Seattle, Washington and requires regular on-site presence at the company office.

The position is full-time with standard business hours and a consistent weekly work schedule.

Travel to project sites may be required periodically for on-site commissioning oversight and support.

The hiring process includes multiple rounds of interviews with the engineering and operations leadership teams.

Candidates should be prepared to engage with a fast-paced project environment and shifting priorities.

Cmtsllc values teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results on every project.