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Data center jobs · Commissioning

Commissioning Technician job

What a data center commissioning technician does day to day, the schedule and travel, the required training, and how electricians, HVAC techs and military technicians move into the role.

By Czarina Tabayoyong, Founder, Critical Path Hiring

Last reviewed · First published

Reviewed as terms, pay and markets change.

The job

A commissioning technician does the hands-on testing on each electrical and mechanical system in a data center before the site goes live. The tests follow written procedures and take place on the construction site.

A typical day

  • Walk down installed equipment before a test starts
  • Set up test equipment and connect load banks
  • Run test procedures step by step and record the readings
  • Work with the trade contractors to correct problems the tests find
  • Follow electrical safety rules around energized equipment
  • Travel to the next site when the testing finishes

Location and schedule

Data center construction sites, where each system is tested before the owner takes the building. The schedule is heavy travel, early starts, and overtime near deadlines.

Skills and certifications

Required

  • A trade background
  • OSHA 10 or 30
  • NFPA 70E

Helpful

  • NETA certification for electrical work

Routes in

Electricians, HVAC techs and military technicians move into this role.

Next roles

This role leads to commissioning engineer.

Pay

Pay varies by market and level, and the current ranges are in our commissioning engineer salary guide.

Questions

What is the schedule for a commissioning technician?
Heavy travel, early starts and overtime near deadlines.
What does a commissioning technician need to get hired?
A trade background, OSHA 10 or 30 and NFPA 70E are required. NETA certification helps for electrical work.
How do I become a commissioning technician?
Electricians, HVAC techs and military technicians move into the role. The next step up is commissioning engineer.

Next steps