Title: Senior Commissioning Manager – DCOS / DCIM (Contract / Freelance)
Location: Ashburn, VA (Hybrid / On-site as required)
Engagement Type: Independent Contractor (1099 / C2C) or W2 Contract (6–12 Month Initial Term, Extension Potential)
Estimated Hourly Pay Rate: $85.00 – $125.00 / hour USD (Commensurate with experience, structure, and location)
Project Overview
A premier global digital infrastructure provider is seeking an experienced Senior Commissioning Manager (DCOS/DCIM) on a contract/freelance basis. This highly technical role leads the end-to-end commissioning lifecycle for Data Center Operating Systems (DCOS) and ensures seamless integration with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) platforms across greenfield builds and live-retrofit data center projects.
As the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for controls commissioning, you will bridge advanced systems engineering and project management, validating automated systems and delivering operational handover to mission-critical standards.
Key Responsibilities
DCOS Commissioning & Delivery
Lead and manage full commissioning phases: Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Pre-Functional Testing (PFT), Functional Performance Testing (FPT), and Integrated System Testing (IST).
Develop and maintain commissioning plans, test scripts, schedules, and checklists; produce comprehensive technical reports for each milestone.
Inspect and verify DCOS components against design criteria, validating network setups (IP addressing, VLAN configuration).
Direct stress testing, redundancy validation, data logging, alarm configurations, and trend analyses to ensure complete operational readiness.
DCIM Integration & System Onboarding
Execute integration protocols for DCOS-to-DCIM connectivity, verifying data interoperability across systems.
Interpret single-line diagrams to structure customer-facing hierarchies for DCIM onboarding.
Validate head-end DCIM tag points, alarm alignments, system resiliency scripts, utility power configurations, and PUE calculations.
Ensure Battery Monitoring Systems (BMS) and Branch Circuit Monitoring (BCM) are fully operational prior to DCIM go-live.
Controls Engineering & Technical Oversight
Troubleshoot complex automation architectures utilizing DDC systems, PLCs, DCS platforms, and SCADA/BMS systems across electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and fire protection equipment.
Work extensively with Aveva (formerly Wonderware) system environments.
Maintain standardized programming modules, operational sequences, graphics, and system reporting tools.
Leverage industrial data tools (e.g., Kepware, Matrikon, TopView, OSIsoft PI) for diagnostics and performance monitoring.
Project Governance & Handover
Serve as the DCOS SME among general contractors, system integrators, design engineers, commissioning agents, and equipment suppliers.
Maintain equipment logs, track project milestones, and report compliance metrics to program leadership.
Facilitate hands-on vendor operational training and ensure complete delivery of as-built documentation, operational manuals, and final turnover reports.
Required Qualifications
Experience: 8+ years of hands-on experience in data center controls, automation, commissioning, or mission-critical facility management.
Platform Expertise: Expert-level proficiency with Aveva (Wonderware) systems, DDC systems, PLCs, DCS, and SCADA architectures.
Commissioning Lifecycle: Demonstrated track record executing FAT, SAT, PFT, FPT, and IST on multi-megawatt data center facilities.
Domain Knowledge: In-depth understanding of HVAC, electrical distribution, fire protection, and mechanical systems as integrated with facility controls.
Communication: Exceptional technical documentation, diagnostic reporting, and vendor management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent trade certifications / technical degrees.
Multi-platform familiarity with Schneider Electric, Honeywell, Siemens, or Delta Controls platforms.
Experience with middleware/data conversion layers (Kepware, OSIsoft PI, TopView, Matrikon).
Legal & Equal Opportunity Disclosures
Pay Transparency: The offered rate is tailored to experience, engagement structure (W2 contract vs. 1099/C2C), and local market standards. The typical hourly rate range for this position is $85.00 – $125.00/hr USD.
Equal Employment Opportunity: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified contract candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Engagement Notice: This is a temporary freelance/contract role. Independent contractors (1099/C2C) must maintain active business entity registration and appropriate liability insurance where applicable.
