[Hiring] Senior Data Center Project Manager @ABB

Role Description

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the start-up and commissioning of power delivery equipment for large-scale data centers. In this role, you will own the planning and execution of commissioning activities for MV/LV switchgear (AIS and GIS), busway, and related critical power systems, ensuring that hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centers go live safely, on time, and exactly as designed.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role at the intersection of engineering, construction, and operations, ideal for someone who thrives in complex technical environments and enjoys being on the critical path of data center delivery.

The work model for the role is: Remote within the U.S.; preference given to candidates located in the West Coast or Mountain Region.

This role is contributing to the Electrification Service Data Center Services COE in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end start-up and commissioning projects for electrical power systems within data centers—from pre-functional checks through Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and handover.
• Develop and own the commissioning project plan, including scope, schedule, budget, risk register, and resource plan.
• Serve as the single point of contact for all commissioning-related activities with internal teams, customers, and contractors.
• Coordinate and oversee commissioning activities for:
  • Medium and low voltage switchgear / switchboards
  • Transformers, Busway / bus duct and protection relays and metering
• Ensure commissioning is executed in accordance with owner’s project requirements, design basis, specifications, and industry standards (e.g., NFPA, IEEE, IEC, ASHRAE, Uptime).
• Review and approve commissioning scripts, test procedures, and method statements, and ensure that deficiencies are documented, tracked, and closed out.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for issues uncovered during L2-L4 commissioning and IST.
• Act as the key liaison between clients (including hyperscale cloud, enterprise, and colo customers), EPCs, OEMs, Cx agents, and internal engineering/service teams.
• Run regular progress meetings and technical reviews, clearly communicating status, risks, and recovery plans.
• Build strong working relationships on-site and represent the company with professionalism and confidence.
• Champion a “zero harm” safety culture on all commissioning sites, ensuring compliance with company and customer safety policies and procedures.
• Enforce quality standards and ensure all work is executed to the highest levels of craftsmanship and reliability.
• Ensure all required documentation, test reports, as-builts, redlines, and turnover packages are complete, accurate, and delivered on time.
• Develop and maintain detailed commissioning schedules aligned with construction milestones and data center go-live dates.
• Track costs, change orders, and earned value for commissioning scope; proactively manage variances and opportunities.
• Provide regular project reporting to leadership and customers, including KPIs, risk/issue logs, punch lists, and lessons learned.
• Coordinate and direct multidisciplinary site teams (field engineers, technicians, subcontractors, and third-party Cx agents).
• Mentor less-experienced engineers and support staff on commissioning best practices, documentation, and customer communication.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of standard commissioning procedures, templates, and tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 7+ years managing complex technical projects, with at least 3+ years focused on start-up and commissioning of power or MEP systems.
• Direct experience in data centers, critical facilities, or heavy industrial power distribution environments.
• Strong understanding of electrical power systems (MV/LV), short circuit/coordination concepts, protective relays, and critical power architecture (N, N+1, 2N).
• Demonstrated experience with commissioning processes (levels 1–5), electrical acceptance testing, and integrated systems testing.
• Familiarity with EPMS/BMS, SCADA, and controls integration is a plus.
• Proven track record managing scope, schedule, cost, risk, and stakeholders on multi-million-dollar projects.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent) and the MS Office suite.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites (10-20% travel).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, comfortable presenting to both technical and executive audiences.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading commissioning for hyperscale or large colocation data centers.
• Hands-on background as an electrical field engineer, commissioning engineer, or Cx agent before moving into project management.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CxA, CPQ, or equivalent.
• Experience with major OEM low and medium voltage equipment and protective relay platforms.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70/70E, IEEE, IEC, and data center-specific standards/owner specifications.
• Demonstrated experience building and scaling processes for repeatable commissioning across multiple sites or regions.

Benefits

• Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
• Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus.
• Vision benefit.
• Company paid life insurance (2X base pay).
• Company paid AD&D (1X base pay).
• Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums.
• Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid.
• Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
• Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance).
• Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption.
• Employee discount program.
• 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions.
• Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP).
• ABB provides 11 paid holidays.
• Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.