Retro Commissioning Engineer, Commissioning Engineering
Amazon Data Services, Inc.
Herndon, Virginia, USA
Herndon, Virginia, USA
- Engineering
- Full-time
- retro commissioning
- data center engineering
- electrical systems
The Retro Commissioning Engineer is responsible for overseeing the testing, validation, and optimization of electrical and mechanical systems in existing operational data centers, ensuring compliance with design and safety standards. This role involves coordination with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to manage commissioning projects while minimizing operational impacts. The engineer supports continuous improvement by sharing lessons learned and contributing to the retro commissioning program’s growth.
Are you experienced in Critical Infrastructure Commissioning and looking for a fast-paced environment to work in? As a Data Center Retro Commissioning Engineer (CxE), you will be part of a highly creative, efficient team tasked with tackling fascinating and challenging problems supporting the operations of existing Amazon-owned data centers in the northern Virginia (IAD) region. The Amazon Commissioning team (ACx) understands, evaluates, defines and manages the expectations of system performance and optimization in accordance with engineering designs to meet customer requirements. The CxE is responsible for supporting vendors, contractors, and other teams involved in the retro commissioning of various systems in operational data centers such as:
Medium and low voltage power systems
Generators
UPS
HVAC (Air Handlers / Exhaust Fans / VFD)
Chilled Water Systems
Building Management systems (BMS)
Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS)
Testing and balancing
Pumps and Hydronic systems
Key job responsibilities
As the Retro Commissioning Engineer (CxE), you will provide testing and validation oversight of AWS data center electrical and mechanical infrastructure in existing operational facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, review of as-built documents and equipment submittals, leading Factory Witness Testing (FWT) when applicable, and managing third-party commissioning vendors in the performance of onsite functional and integrated systems testing. You will own your projects' successes where you Deep Dived to resolve technical issues and had Bias for Action to address schedule impacts and coordination demands onsite. You will be sharing your lessons learned leading towards team growth and program improvements.
You will get the opportunity to provide multi-discipline input into the scheduling, test script development, designing, and planning of retro commissioning projects. During commissioning, you will be continuously auditing Cx vendors' activities to ensure compliance with environmental, quality, and safety requirements while minimizing impact to operational data centers. Following the AWS project reporting format, you will be responsible for regular reporting of retro commissioning progress and metrics of assigned projects to your Regional Commissioning Manager. You will have the opportunity to lead several projects simultaneously to achieve key milestones and deliver optimized data center performance, while managing project budget as approved by Finance.
A day in the life
On a typical retro commissioning project, the CxE works across AWS engineering, operations, and contractor teams to coordinate site activities in operational data centers, prioritize tasks, and ensure each issue has clear path to resolution with minimal impact to operations. The CxE manages the project commissioning vendor whose primary scope is to execute functional tests on existing systems, identify optimization opportunities, determine criticality, propose solutions, and document their findings. The CxE coordinates closely with operations teams to schedule work during appropriate maintenance windows. If project completion is at risk, the CxE escalates to the appropriate stakeholders. Upon project completion, the CxE will communicate lessons learned to help peers on similar projects in flight and participate in initiatives that drive improvement to the retro commissioning program.
About the team
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
#DCCD_AMER
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or 5 years of relevant discipline work experience
- High technical competency in either mechanical or electrical or control systems utilized in critical infrastructures, with the capability to learn and be trained in the others.
- Understand the design concept and intent by reviewing mechanical or electrical design documentation, including drawings, specifications, vendor submittals and sequences of operations and provide feedback on the same in accordance with Amazon standards for basis of design.
- Develop but majorly review commissioning documentation such as test plans, scripts and reports developed by vendors to ensure accuracy in accordance with the design requirements.
- Strong communication skills, detail oriented, highly organized, and able to work in high stress environments to maintain calm and respectful interaction with multiple teams
- Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems for critical infrastructures
- Ability to read and edit construction documents (design drawings, control diagrams, specifications, etc.)
- Experience developing and executing test procedures for mechanical or electrical systems/components based on design intent and approved equipment submittals
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $105,100/year in our lowest geographic market up to $185,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.
Medium and low voltage power systems
Generators
UPS
HVAC (Air Handlers / Exhaust Fans / VFD)
Chilled Water Systems
Building Management systems (BMS)
Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS)
Testing and balancing
Pumps and Hydronic systems
Key job responsibilities
As the Retro Commissioning Engineer (CxE), you will provide testing and validation oversight of AWS data center electrical and mechanical infrastructure in existing operational facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, review of as-built documents and equipment submittals, leading Factory Witness Testing (FWT) when applicable, and managing third-party commissioning vendors in the performance of onsite functional and integrated systems testing. You will own your projects' successes where you Deep Dived to resolve technical issues and had Bias for Action to address schedule impacts and coordination demands onsite. You will be sharing your lessons learned leading towards team growth and program improvements.
You will get the opportunity to provide multi-discipline input into the scheduling, test script development, designing, and planning of retro commissioning projects. During commissioning, you will be continuously auditing Cx vendors' activities to ensure compliance with environmental, quality, and safety requirements while minimizing impact to operational data centers. Following the AWS project reporting format, you will be responsible for regular reporting of retro commissioning progress and metrics of assigned projects to your Regional Commissioning Manager. You will have the opportunity to lead several projects simultaneously to achieve key milestones and deliver optimized data center performance, while managing project budget as approved by Finance.
A day in the life
On a typical retro commissioning project, the CxE works across AWS engineering, operations, and contractor teams to coordinate site activities in operational data centers, prioritize tasks, and ensure each issue has clear path to resolution with minimal impact to operations. The CxE manages the project commissioning vendor whose primary scope is to execute functional tests on existing systems, identify optimization opportunities, determine criticality, propose solutions, and document their findings. The CxE coordinates closely with operations teams to schedule work during appropriate maintenance windows. If project completion is at risk, the CxE escalates to the appropriate stakeholders. Upon project completion, the CxE will communicate lessons learned to help peers on similar projects in flight and participate in initiatives that drive improvement to the retro commissioning program.
About the team
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
#DCCD_AMER
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of engineering, installation, or startup/commissioning of electrical and mechanical systems experience- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or 5 years of relevant discipline work experience
- High technical competency in either mechanical or electrical or control systems utilized in critical infrastructures, with the capability to learn and be trained in the others.
- Understand the design concept and intent by reviewing mechanical or electrical design documentation, including drawings, specifications, vendor submittals and sequences of operations and provide feedback on the same in accordance with Amazon standards for basis of design.
- Develop but majorly review commissioning documentation such as test plans, scripts and reports developed by vendors to ensure accuracy in accordance with the design requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced knowledge Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, Outlook required; advanced knowledge of SharePoint (or similar) preferred- Strong communication skills, detail oriented, highly organized, and able to work in high stress environments to maintain calm and respectful interaction with multiple teams
- Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems for critical infrastructures
- Ability to read and edit construction documents (design drawings, control diagrams, specifications, etc.)
- Experience developing and executing test procedures for mechanical or electrical systems/components based on design intent and approved equipment submittals
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $105,100/year in our lowest geographic market up to $185,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.
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