Commissioning Specialist

Commissioning Specialist California Institute of Technology - 4.1 Pasadena, CA Job Details Full-time $139,300 - $154,100 a year 13 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Stakeholder engagement HVAC Cross-functional collaboration Cross-functional communication Full Job Description Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Facilities Operations & Services, the Facilities Commissioning Specialist provides expertise and oversight for the system commissioning and on-going operational performance of Caltech critical infrastructure and automation systems This position is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing Caltech's commissioning processes and recommissioning activities for complex research, academic, and support facilities across the campus. This role ensures that building systems, particularly laboratory, life-safety, and mission-critical infrastructure perform as intended, support research continuity, meet regulatory requirements, and align with institutional standards for safety, energy efficiency, and reliability. The position works closely with Facilities Operations, Planning Design and Construction, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), researchers, design teams, and external commissioning providers to ensure seamless turnover from construction to operations and optimized performance throughout the facility lifecycle.

Essential Job Duties Commissioning & Technical Oversight:

Plan, manage, and oversee commissioning, retro-commissioning, and recommissioning activities for existing campus facilities Provide oversite and review of the commissioning plan, for new construction Develop and review the Caltech commissioning guide and standards. Develop and review commissioning plans, scripts, functional tests, and commissioning reports.

Capital Projects & Design Coordination:

Provide commissioning input during planning, design, and construction phases. Review design documents and participate in design and construction meetings. Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and third-party commissioning agents. Transition to

Operations:

Support system turnover, review O&M documentation, and facilitate facilities staff training. Verify system readiness prior to occupancy or research startup.

Existing Building Performance:

Analyze system performance and trending data to identify optimization opportunities. Support sustainability, energy efficiency, and decarbonization initiatives.

Compliance & Safety:

Ensure commissioned systems meet applicable codes, standards, and campus requirements. Support EH&S and research safety protocols. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, facilities management, or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience. Eight or more years of experience in building commissioning, facilities engineering, or construction management. Demonstrated knowledge of HVAC, laboratory ventilation, and building automation systems. Ability to effectively read and interpret construction documents and control sequences. Proven systems thinking and technical problem-solving abilities. Ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrates sharp attention to detail with a strong safety focus. Proven project management and documentation skills. Excellent written, verbal, and coordination skills. Must be able to work occurs in office, mechanical rooms, rooftops, and active construction environments. Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required for testing and research support activities. Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs on a consistent basis and ability to access confined spaces and traverse campus facilities safely. Preferred Qualifications Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP), or similar credential. Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Energy Manager (CEM). Experience with laboratory, healthcare, or research campus environments. Familiarity with central utility plants or district energy systems. Required Documents Resume. Hiring Range $139,300 - $154,100 Per Year The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at . Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at .