Commissioning Manager in Houston: Lead Multi-Million Dollar Projects from Startup to Success

Houston, we have a solution—and we need a leader to make it a reality. This isn’t just a commissioning role; it’s your chance to own the critical final phase of major industrial projects, ensuring they operate safely, efficiently, and profitably. If you thrive on turning complex systems into performing assets and leading teams through high-stakes deadlines, this is your mission.

About the Role: The Final Architect of Project Success

As our Commissioning Manager, you will be the pivotal leader bridging construction completion and full operational readiness for our flagship petrochemical and energy clients. You will take charge of the entire commissioning, startup, and initial operations phase for projects valued up to $500 million. Your primary mission is to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards, directly impacting our clients’ bottom line and our company’s stellar reputation. This is a hands-on leadership role where your technical expertise and team management skills will be tested and rewarded daily.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive commissioning and startup (CSU) plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of commissioning engineers, technicians, and specialists.
• Coordinate closely with construction, engineering, operations, and client teams to ensure a seamless transition.
• Conduct rigorous system integrity tests, loop checks, and safety reviews (e.g., HAZOP, SIL validation).
• Manage turnover packages, punch list resolution, and performance guarantee testing.
• Champion a “Zero Harm” safety culture during all commissioning activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during the CSU phase, providing clear reporting and issue resolution.

What We’re Looking For: The Commissioning Leader

We need a seasoned professional who combines deep technical knowledge with exceptional leadership and client-facing skills. This is not an entry-level position; we require proven experience in the heavy industrial sector.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in commissioning, startup, and operations within oil & gas, petrochemical, or power generation.
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience managing commissioning teams and multi-discipline projects.
• Expert-level knowledge of commissioning procedures, P&IDs, loop diagrams, and control systems (DCS/PLC).
• Proven ability to develop CSU execution plans, manning forecasts, and budgets.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to lead technical briefings and negotiate with senior client executives.
• PMP or PE license is a strong advantage.

Preferred (Nice-to-Have):

• Experience with greenfield, brownfield, and turnaround commissioning projects.
• Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., ASME, API, NFPA).
• Proficiency in commissioning software tools like SmartPlant Commissioning or equivalent.
• Previous work with major EPC contractors or owner-operator clients in the Gulf Coast region.

Compensation & Benefits: Your Reward for Excellence

We believe in compensating top-tier talent competitively and equitably. For this critical leadership role based in Houston, Texas, we offer a comprehensive package:

Salary Range:

$110,000 – $155,000 USD/year
(Compensation is commensurate with experience, project complexity, and proven leadership track record.)

Total Rewards Package Includes:

• Performance Bonuses: Significant annual bonus potential tied to project safety, budget, and schedule performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full medical, dental, and vision insurance with substantial company contribution.
• Retirement Security: 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
• Time Off: Generous PTO policy plus 10 paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Annual stipend for certifications, training, and conferences.
• Perks: Company-provided cell phone, laptop, and a flexible spending account (FSA).
• Career Growth: Clear path to senior management roles within our growing project services division.

About Our Company: Building the Future of Energy

We are a premier project services and technical consulting firm specializing in the energy transition and traditional energy sectors. With a 20-year track record in Houston and the Gulf Coast, we partner with the world’s leading energy companies to deliver complex projects safely and efficiently. Our culture is built on technical excellence, integrity, and a commitment to our people. We don’t just fill positions; we build careers for leaders who want to make a tangible impact on the industry’s future.

This is a rare opportunity to lead from the front, not from a desk. If you are ready to take ownership of the most critical phase of industrial projects and lead a dedicated team to victory, we want to hear from you. Your expertise is the final key to our success.