Senior Data Center Project Manager

About ABB and the Role

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world. This position reports to the Director, Data Center Services Center of Excellence. 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. Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Ownership

• 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.

Technical & Commissioning Execution

• 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.

Stakeholder & Customer Management

• 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.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• 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.

Planning, Controls & Reporting

• 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.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• 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.

Required 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.

What's In It For You

We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger. Key skills/competency:

• Project Management
• Data Center Commissioning
• Electrical Power Systems
• MV/LV Switchgear
• Critical Power
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Safety Culture
• Quality Assurance
• Technical Leadership