Yale University has retained Helbling, a ZRG company to conduct an executive search to secure a Commissioning Program Manager.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Engineering & Energy Management with latitude to exercise a high level of independent judgment and initiative, the Commissioning Program Manager will develop and lead the university’s commissioning program, providing technical direction, management, and subject matter expertise in support of commissioning activities, including construction commissioning, building envelope commissioning, retro-commissioning, monitoring-based, and connected commissioning. The Commissioning Program Manager will interact with Yale’s planning and project management staff, operations personnel, and consulting professionals to standardize and promote highly effective commissioning activities to ensure performance criteria of projects is consistently met and in support of the University’s ambitious capital program and climate action commitment. Experience with commissioning firms, innovative comprehensive commissioning services, and managing projects and teams is expected. 

For more details about this opportunity, please view the position profile by clicking on the cover image below. 

Position Description

• Lead and maintain the development of campus-wide commissioning policies, requirements, and standards for capital and non-capital improvement projects. Define team members’ roles and responsibilities, process flow charts, and deliverables across all project phases. Align commissioning processes and scope with Yale’s climate action commitment, including evolving sustainability requirements;
• Collaborate with capital program planners and project managers on individual projects to define commissioning scope, select qualified commissioning agents, review project documentation and construction milestones for compliance with the commissioning program, and serves as primary subject matter expert and university representative for the commissioning program; 
• Collaborate with the broader engineering team and other Yale stakeholders to review the work of design professionals concerning the University objectives and design standards, operability and maintainability, and cost effectiveness. Provide feedback and assistance to project managers and design professionals regarding all aspects of engineering design;
• Perform and lead a team of internal and contractor-sourced resources to perform routine site visits and verify installation, start-up, functional performance testing, training, and supporting documentation to ensure successful performance and operation of installed building systems, envelope, and building automation systems. Monitor construction progress and attend periodic construction meetings;
• Lead, coordinate, and verify project performance requirements and post-occupancy system operation have been successfully achieved. Work with project teams to resolve open issues and coordinate with facilities operations/engineering. Correctly identify critical issues that adversely impact project teams' acceptance and turnover. Collaborate with operations staff as necessary to fine-tune the operation of building systems and assist with identifying warranty issues and corrective action plans;
• Act as a liaison with the project team to verify that adequate systems training has been identified, scheduled, and performed as required by project specifications. Develop facilities operations/engineering resource manuals that educate personnel and building occupants on the correct operation of building systems;
• Assist University operations staff in troubleshooting mechanical systems. Provide solutions to operational problems and verify through commissioning testing;
• Review and suggest improvements to building automation systems as appropriate—Formulates projects to improve building performance as needed;
• Participate in budget development for projects and capital spending;
• May perform other duties as assigned.

About Yale University

Yale University is a private, Ivy League research institution that was founded in 1701. Approximately 12,000 students attend Yale, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 373 acres. Yale University is ranked fifth in the National Universities category of the 2024 Best Colleges edition of U.S. News and World Report.
 
Yale blends its Ivy tradition of excellence with a modern work culture that values different points of view and thrives on respect and innovation. The University offers challenging, exciting, and rewarding careers to those who seek opportunities to gain experience and excel. 

Yale has grown and evolved for 300-plus years, passing many milestones and forging traditions along the way. 

The University traces its roots to the 1640s, when colonial clergymen led an effort to establish a local college in the tradition of European liberal education. In 1701, the Connecticut legislature adopted a charter “to erect a Collegiate School.” The school officially became Yale College in 1718, when it was renamed in honor of Welsh merchant Elihu Yale, who had donated the proceeds from the sale of nine bales of goods together with 417 books and a portrait of King George I.

Location

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and eight years of commissioning experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• ​Well-developed analytical and critical thinking skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills; 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with willingness to establish productive rapport with staff and teams throughout the University contribute to, and benefit from a team environment;
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, programs, and organizational goals, while managing multiple projects and deadlines;
• Ability and enthusiasm to learn and lead over time, stay informed of industry best practices, training, and new technical approaches to the most complex building and campus system challenges;
• Ability to promote proactive energy management and climate action strategies on projects of all scale and scope at the University.

• Experience with all aspects of commissioning processes and principles from project formulation through turnover, and performance diagnostics; 
• Experience with building automation systems, including Johnson Controls, Siemens, and Niagara-based systems; 
• Experience with managing  projects and teams of consulting design professionals; 
• PE, CEM, or one of the national CxA professional Designations; 
• LEED Certification.

Equal Opportunity Employer

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).