What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cx Specialist, Data Centers position at AHA Consulting Engineers, Inc.?
About AHA Consulting Engineers
Founded in 1991, AHA Consulting Engineers, Inc. has a 30 year proven track record in the design of complex, high-performance buildings. We are consultants and advisors first, focused on our clients’ vision and success during and beyond every project.
AHA’s Team of dedicated professionals in our Burlington and Boston, MA; Atlanta (Alpharetta), GA; Philadelphia, PA; and Ashburn, VA offices expertly advise, evaluate, model, design and commission high-performance building systems delivering trusted performance to our clients under the most challenging budget and schedule constraints.
As a multi-discipline building system consulting firm, our offerings include best-in-class HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) and Technology Design; Energy & Sustainability Consulting; Commissioning, BIM/VDC and Advisory Services; Arc Flash and Coordination Studies; and Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling.
We are a recognized expert in the AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) industry with a targeted focus on Science & Technology, Mission Critical, Industrial, Academic, and corporate markets.
Lastly and most importantly, AHA is as committed to our Team Members as we are to our clients. Our benefits package, training program, and office culture supports our employees’ professional growth and well-being. AHA also promotes the continued personal and professional development of our dedicated professionals to stay current on the latest developments in the AEC industry through participation in professional organizations, industry seminars and trade shows, as well as continuing education classes and lunch-and-learns. Our AHA University program provides the opportunity for our professionals to be part of an AHA Team presenting information sessions of our building performance consulting expertise to our architectural, development, and end-user clients. Furthermore, AHA has competitive salaries, PTO, health, and retirement benefits and, AHA is a partial ESOP company which further enhances our retirement benefits. And finally, our unique Path to Partnership opportunity provides employees the guidance and mentorship to advance up the corporate ladder to leadership positions in the firm.
Job Summary
The Cx Specialist – Data Centers will manage aspects of commissioning projects, primarily within the mission critical / data center sector, including new construction, facility assessments, and tenant fit outs. This role is ideal for someone with hands-on data center experience who understands the types of electrical and mechanical equipment that support these facilities and how those systems operate in the field.
The candidate will be expected to support construction observations, functional testing, troubleshooting, documentation, and client interaction. This individual does not need to be an engineer and no engineering degree or certifications are required. A technical trade background is preferred, with electrical experience strongly preferred. The candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, visiting client sites regularly, and supporting projects in and around the Ashburn, VA region.
The Cx Specialist – Data Centers will manage all aspects of commissioning projects, primarily new construction, facility due diligence, or tenant fit outs. The candidate will be expected to diagnose, analyze, and troubleshoot complex HVAC and electrical systems. The Cx Specialist – Data Centers will also be expected to interface with clients, participate in internal quality control and deliver projects on time and on budget. The Cx Specialist – Data Centerswill be expected to participate in industry conferences, obtain relevant industry certifications and to be comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform construction observations, review contract documents, develop functional test plans, and execute tests for a variety of building and data center systems
- Support commissioning efforts related to electrical, mechanical, and controls systems within mission critical environments
- Execute and interpret performance testing, install and use testing equipment, and analyze collected field data
- Participate in the delivery of commissioning services for complex projects for local and national clients
- Assist in the development of commissioning checklists, test scripts, and reports
- Complete written commissioning reports and clearly communicate results to clients and stakeholders in a timely manner
- Interface professionally with owners, contractors, vendors, and internal project teams
- Perform research into new technologies and remain up to date on industry trends
- Drive internal efficiency improvement through tools, technology, and process development
Required Qualifications
- Hands-on experience working on data center or mission critical projects
- Strong understanding of the types of equipment commonly found in data centers and related building systems
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings and specifications
- Ability to read, understand, and interpret sequences of operation
- Technical field, construction, or trade background preferred, with electrical trade experience strongly preferred
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis
- Advanced quantitative skills, with working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
- Detail-oriented approach without losing sight of the bigger picture
- Desire to continue learning and increase technical and industry knowledge
- Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle required for client site visits
- Ability to travel locally to project sites on a regular basis
- Ability to travel by air up to 20% as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- OSHA 30 certification preferred; training can be provided by the company
- Experience with commissioning on both new construction and existing buildings
- Ability to translate complex technical information to non-technical client stakeholders
- Familiarity with building codes, construction industry standards, and mission critical best practices
- Experience working with electrical distribution, backup power systems, cooling systems, or building automation systems in data center environments
At AHA, our success starts with our people — and we invest in creating an environment where you can grow and thrive. In addition to competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we offer programs that set us apart:
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – giving you a real stake in AHA’s long-term success
• Path to Partnership – a transparent, attainable leadership development framework
• Student Debt Repayment Program – direct financial support to help reduce student loan burden
• Flexible & Hybrid Work Schedules – supporting balance, autonomy, and professional growth
• Professional Development & Mentorship – including FE/PE exam support and structured training opportunities
At AHA, you’re not just joining an engineering firm — you’re building a career where your ideas matter and your contributions have a meaningful impact.
Equal Opportunity Employer
AHA is an EO/AA Employer – M/F/Disability/Veterans
Staffing Firms Notice
AHA does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing firms unless a current, executed agreement is in place and has been expressly invited by AHA to submit candidates for a specific search.