What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commissioning Engineer position at Universal Piping Industries?
Company Overview
Universal Piping Industries (UPI) is a leader in the design, fabrication and installation of industrial piping & plumbing systems.
UPI maintains a corporate headquarters in Troy, Michigan and a primary fabrication facility in Georgetown, Kentucky. With additional fabrication in Detroit, MI.
Position Summary: UPI is seeking a Commissioning Engineer to lead startup, testing and turnover of the piping, process, and mechanical systems UPI designs, fabricates and installs. This role bridges engineering, fabrication and field construction to ensure utility, process, chilled/hot water, steam, and paint-process systems are fully functional, verified, and ready for owner operation. The ideal candidate is hands-on, organized, and comfortable coordinating across internal teams and client operations staff.
Key Responsibilities:
Commissioning Planning:
- Develop project-specific commissioning plans covering utility, process piping, HVAC, chilled/hot water, steam, and paint-system scopes
- Coordinate commissioning schedules and sequencing with the Project Manager, Superintendent, Quality Manager, and Engineer of Record (EOR)
System Startup & Testing:
- Lead system walkdowns, pre-functional and functional checks, flushing, pressure testing, and startup activities
- Coordinate integration and testing with control systems, automation and equipment vendors on packaged skids and process systems
Punch List & Turnover:
- Manage the punch list process from generation through closeout with field crews, subcontractors, and clients
- Compile and deliver turnover packages, including as-built documentation, test records, O&M manuals, and training materials
Cross-Functional & Turnover Coordination:
- Interface directly with client operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to align on commissioning sequence and safety lockout/tagout
- Identify and resolve field constructability or design issues discovered during startup, working with Engineering on corrective actions
- Recruits, trains, develops, and supervises technicians tasked with performing commissioning work
Continuous Improvement:
- Provide commissioning input during proposal and engineering phases to ensure systems are designed for testability and efficient startup
- Support schedule recovery planning when commissioning findings affect overall project completion
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent field experience will be considered
- 7 years of experience commissioning industrial piping, process, or HVAC/mechanical systems
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, isometrics, and mechanical/process drawings
- Strong coordination skills across engineering, fabrication field construction, and client teams
- Willingness and ability to travel and be on-site for extended commissioning periods
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience on automotive or heavy industrial manufacturing projects
- Familiarity with Procore or similar project management software
- Experience managing owner training and turnover documentation on large industrial projects
- Certified Commissioning Certificate (i.e. ASHRAE BCXP, BCXA CCP)
- NEBB Certification or equivalent
Core Competencies:
- Systems Thinking- Understands how utility, process, and control systems interact during startup
- Planning & Organization- Builds and drives commission plans that keep turnover on schedule
- Cross-Functional Coordination- Aligns engineering, field, and client teams around a shared startup sequence
- Problem Solving- Resolves field issues discovered during testing without derailing the schedule
- Communication- Keeps clients and leadership informed of commissioning status and punch list progress