Commissioning Manager Jobs in Illinois
Commissioning Manager jobs in Illinois are active across construction, building automation, energy infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing, with openings at every level from field commissioning engineer through senior program manager. Chicago anchors most of the hiring, with significant activity in Joliet and Rockford, and established employers such as Siemens, Honeywell, and Burns & McDonnell maintaining a steady presence in the state. The most in-demand specialties are HVAC and building systems commissioning, electrical and power commissioning, and process controls for industrial facilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Program Mgr - Testing & Commissioning - 90415077 - Chicago
Chicago, IL, US, 60661
Your success is a train ride away!
As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.
Are you ready to join our team?
Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.
Job Summary
The Program Manager - Testing & Commissioning, is responsible for leading Amtrak’s oversight of all testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness activities for the new Chicago Maintenance Facility, delivered by a third-party developer under a Public-Private Partnership (P3). Serving as Amtrak’s primary representative for facility startup and turnover, the Program Manager ensures that all systems, infrastructure, equipment, and operational capabilities are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, safety standards, and performance objectives.
This position provides strategic leadership and coordination among the developer, contractors, consultants, and Amtrak stakeholders to plan and execute integrated testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities. The Program Manager is responsible for establishing acceptance criteria, monitoring compliance with P3 obligations, managing risks and deficiencies, overseeing documentation and training requirements, and assuring the facility is ready to support safe and reliable operations.
The role works closely with engineering, construction, operations, maintenance, and executive leadership teams to manage the transition from project delivery to operational service. The Program Manager evaluates facility readiness, facilitates milestone approvals, and safeguards Amtrak’s interests throughout the commissioning and turnover process to ensure the successful delivery and long-term performance of this critical maintenance asset.
Essential Functions
- Lead Amtrak’s testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness program for the Chicago Maintenance Facility, ensuring compliance with contractual, safety, operational, and performance requirements.
- Serve as Amtrak’s primary representative with the P3 developer, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders, coordinating all commissioning, turnover, and facility acceptance activities.
- Develop and manage testing, commissioning, and transition-to-operations plans; oversee integrated system testing; and monitor progress toward key project milestones and acceptance criteria.
- Direct the identification, tracking, and resolution of commissioning deficiencies, punch-list items, risks, and warranty-related issues to support successful facility startup and long-term operational performance.
- Lead cross-functional readiness efforts, including stakeholder coordination, training, documentation turnover, and executive reporting, to ensure a safe and seamless transition from construction completion to full facility operations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree required or equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Plus,
- 7 years of prior experience required
- 9+ years of relevant experience preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, Transportation, or related field
- Demonstrated construction experience in a railroad environment
- Significant experience in construction management of multiple construction projects and / or programs in an active railroad environment.
- Current PMP certification
- Strong process improvement skills
- Familiarity with quality management systems
- Master’s degree in engineering, construction, or project management
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness processes for large-scale transportation, rail, industrial, or infrastructure facilities.
- Strong program and project management skills, including planning, scheduling, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and oversight of complex, multi-party capital projects.
- Ability to interpret and apply engineering, construction, operational, contractual, and regulatory requirements, including those associated with Public-Private Partnership (P3) project delivery.
- Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence decisions and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to manage facility turnover activities, evaluate operational readiness, resolve deficiencies and risks, and ensure the successful transition of new assets into safe and reliable service.
Work Environment
- Combination of office and field environment.
- Sit at computer to complete assignments, projects, and majority of tasks.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Regular travel to the project site field office is required.
- Occasional travel, as needed.
The salary/hourly range is $113,200.00 – $146,664.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
.
Requisition ID:167238
Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
You power our progress through your performance.
We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.
Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.
Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.
In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.
In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.
Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.
Program Mgr - Testing & Commissioning - 90415077 - Chicago
Chicago, IL, US, 60661
Your success is a train ride away!
As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.
Are you ready to join our team?
Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.
Job Summary
The Program Manager - Testing & Commissioning, is responsible for leading Amtrak’s oversight of all testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness activities for the new Chicago Maintenance Facility, delivered by a third-party developer under a Public-Private Partnership (P3). Serving as Amtrak’s primary representative for facility startup and turnover, the Program Manager ensures that all systems, infrastructure, equipment, and operational capabilities are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, safety standards, and performance objectives.
This position provides strategic leadership and coordination among the developer, contractors, consultants, and Amtrak stakeholders to plan and execute integrated testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities. The Program Manager is responsible for establishing acceptance criteria, monitoring compliance with P3 obligations, managing risks and deficiencies, overseeing documentation and training requirements, and assuring the facility is ready to support safe and reliable operations.
The role works closely with engineering, construction, operations, maintenance, and executive leadership teams to manage the transition from project delivery to operational service. The Program Manager evaluates facility readiness, facilitates milestone approvals, and safeguards Amtrak’s interests throughout the commissioning and turnover process to ensure the successful delivery and long-term performance of this critical maintenance asset.
Essential Functions
- Lead Amtrak’s testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness program for the Chicago Maintenance Facility, ensuring compliance with contractual, safety, operational, and performance requirements.
- Serve as Amtrak’s primary representative with the P3 developer, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders, coordinating all commissioning, turnover, and facility acceptance activities.
- Develop and manage testing, commissioning, and transition-to-operations plans; oversee integrated system testing; and monitor progress toward key project milestones and acceptance criteria.
- Direct the identification, tracking, and resolution of commissioning deficiencies, punch-list items, risks, and warranty-related issues to support successful facility startup and long-term operational performance.
- Lead cross-functional readiness efforts, including stakeholder coordination, training, documentation turnover, and executive reporting, to ensure a safe and seamless transition from construction completion to full facility operations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree required or equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Plus,
- 7 years of prior experience required
- 9+ years of relevant experience preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, Transportation, or related field
- Demonstrated construction experience in a railroad environment
- Significant experience in construction management of multiple construction projects and / or programs in an active railroad environment.
- Current PMP certification
- Strong process improvement skills
- Familiarity with quality management systems
- Master’s degree in engineering, construction, or project management
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness processes for large-scale transportation, rail, industrial, or infrastructure facilities.
- Strong program and project management skills, including planning, scheduling, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and oversight of complex, multi-party capital projects.
- Ability to interpret and apply engineering, construction, operational, contractual, and regulatory requirements, including those associated with Public-Private Partnership (P3) project delivery.
- Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence decisions and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to manage facility turnover activities, evaluate operational readiness, resolve deficiencies and risks, and ensure the successful transition of new assets into safe and reliable service.
Work Environment
- Combination of office and field environment.
- Sit at computer to complete assignments, projects, and majority of tasks.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Regular travel to the project site field office is required.
- Occasional travel, as needed.
The salary/hourly range is $113,200.00 – $146,664.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
.
Requisition ID:167238
Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
You power our progress through your performance.
We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.
Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.
Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.
In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.
In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.
Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.
See All 12 Commissioning Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Commissioning Manager JobsCommissioning Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Commissioning Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in commissioning manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering recognized in Illinois
- Certified Commissioning Professional credential or equivalent industry certification preferred
- Minimum four years of hands-on commissioning experience in building or industrial systems
- Proficiency with building automation systems such as BACnet, Tridium Niagara, or equivalent platforms
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and control sequences
- Strong written communication skills for Illinois project closeout documentation and owner training
Commissioning Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a commissioning manager in Illinois?
The most direct path is a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering followed by several years of field commissioning experience. Illinois does not license commissioning managers specifically, but employers strongly favor candidates who hold the Certified Commissioning Professional designation offered through the Building Commissioning Association. Many Illinois firms also recognize credentials from ASHRAE or the National Environmental Balancing Bureau. Strong candidates typically advance from commissioning engineer or controls technician roles within large construction or building automation companies operating in the Chicago metro.
How much do commissioning managers make in Illinois?
Commissioning managers in Illinois earn a median of about $163,610 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $112,090 for the lowest 10% to over $231,880 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire commissioning managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring commissioning managers in Illinois right now include ARCO Companies, CAI, and Exyte, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of large commercial construction, industrial manufacturing, and energy infrastructure projects means hiring is consistent year-round rather than purely seasonal.
Which Illinois cities have the most commissioning manager jobs?
Chicago, Illinois, and Aurora account for the most commissioning manager openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because of its volume of large commercial, healthcare, and data center construction projects, while Joliet and Rockford draw openings from industrial manufacturing and energy facilities that require specialized process and electrical commissioning expertise.
Are there remote commissioning manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Commissioning is inherently a hands-on, site-based discipline, so most roles require regular presence on construction sites or in mechanical rooms. About 60% of commissioning manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions typically cover pre-construction documentation review, owner training coordination, or program oversight rather than active system verification and testing.
How can I get hired as a commissioning manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a commissioning technician or controls technician role at a building automation or mechanical contractor in the Chicago area, where firms like Johnson Controls and Siemens run associate-level programs that provide structured on-site training. Candidates with a two-year technical degree or a journeyman electrician background have a clear on-ramp. Pursuing the Building Commissioning Association's Commissioning Process Associate credential early signals commitment to employers and can accelerate advancement into a full commissioning engineer title within a few years.
Where can I find and apply to commissioning manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to commissioning manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your specialty and experience level, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 12 Commissioning Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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