STEM OPT Commissioning Engineer Jobs
Commissioning Engineer roles in systems integration, energy, and industrial automation qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree aligns with an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan before your extension start date.
See All Commissioning Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 116+ Commissioning Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 116+ Commissioning Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Commissioning Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsDepartment EM-Commissioning-247101
Career Area Engineering and Architecture
Posting Open Date 05/04/2026
Application Deadline 05/18/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Senior Commissioning Engineer
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 00057812
Vacancy ID NF0009726
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Proposed Start Date 06/22/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Engineering Services Department (ES) within Facilities Services provides energy management and engineering support to the UNC Chapel Hill, a highly complex campus with a large number and variety of buildings and structures. ES leads energy management and water conservation efforts on campus, supports building commissioning services, provides engineering expertise for the campus on all engineering facets and supports facilities operation and maintenance teams.
Position Summary
As part of the Energy Management unit, the Senior Commissioning Engineer focuses on commissioning efforts to achieve efficient operation of building systems and sub systems ensuring reduced energy and water consumption at the campus. The incumbent works closely with other Engineers in the unit and serves as the University’s steward and advocates for proper commissioning efforts on campus. The incumbent would also be the primary subject matter expert in all matters related to comprehensive building commissioning including new constructions, renovations, repairs and all commissioning activities at existing facilities including re-commissioning, retro-commissioning and continuous commissioning efforts. As the most senior commissioning professional for campus facilities, the incumbent provides expert input and will update and maintain the University’s Commissioning standards / Guidelines and coordinate with internal stakeholders to protect campus’ interests.
The Senior Commissioning Engineer is responsible for multiple facets of commissioning work on capital building projects, including development of commissioning scope of work, qualification-based selection of the 3rd party commissioning agents, contract negotiation, and oversight of the work. Related tasks on capital building projects include review of plans from designers, equipment submittals, assisting with development of ‘basis of design’ documents, coordination of functional testing and system training, along with general coordination between project team, UNC Facilities, and end users. Provide direct commissioning services and retro commissioning services for smaller capital building projects (customer funded or otherwise) to include control schematic development, BAS functional testing, troubleshooting, and training. Interface with complex mechanical and control systems supporting research lab space, including high-containment (BSL-3) labs and lab animal vivaria. Responsibilities also include implementation and management of a robust continuous commissioning program by utilizing building automation systems as well as Fault Detection and Diagnostic (FDD) systems across the campus. Tasks include creation of appropriate rules, identification of control points, integration of control points with the FDD software (like Skyspark), and review effectiveness of the program semi-annually.
The incumbent is also responsible to identify and analyze new energy and water conservation projects (scoping and life cycle cost analysis), building audits and drawing reviews to develop the energy conservation projects with fundable cost estimations and savings calculations. Familiarity with building energy modeling software like Trane Trace and Bin data calculations is a plus. Partner with Engineering and other units within UNC Facilities Services during implementation of energy conversation measures, new strategies for optimizing HVAC systems to improve operational efficiencies while considering O&M concerns and ensuring projects are completed under budget and on schedule. Track issues encountered during each project in an ‘Issues Log’ to ensure discrepancies are addressed properly and in a timely manner. Record and share lessons learnt from projects and from past experience to train the team and to improve internal processes. Provide technical support for building control technicians and EMCS system operators and provide support on technical, process and other aspects related to energy management unit’s responsibilities, as needed by the Director.
This position is neither remote nor hybrid and will require the incumbent to be present at the office located at Chapel Hill, NC and work on the UNC campus buildings and facilities during the work week.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Substantial knowledge of professional engineering theory, techniques, practices, procedures, building codes and laws and skills in applying these for problem-solving, system design, and identification for energy conservation opportunities.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts, practices, and theories used in the engineering specialty area and the ability to use it in practice.
- May require the general knowledge to oversee compliance regarding multiple specialties.
- Working level understanding of the organizational and business objectives of section/specialty.
- Ability to evaluate and approve moderately complex program/project specifications for completeness, compatibility, compliance with engineering principles, standards, codes and design needs; ability to perform inspections/audits to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
- Ability to manage moderately complex programs/projects for completeness, compatibility and compliance with engineering principles and design needs and standards.
- Ability to identify and resolve project/program changes.
- Ability to develop and manage program plan.
- Provide consultation on issues and requests from energy engineers.
- Consult with higher-level professionals to discuss alternative solutions.
- Supervise a team of up to 4 commissioning and project staff.
- Develop and implement short-term strategies consistent with agency/university goals.
- Make recommendations and occasional decisions on non-routine engineering and/or program matters or other areas requiring technical engineering expertise.
- Ability to make final decisions and execute is a plus.
- Provide technical analysis and serve as a mentor/resource to lower-level employees in the area of assignment.
- Address conflicting design constraints and approve moderately complex engineering/technical designs and/or program/project specifications of other engineers to meet desired compliance with engineering principles, standards, codes, designs and statutes.
- Ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex mechanical systems for efficiency and maintainability.
- Knowledge of control system sequence of operations and able to read, understand and comply with the university’s standards for mechanical and control systems.
- Knowledge of efficiency strategies for HVAC control systems such as discharge air reset, air side economizer, discharge static pressure reset, and heat recovery systems.
- Demonstrated experience programming HVAC control systems and experience with commissioning and retro commissioning of HVAC and building systems.
- Ability to read and comprehend complex mechanical, electrical and architectural plans and specifications.
- Working knowledge of current NC building codes.
- In-depth knowledge of commercial, institutional and laboratory heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing complex technical concepts to trades staff, engineers, and management.
- A valid NC driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to start date.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of NC or the ability to obtain one prior to the start date. Out of state PEs may apply for a NC PE license after a contingent offer is made through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) process found on the NCBELS.ORG website.
- Progressive experience with energy conservation methods for electrical and mechanical systems including lighting, HVAC, chilled waters systems, compressed air systems, building envelopes, and building pneumatic and digital building control systems.
- Advanced knowledge of building automation systems specifically Invensys, Johnson Controls, and Vista.
- Strong knowledge of maintenance requirements for HVAC systems.
- Cost estimating for design and construction projects.
- Adept at MS Work, MS Excel.
- Ability to participate in the development of long-range strategic goals.
- Knowledge of Trane trace modeling and programming for Continuous Commissioning using software like SkySpark is a plus.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Department EM-Commissioning-247101
Career Area Engineering and Architecture
Posting Open Date 05/04/2026
Application Deadline 05/18/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Senior Commissioning Engineer
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 00057812
Vacancy ID NF0009726
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Proposed Start Date 06/22/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Engineering Services Department (ES) within Facilities Services provides energy management and engineering support to the UNC Chapel Hill, a highly complex campus with a large number and variety of buildings and structures. ES leads energy management and water conservation efforts on campus, supports building commissioning services, provides engineering expertise for the campus on all engineering facets and supports facilities operation and maintenance teams.
Position Summary
As part of the Energy Management unit, the Senior Commissioning Engineer focuses on commissioning efforts to achieve efficient operation of building systems and sub systems ensuring reduced energy and water consumption at the campus. The incumbent works closely with other Engineers in the unit and serves as the University’s steward and advocates for proper commissioning efforts on campus. The incumbent would also be the primary subject matter expert in all matters related to comprehensive building commissioning including new constructions, renovations, repairs and all commissioning activities at existing facilities including re-commissioning, retro-commissioning and continuous commissioning efforts. As the most senior commissioning professional for campus facilities, the incumbent provides expert input and will update and maintain the University’s Commissioning standards / Guidelines and coordinate with internal stakeholders to protect campus’ interests.
The Senior Commissioning Engineer is responsible for multiple facets of commissioning work on capital building projects, including development of commissioning scope of work, qualification-based selection of the 3rd party commissioning agents, contract negotiation, and oversight of the work. Related tasks on capital building projects include review of plans from designers, equipment submittals, assisting with development of ‘basis of design’ documents, coordination of functional testing and system training, along with general coordination between project team, UNC Facilities, and end users. Provide direct commissioning services and retro commissioning services for smaller capital building projects (customer funded or otherwise) to include control schematic development, BAS functional testing, troubleshooting, and training. Interface with complex mechanical and control systems supporting research lab space, including high-containment (BSL-3) labs and lab animal vivaria. Responsibilities also include implementation and management of a robust continuous commissioning program by utilizing building automation systems as well as Fault Detection and Diagnostic (FDD) systems across the campus. Tasks include creation of appropriate rules, identification of control points, integration of control points with the FDD software (like Skyspark), and review effectiveness of the program semi-annually.
The incumbent is also responsible to identify and analyze new energy and water conservation projects (scoping and life cycle cost analysis), building audits and drawing reviews to develop the energy conservation projects with fundable cost estimations and savings calculations. Familiarity with building energy modeling software like Trane Trace and Bin data calculations is a plus. Partner with Engineering and other units within UNC Facilities Services during implementation of energy conversation measures, new strategies for optimizing HVAC systems to improve operational efficiencies while considering O&M concerns and ensuring projects are completed under budget and on schedule. Track issues encountered during each project in an ‘Issues Log’ to ensure discrepancies are addressed properly and in a timely manner. Record and share lessons learnt from projects and from past experience to train the team and to improve internal processes. Provide technical support for building control technicians and EMCS system operators and provide support on technical, process and other aspects related to energy management unit’s responsibilities, as needed by the Director.
This position is neither remote nor hybrid and will require the incumbent to be present at the office located at Chapel Hill, NC and work on the UNC campus buildings and facilities during the work week.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Substantial knowledge of professional engineering theory, techniques, practices, procedures, building codes and laws and skills in applying these for problem-solving, system design, and identification for energy conservation opportunities.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts, practices, and theories used in the engineering specialty area and the ability to use it in practice.
- May require the general knowledge to oversee compliance regarding multiple specialties.
- Working level understanding of the organizational and business objectives of section/specialty.
- Ability to evaluate and approve moderately complex program/project specifications for completeness, compatibility, compliance with engineering principles, standards, codes and design needs; ability to perform inspections/audits to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
- Ability to manage moderately complex programs/projects for completeness, compatibility and compliance with engineering principles and design needs and standards.
- Ability to identify and resolve project/program changes.
- Ability to develop and manage program plan.
- Provide consultation on issues and requests from energy engineers.
- Consult with higher-level professionals to discuss alternative solutions.
- Supervise a team of up to 4 commissioning and project staff.
- Develop and implement short-term strategies consistent with agency/university goals.
- Make recommendations and occasional decisions on non-routine engineering and/or program matters or other areas requiring technical engineering expertise.
- Ability to make final decisions and execute is a plus.
- Provide technical analysis and serve as a mentor/resource to lower-level employees in the area of assignment.
- Address conflicting design constraints and approve moderately complex engineering/technical designs and/or program/project specifications of other engineers to meet desired compliance with engineering principles, standards, codes, designs and statutes.
- Ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex mechanical systems for efficiency and maintainability.
- Knowledge of control system sequence of operations and able to read, understand and comply with the university’s standards for mechanical and control systems.
- Knowledge of efficiency strategies for HVAC control systems such as discharge air reset, air side economizer, discharge static pressure reset, and heat recovery systems.
- Demonstrated experience programming HVAC control systems and experience with commissioning and retro commissioning of HVAC and building systems.
- Ability to read and comprehend complex mechanical, electrical and architectural plans and specifications.
- Working knowledge of current NC building codes.
- In-depth knowledge of commercial, institutional and laboratory heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing complex technical concepts to trades staff, engineers, and management.
- A valid NC driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to start date.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of NC or the ability to obtain one prior to the start date. Out of state PEs may apply for a NC PE license after a contingent offer is made through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) process found on the NCBELS.ORG website.
- Progressive experience with energy conservation methods for electrical and mechanical systems including lighting, HVAC, chilled waters systems, compressed air systems, building envelopes, and building pneumatic and digital building control systems.
- Advanced knowledge of building automation systems specifically Invensys, Johnson Controls, and Vista.
- Strong knowledge of maintenance requirements for HVAC systems.
- Cost estimating for design and construction projects.
- Adept at MS Work, MS Excel.
- Ability to participate in the development of long-range strategic goals.
- Knowledge of Trane trace modeling and programming for Continuous Commissioning using software like SkySpark is a plus.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
See all 116+ Commissioning Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Commissioning Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Commissioning Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list. Mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering degrees typically qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes carry unexpected CIP codes that affect eligibility.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask the recruiter for the employer's E-Verify company ID or have HR confirm active enrollment in writing. Engineering contractors and project-based firms frequently use staffing intermediaries, and the entity signing your I-983 must be the enrolled E-Verify participant.
Target companies with existing I-983 infrastructure
Commissioning roles span utilities, oil and gas, and building systems, but only larger engineering firms typically have HR teams familiar with the I-983 training plan. Ask during interviews whether the company has previously onboarded STEM OPT engineers to avoid delays at the filing stage.
Use Migrate Mate to filter roles by E-Verify status
Search Commissioning Engineer listings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers based on verified sponsorship history. Filtering by E-Verify enrollment saves you from applying to project-based contractors that can't legally serve as your STEM OPT employer of record.
Benchmark your offer against DOL prevailing wage data
Look up the prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. Commissioning Engineer compensation varies sharply by industry sector, and your training plan must reflect a salary consistent with similarly employed U.S. workers in that region.
Submit your I-983 training plan before your OPT end date
Your DSO must receive a completed and employer-signed I-983 in time to update your SEVIS record before your initial OPT expires. Build in at least three weeks for back-and-forth on the learning objectives section, which engineering managers often underestimate in complexity.
Commissioning Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Commissioning Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Commissioning Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering and carries a qualifying CIP code on the DHS designated degree list. The job itself must also provide practical training directly related to that degree. O*NET classifies Commissioning Engineers under industrial and systems engineering SOC codes, which routinely satisfy the degree-relatedness requirement USCIS evaluates.
What does the I-983 training plan require for a Commissioning Engineer?
The I-983 requires your employer to document specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, the supervision structure, and how the role develops your technical competencies. For Commissioning Engineers, this typically means outlining hands-on systems validation, instrumentation calibration, and commissioning protocol responsibilities. Your employer and DSO both sign the form, and USCIS can request it during any status review, so vague job descriptions create compliance risk.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify to hire me on STEM OPT?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employers, not a preference. The entity that signs your I-983 and employs you directly must be actively enrolled. If you're placed through a staffing agency or engineering contractor, clarify which legal entity will be your employer of record, since the contracting client site does not satisfy the requirement if they aren't the signing party on your training plan.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my Commissioning Engineer job ends before the 24 months are up?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new STEM OPT-eligible employer, transfer your authorization, or depart the country. If your new employer is also E-Verify enrolled and your degree still qualifies, your DSO can update your SEVIS record with a new I-983. Work stops immediately upon separation, so don't delay notifying your DSO.
How do I find Commissioning Engineer employers who are set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Search on Migrate Mate, which filters Commissioning Engineer listings by employers with verified sponsorship and E-Verify history. Beyond job boards, target utilities, industrial automation firms, and large EPC contractors, since these sectors have established HR processes for work authorization compliance. During outreach, ask specifically whether the company has an active E-Verify ID and prior experience managing I-983 training plans for engineering hires.
See which Commissioning Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Commissioning Engineer Jobs