Senior Commissioning Manager
Talascend is currently seeking a Senior Commissioning Manager for a direct hire opportunity with our client in Mountain Pass, California.
Overview
The Senior Commissioning Manager is responsible for leading the safe, systematic, and efficient commissioning of industrial systems and facilities. This role ensures new and modified equipment, processes, and control systems are installed, tested, and transitioned to operations in a structured and controlled manner. The position works cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, operations, EHS, and contractors to deliver fully operational, reliable systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead development and execution of commissioning plans, procedures, and schedules.
- Establish system boundaries and turnover packages (mechanical completion, pre-commissioning, commissioning, operational readiness).
- Develop and manage commissioning checklists, punch lists, and documentation.
- Coordinate walkdowns and system handoffs with construction and operations teams.
- Drive structured startup sequencing and operational readiness reviews.
- Review and validate P&IDs, control narratives, cause & effect matrices, and interlock logic.
- Oversee functional testing of electrical, instrumentation, automation, and process systems.
- Lead loop checks, equipment checkout, energization plans, and first-fill/startup activities.
- Identify and mitigate commissioning risks before startup.
- Support troubleshooting and optimization during ramp-up.
- Serve as the primary liaison between engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance during startup.
- Ensure training materials and SOPs are in place prior to system turnover.
- Facilitate daily commissioning meetings and progress reporting.
- Align with process engineering to ensure system intent matches design basis.
- Ensure all commissioning activities comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- Lead Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
- Verify LOTO, MOC, and permitting processes are followed during energization and startup.
- Develop detailed commissioning timelines and track critical path items.
- Identify bottlenecks and escalate issues impacting startup.
- Provide routine progress updates to senior leadership.
- Drive closure of punch items and deficiencies impacting operational readiness.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- 10+ years of experience in industrial operations, construction, or commissioning
- Experience commissioning complex systems (chemical processing, power generation, water treatment, mining, etc.)
- Strong understanding of process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs
- Familiarity with DCS/PLC control systems
- Knowledge of electrical and instrumentation systems
- Mechanical equipment (pumps, compressors, filter presses, heat exchangers, etc.)
- Demonstrated leadership in fast-paced startup environments
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong work ethic and commitment to reliability and punctuality
- Positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to assist wherever needed
- Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues
- Good communication skills and ability to interact professionally across departments
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities or emergency repairs
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
- Desire to learn and grow within a dynamic industrial setting
- Sense of ownership and pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient facility
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We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those qualified individuals who closely meet the qualifications of the position will be contacted. The details of the position are only a summary, other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Drug Screen may be required.
We will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to Federal, State and Local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Talascend is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Applicants with criminal histories are encouraged to apply. To find out more visit California Fair Chance Act.
Pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Talascend also offers a variety of benefits including: health and disability insurance, 401(k), EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, plan requirements, schedule type, and client work site mandates.
Talascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.