FAT/SAT & Commissioning Project Technical Lead

Position Summary

The FAT/SAT & Commissioning Project Technical Lead is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning activities for complex engineering and automation projects. This role serves as the primary technical authority throughout the testing and startup lifecycle, ensuring systems, equipment, and processes are delivered safely, on schedule, within scope, and in compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

The Technical Lead collaborates with engineering, project management, quality, suppliers, contractors, and customers to achieve successful project turnover and operational readiness.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, startup, and system qualification activities from project initiation through turnover.
• Develop commissioning strategies, schedules, test plans, protocols, procedures, and turnover documentation to ensure successful project delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, controls, quality, operations, suppliers, subcontractors, and customers throughout testing and startup activities.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for customers during FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup, ensuring alignment with project requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Verify equipment and systems meet design specifications, user requirements, contractual obligations, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead testing, troubleshooting, performance verification, and resolution of deficiencies, deviations, and punch-list items through final acceptance and operational readiness.
• Review and provide technical guidance on engineering and commissioning documentation, including P&IDs, wiring diagrams, control narratives, functional specifications, test procedures, and qualification records.
• Ensure accurate documentation of test results, corrective actions, approvals, and turnover packages while maintaining compliance with quality management systems and project governance requirements.
• Support project management activities including resource planning, risk assessment, issue resolution, audits, validations, and regulatory inspections.
• Promote a strong safety culture by conducting risk assessments, enforcing safety procedures, participating in pre-startup safety reviews, and ensuring environmental, safety, and regulatory compliance throughout all commissioning and startup activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in commissioning, startup, automation, manufacturing, industrial systems, or project engineering.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience leading FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities.
• Strong understanding of industrial equipment, process systems, controls, and integrated automation platforms.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated project leadership and customer-facing experience.
• Ability to travel up to 50-75% as project requirements dictate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
• Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), PMP, or similar credential.
• Experience with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and industrial control systems.
• Experience in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, food and beverage, energy, or chemical processing.
• Knowledge of GMP, GAMP, ISO, OSHA, NFPA, or other applicable standards.

Key Competencies:

• Technical Leadership
• Project Execution and Coordination
• FAT/SAT Management
• Commissioning and Startup Expertise
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
• Customer Relationship Management
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Quality and Compliance Focus
• Team Leadership and Collaboration

Success Measures:

• FAT and SAT activities completed on schedule and within budget.
• Successful commissioning and startup with minimal operational disruption.
• Achievement of customer acceptance milestones.
• Timely closure of punch-list and corrective action items.
• Compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• High customer satisfaction and project performance ratings.

Salary Range:

• $130,000 - $170,000 (base salary)
• Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. This role is also eligible for bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.
   

Work Conditions:

• Frequent travel to customer sites and project locations.

• Ability to work extended hours and flexible schedules to meet project milestones, shutdowns, and startup requirements.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in fast-paced, high-pressured project settings.

• Must maintain fitness for duty.