Commissioning Director

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Safety Always is not only our #1 core value – it is the standard that anchors our culture. We believe the most ambitious projects deserve the most committed people. At Aecon, you won’t just build your career — you’ll help build what matters to enable future generations to thrive.

At Aecon, you can count on:

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. The safety of our people, projects, partners, and stakeholders is our priority focus – today and always.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

We deliver infrastructure with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Aecon employees are incredibly proud to build some of the most impactful infrastructure of this generation – we call it Aecon Proud.

At Aecon we:

• Ensure you and your family receive the services and benefits needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Are intentional when it comes to investing in your development. We help you build your career and advance your skills through our Aecon University, tuition reimbursement, and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to creating work environments focused on mutual respect, teamwork, collaboration, and new ideas, through meaningful initiatives, training, partnerships with Veteran groups, our Aecon Women in Trades and diversity programs, as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), to ensure we are building with top talent and harnessing our collective strengths within every aspect of our culture.
• Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our projects and surrounding communities.

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our people. Together, we embrace strong execution, innovation, and continuous improvement — values that come to life through the unique talents and collaborative spirit of every team member. If you’re inspired to make a difference through future-building projects, join our best-in-class team.

What Is The Opportunity?

The Commissioning Director will play a critical role in the successful delivery of a large-scale, complex infrastructure project. This position is responsible for leading all commissioning, testing, systems integration, readiness, and handover activities to ensure a safe and seamless transition from construction to full operational status.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team and collaborate closely with engineering, construction, operations, and third-party stakeholders to develop and execute commissioning strategies, oversee testing programs, and ensure compliance with all safety, quality, technical, and regulatory requirements. This role requires strong leadership, extensive commissioning expertise, and the ability to manage complex interfaces across multiple disciplines in a dynamic project environment.

What You'll Do Here:

• Lead the Commissioning and Handover team, providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure all activities are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.
• Develop and implement comprehensive commissioning and handover plans, including schedules, resource requirements, risk mitigation strategies, and execution methodologies.
• Coordinate commissioning activities across multiple disciplines to ensure effective integration and alignment with overall project objectives.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, operations, and third-party stakeholders to facilitate successful project delivery and system readiness.
• Develop, review, and approve commissioning procedures, test documentation, and operational readiness plans.
• Lead system integration, cutover, and migration planning activities to support efficient transition to operations.
• Chair regular Testing and Commissioning meetings with clients, stakeholders, contractors, and project teams.
• Ensure all commissioning activities comply with applicable safety standards, contractual requirements, quality assurance programs, and regulatory obligations.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight during testing, start-up, energization, and commissioning activities.
• Review design packages, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation, providing recommendations to enhance constructability, operability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Identify, assess, and resolve commissioning-related issues while minimizing impacts to quality, schedule, and project performance.
• Manage commissioning resources and workload forecasts to ensure appropriate staffing levels throughout project phases.
• Maintain oversight of spare parts inventories, commissioning turnover documentation, and system completion records.
• Ensure all testing, inspection, commissioning, and turnover documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with project requirements.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations regarding commissioning progress, risks, key milestones, and project readiness.
• Support the development and delivery of training programs to ensure operating personnel are prepared to safely manage and maintain commissioned assets.
• Promote and maintain the highest standards of health, safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence throughout all commissioning activities.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment that values accountability, innovation, diversity, and continuous improvement.

What You Bring To The Team:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 20 years of experience in the design, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance of large-scale industrial, energy, infrastructure, or heavy construction projects.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading commissioning, testing, start-up, or operational readiness teams in a management or leadership capacity.
• Experience as a Design Engineer, Project Engineer, Systems Engineer, Integration Engineer, or similar technical leadership role is considered an asset.
• Proven experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary projects with significant capital investment and multiple stakeholder interfaces.
• Strong knowledge of commissioning methodologies, testing programs, system integration, turnover, and handover processes.
• Experience developing and executing commissioning plans, procedures, schedules, and readiness strategies.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, contract requirements, engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of construction practices, quality management systems, and commissioning best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, manage priorities, and solve complex technical and operational challenges.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with commissioning management systems, turnover management tools, and project controls software.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Experience on hydroelectric, power generation, energy, or large industrial projects is considered a significant asset.
• Previous experience working on major projects in Canada is considered an asset.
• A demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, and creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

Reason for Vacancy: New

The expected pay range for this role is $145,000 - $160,000 per year

Individual pay is determined based on several factors, including work location, education, experience, unique skills and job conditions. Other considerations may include certifications, specialized training, and the complexity or scope of the role.

Aecon fosters belonging within and across our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considering all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws.