Director, Data Centre Commissioning

Job Type:  Full-time | Location:  Fort Worth, TX | Department:  Innovation | Work Location Type:  #hybrid

 

IREN is a vertically integrated AI Cloud provider, delivering large-scale data centers and GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and power in renewable-rich regions across North America, Europe and APAC. 

 

The Director, Data Center Commissioning will lead the development and standardisation of IREN’s liquid-cooled, AI-ready data center commissioning practices, ensuring world-class delivery across a global portfolio of mission-critical sites. This role owns the end-to-end commissioning lifecycle from best practice documentation and specification development through execution oversight driving quality, repeatability, and speed across multiple concurrent projects.
 
This is a rare opportunity to define how next-generation AI infrastructure is commissioned at scale. You will build and lead a high-performing global commissioning organisation, establish IREN as an industry leader in liquid-cooled data center delivery, and directly shape the standards that the industry will follow.
 
If you are a commissioning leader with deep technical expertise in liquid cooling and high-density AI infrastructure, and you want to build something that matters then this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Commissioning Strategy & Best Practices: Define and own IREN’s global data center commissioning strategy with a focus on liquid-cooled and high-density AI infrastructure — developing, documenting, and continuously improving commissioning best practices, SOPs, and specifications for direct-to-chip and CDU-based architectures; establish a repeatable framework applicable across all regions and site typologies; integrate emerging standards (ASHRAE Guideline 1.6P, ASHRAE 90.4, NEC Articles 270/646) as the industry evolves.
• Liquid Cooling & High-Density Systems: Lead commissioning validation for liquid cooling systems including CDUs, cold plates, immersion tanks, rear-door heat exchangers, manifold distribution systems, and FDUs; oversee pressure testing, flow balancing, water quality management, and thermal performance validation for high-density AI rack environments (150–600+ kW/rack); direct commissioning of medium-voltage distribution systems (4.16 kV to 34.5 kV), UPS, BESS, and on-site generation assets; ensure hybrid cooling environments are commissioned to the highest reliability standards.
• Multi-Site Commissioning Management: Oversee commissioning activities across multiple concurrent project sites and global regions, maintaining consistent quality standards and delivery timelines; deploy and manage commissioning teams with remote and on-site technical leadership across all phases; develop project-specific commissioning plans, test scripts, and integrated systems testing (IST) protocols; manage project schedules, resource allocation, and commissioning budgets across the portfolio.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Establish and enforce quality assurance processes and acceptance criteria for all commissioned systems; ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations across all operating regions (NEC, IEC, local authority requirements); drive sustainability compliance including PUE and WUE validation, energy efficiency certification (LEED, ASHRAE), and grid-readiness verification; oversee FAT and SAT programmes with equipment vendors and manufacturers.
• Automation, Digital Tools & Smart Commissioning: Implement and standardise digital commissioning workflows using Common Data Environments (CDE), BIM (LOD 400/500), and DCIM platforms; integrate AI-driven Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) and Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) validation into commissioning scope; leverage automation tools, 3D laser scanning, and robotic verification to improve accuracy and reduce rework; ensure proper sensor placement, IoT integration, and digital twin alignment across all commissioned facilities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Procurement to align commissioning activities with project milestones and operational readiness requirements; collaborate with Innovation and Technology teams to incorporate new design standards into commissioning specifications; engage equipment vendors, specialist subcontractors, and third-party commissioning agents; support procurement with technical input on commissioning-related scopes, contracts, and vendor qualifications.
• Leadership & Team Development: Recruit, build, and lead a global commissioning organisation capable of executing across multiple project sites simultaneously; establish training and certification programmes to develop team competency in liquid cooling, high-voltage systems, and digital workflows; mentor engineers and commissioning managers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Metrics & Performance: Define and track KPIs for commissioning quality, schedule adherence, cost performance, and system reliability across the global portfolio; report programme health to senior leadership including the CIO; drive continuous improvement through lessons-learned processes, post-commissioning audits, and feedback loops with design and construction teams; benchmark IREN’s commissioning performance against industry standards and hyperscaler best practices.

Requirements

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in data center commissioning, with significant exposure to liquid-cooled and high-density AI infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site commissioning programmes across global regions with complex MEP and cooling systems.
• Deep technical knowledge of liquid cooling technologies (direct-to-chip, CDU), medium-voltage power systems, and integrated building management systems.
• Strong command of commissioning and data center standards including ASHRAE Guideline 0, ASHRAE Standard 202, ASHRAE Guideline 1.6P, ASHRAE 90.4, NEC Articles 270 and 646, and relevant IEC standards.
• Experience with digital commissioning tools, DCIM platforms, BIM workflows (LOD 400/500), and smart building technologies.
• Professional certifications preferred: BCxP, CCP, CxA, CBCP, LEED AP, or equivalent.
• Proven leadership ability with experience building and managing high-performing, geographically distributed technical teams; willingness and ability to travel globally to support project sites as required.

 
Other important requirements

• Pre-employment screening, including background check and substance testing may be required according to company policies.