Testing & Commissioning Manager

Job Summary

The Senior Commissioning Manager will develop, coordinate, and execute the comprehensive Project Commissioning Management Plan across all civil, structural, MEP, and special systems work packages. This includes structuring integrated testing programs, running factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), governing digital tracking frameworks, closing out defects, and aligning with national and international aviation authorities to secure formal operational approvals.

Qualification

• Mandatory Educational Background: A formal University Degree in Engineering, with a focus on Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering, is required.
• Preferred Professional Standing: Active professional membership in an accredited, globally recognized engineering institution is preferred.
• Methodological Expertise: Deep familiarity with highly structured commissioning methodologies and international documentation standards.
• Operational Capabilities: Highly organized with elite program management skills, capable of steering multiple overlapping commissioning workstreams simultaneously.

Experience

Candidates must bring a proven track record of successful system delivery on complex capital builds:

Testing & Commissioning Tenure

• Overall Industry Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of direct, verifiable experience in testing and commissioning management on major infrastructure, aviation, or complex building projects.
• Complex MEP Systems Fluency: Proven hands-on experience commissioning high-consequence mechanical, electrical, and public health setups, including:
  • High-Voltage (HV) and Low-Voltage (LV) power distribution grids.
  • Heavy industrial HVAC climate control networks.
  • Complex fire life safety systems and dynamic standby power configurations.
• Special Systems Architecture: Demonstrated capability managing software and automated logic interfaces, covering Building Management Systems (BMS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) interfaces.

Aviation & Regulatory Exposure

• Airport System Track Record: Direct airport commissioning experience is strongly preferred.
• Regulatory Authority Liaison: Proven background managing regulatory interfaces, technical compliance, and inspections with the Rwandan Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) or an equivalent global aviation oversight body.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Testing Strategy & Program Integration

• Formulate the Commissioning Plan: Author and systematically implement the comprehensive Project Commissioning Management Plan, detailing all validation protocols across civil, structural, MEP, and special systems packages.
• Maintain Integrated Programmes: Produce and track a detailed commissioning schedule, matching it with the master construction timeline to align pre-commissioning, commissioning, and integrated testing phases.
• Chair the Coordination Group: Chair the official Commissioning Coordination Group (CCG), actively managing testing and integration interfaces between competing contractors, design teams, and the airport operator.
• Oversee Acceptance Testing Matrix: Supervise the structural preparation and field execution of all Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and Integrated Systems Tests (IST).

Tracker Management, Regulatory Approval & Handover

• Govern the Commissioning Tracker: Maintain the master project Commissioning Tracker, documenting the version-controlled completion status of all test certificates, witnessed tests, and formal acceptance criteria sign-offs.
• Secure Statutory Clearances: Coordinate closely with the RCAA, ICAO, and other relevant statutory authorities to secure mandatory regulatory inspections, technology certifications, and formal operational approvals.
• Direct Snagging Close-Outs: Manage the identification, snagging, and defect close-out processes throughout the active commissioning window, tracking outstanding engineering items to total resolution.
• Coordinate Trial Operations: Organize operator familiarization programs, technical staff training, and pre-opening trial operations well in advance of practical completion.
• Manage Asset Handovers: Direct the handover of all commissioning records to the airport operator, compiling Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals, certified test records, warranties, and spares schedules.

Skills Required:

• Mechanics / Mechanical / Engineering