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Commissioning Agent Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Commissioning AgentPosition Description We're hiring a Commissioning Agent to join our team in Boise, Idaho. It's full-time and on-site, and you'll be leading projects across healthcare, commercial ...

Must meet or able to meet peace officer commissioning standards in state in which this job is ... Must meet BNSF Police Solutions Team standards as a Special Agent * Must have a valid driver ...

Commissioning Agent information

See Portland, OR salary details

$22.8K

$101.6K

$182.9K

How much do commissioning agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for commissioning agent in Portland, OR is $101,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,600.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commissioning agent?

A commissioning agent works closely with lead contractors to ensure that a building or construction project meets the operational requirements of the client. As a commissioning agent, your job duties involve overseeing the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of all components, materials, and systems. You also ensure that the commissioning plan meets federal requirements, such as national building fire codes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commissioning agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commissioning Agent, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or building systems engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in construction or facilities management. Familiarity with commissioning software, building automation systems (BAS), and certifications such as CxA or BCxP are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in managing diverse teams and ensuring project requirements are met. These competencies are crucial for delivering efficient, high-performing buildings and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the commissioning process.

What are some common challenges a commissioning agent faces during building system commissioning, and how can they be managed?

Commissioning Agents often encounter challenges such as incomplete documentation, coordination issues among contractors, and tight project timelines. To manage these, it is essential to establish clear communication channels early on, hold regular progress meetings, and create detailed commissioning plans. Proactively identifying and resolving issues, maintaining thorough records, and fostering collaboration between all project stakeholders can help ensure a smoother commissioning process and successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Commissioning Agent vs Building Inspector?

AspectCommissioning AgentBuilding Inspector
CredentialsEngineering or technical certifications, sometimes LEED APState or local licensing, building code certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign and construction projects, technical reviewsInspection sites, construction sites, regulatory compliance
Employer & IndustryConstruction firms, engineering consultants, building ownersMunicipalities, government agencies, private inspection firms

While both roles involve construction and building projects, a Commissioning Agent focuses on ensuring building systems operate as intended through technical testing and verification. A Building Inspector primarily assesses compliance with codes and regulations during construction or after completion. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their project needs.

Is commissioning a good career?

Commissioning is a viable career that involves ensuring building systems operate efficiently and meet design specifications. It requires technical knowledge, certifications, and attention to detail, often working in construction, engineering, or facilities management environments. The role offers opportunities for advancement and specialization in various industries.

What are popular job titles related to Commissioning Agent jobs in Portland, OR?

For Commissioning Agent jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Commissioning Agent jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Commissioning Agent jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Commissioning Agent job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,624 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Certified Commissioning Agent

Cushing Terrell

Portland, OR • On-site

$84K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Commissioning AgentPosition Description

We're hiring a Commissioning Agent to join our team in Boise, Idaho. It's full-time and on-site, and you'll be leading projects across healthcare, commercial, retail, and education work, not just one narrow lane.

Day to day, you will support commissioning efforts by:

  • Leading commissioning from early design review all the way through owner turnover, catching conflicts between the Owner's Project Requirements and the Basis of Design before they ever hit the field
  • Reviewing and signing off on the functional test forms and field reports your technicians bring you, making sure nothing slips through before it goes final
  • Working directly with owners, designers, and contractors to close out issues instead of routing everything through someone else
  • Mentoring the technicians on your team, and building real momentum toward managing the group as it grows

Travel runs around 50% of the time, but it's built to work with your life, not against it, and your supervisor will help you plan around it. A year in, you should be leading projects independently, start to finish, with a team that executes confidently because you set them up right. If you're certified and ready to actually lead instead of executing under someone else's call, this role hands you that scope from day one.

Position Salary Range*

The expected salary range for this position is $84,000 to $100,000 annually.

Required Qualifications**
  • 7+ years of experience commissioning HVAC, refrigeration, or other electrical systems
  • Strong understanding of HVAC and refrigeration system components, including RTUs, chillers, boilers, VAV systems, and controls
  • Comfortable working onsite, with overnight travel up to 50% of the time (multi-day site work is common)
  • Ability to perform design reviews and read construction documents and specifications
  • Strong technical writing and client communication skills
  • Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), Commissioning Authority (CxA), or Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP) certification
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; experience with Bluebeam or similar PDF markup tools
Preferred Qualifications**
  • Experience with building automation controls and sequences (BACnet, Modbus), including point-to-point verification and trend log analysis
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, which can reduce the field experience needed to sit for a CCP certification exam

Did you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they don't meet 100% of the listed requirements? We don't want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work, we encourage you to apply!

Position Responsibilities***
  • Lead commissioning efforts for HVAC, refrigeration, and related mechanical systems from design review through owner turnover
  • Perform design reviews and review shop drawings to confirm systems meet the Owner's Project Requirements and Basis of Design
  • Review commissioning documentation, functional test forms, and field reports prepared by commissioning technicians, and verify accuracy before final sign-off
  • Execute and document functional performance testing on complex systems using data loggers and measurement tools to verify control sequences and performance
  • Consult directly with owners, designers, and contractors to resolve open issues and confirm project requirements throughout construction
  • Communicate findings and recommendations through clear, data-driven reports for technical and non-technical audiences
  • Mentor commissioning technicians and contribute to team quality standards and best-practice checklists
  • Deliver final commissioning reports and represent Cushing Terrell in project and strategy meetings

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

Why Cushing Terrell

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team, from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, 'design meets you.' Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CushingTerrell_BenefitsGuide_2026_rev.pdf

Things to Note

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate's years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.

Employment Type: Full-Time