Commissioning technicians work with commissioning engineers to supervise the final stages of a project when systems are installed and tested. They inspect the correct functioning of the equipment, facilities and plants and when necessary they perform repairs and maintenance.
Commissioning technicians typically perform the following tasks:
Perform pre-commissioning checks and inspections to ensure that equipment and systems are properly installed and meet design specifications
Conduct functional tests and measurements on equipment to verify their performance and functionality
Identify and troubleshoot any issues or malfunctions that arise during the commissioning process
Collaborate with engineers and project managers to develop commissioning plans and procedures
Create and maintain detailed documentation, including test reports, equipment specifications, and commissioning records
Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure the availability of necessary equipment, tools, and resources for commissioning activities
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards throughout the commissioning process
Provide training and support to operators and maintenance teams on the operation and maintenance of commissioned systems and equipment
Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve any technical or operational issues that may arise during the commissioning phase
Participate in commissioning meetings and provide regular progress updates to project teams and management.
Commissioning technicians work in a variety of settings depending on the industry and project requirements. They may work on construction sites, industrial facilities, power plants, or manufacturing plants. The work environment can be physically demanding, requiring the ability to work in confined spaces, climb ladders, and lift heavy objects. They may be exposed to noise, dust, and other occupational hazards, and must follow strict safety protocols and procedures. Depending on the project, the work may involve travel and working in different locations.
The educational requirements for a commissioning technician can vary depending on the industry and specific job requirements. However, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Additional technical training or certification in a relevant field, such as electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation, is beneficial. Strong knowledge of equipment and systems relevant to the industry is essential. Previous experience in commissioning or related roles, such as installation or maintenance, is highly desirable. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are necessary for success in this role.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Commissioning technician is a Skill level 3 occupation.
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of commissioning technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of commissioning technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of commissioning technician.
Quality assurance procedures: The procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.
Project commissioning: Process of supervising the correct functioning of systems, buildings or plants during the final stages before deployment.
Maintenance and repair: The preservation and restoration of products and systems, and the methods and logistics of these practices.
Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
Safety engineering: The engineering discipline used to ensure that systems, machines and equipment work according to the set safety standards and laws, such as environmental law.
These skills are necessary for the role of commissioning technician.
Ensure compliance with environmental legislation: Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.
Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
Test performance of power plants: Analyse the performance of power plants by operating the plant at maximum output for a predetermined period of time so guaranteed performance can be established and legal quality requirements can be verified.
Analyse test data: Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
Use tools for construction and repair: Construct and repair ships and equipment using hand tools, machine tools, and measuring instruments. Safely carry out emergency or temporary repairs. Take measures to ensure a safe working environment. Use various types of sealants and packaging.
Present reports: Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.
Repair electronic components: Repair, replace or adjust damaged electronics components or circuitry; use hand tools and soldering and welding equipment.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of commissioning technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Materials science: Field of science and engineering that researches new materials on the basis of their structure, properties, synthesis, and performance for a variety of purposes, including increasing fire resistance of construction materials.
Project management: Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of commissioning technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Manage instrumentation systems: Set up, adjust, operate and maintain instrumentation systems. Process and analyse data, and present research results.
Maintain test equipment: Maintain equipment used for testing the quality of systems and products.
Perform project management: Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project’s progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.
Write records for repairs: Write records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.
Write calibration report: Report on the instrument calibration measurements and results. A calibration report includes the objectives and approach of the test, descriptions of tested instruments or products, test procedures, and test results.
