Commissioning as a Career Path: Opportunities for Engineering Students
September 30, 2026 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. ET
Engineering students today face a big question: where will your degree take you? While many paths feel crowded or unclear, building systems commissioning stands out as a fast-growing, high-impact career that blends technical problem-solving, real-world collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies.
With massive industry demand, retiring talent, and billions in infrastructure investment, commissioning offers a rare opportunity to step into meaningful work from day one—and shape how buildings perform for decades to come. Join us to discover how you can turn your engineering skills into a dynamic, future-proof career.
Webinar Panelists
William Thomas (Moderator)
Recruitment & Workforce Development Specialist
AABC Commissioning Group
Samantha DeMarco, CxA
Cx Project Manager
CxTeam
Austin Martin, CxA
Director of Commissioning
EDG2, Inc.
Shannon Ellis, CxA, PE
Commissioning Agent
Questions & Solutions Engineering
Abstract:
Building Systems Commissioning, often abreviated as Cx, is a proven quality assurance process that ensures building systems perform as intended, and it represents one of the most in-demand, yet under-recognized, career paths in the AEC industry.
This discussion features experienced Certified Commissioning Authorities (CxAs) who will share their career journeys, day-to-day realities, and insights on the technologies shaping the field. With over 40% of construction professionals expected to retire by 2031 and significant federal investment flowing through the IIJA, IRA, and CHIPS Act, the demand for qualified commissioning professionals has never been greater.
Engineering students with technical curiosity and a desire for varied, impactful work will leave this session with a clear picture of what a rewarding commissioning career looks like, and how to begin their career path into commissioning.
Learning Objectives:
- 1. Define Building Systems Commissioning and explain the role of the Commissioning Provider (CxP) within the AEC project delivery team, including key collaborators such as mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers, contractors, and owner representatives.
- 2. Describe the commissioning career pathway, including entry points for engineering graduates, professional certifications (CxS and CxA), specialization options, and advancement opportunities from technician through director-level roles.
- 3. Identify key technologies used in modern commissioning practice — including Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx), Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD), AI/Machine Learning, Digital Twins, and Building Automation Systems (BAS) — and explain how they improve building performance and energy efficiency.
- 4. Evaluate current AEC workforce trends and the core competencies — including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management — needed to succeed as an entry-level commissioning professional.