From Construction to Commissioning: Jeremy Curtis on Building a Global Career in Data Centers
About this episode
In the very first episode of Inside Commissioning, host Cal Blair sits down with Jeremy Curtis — commissioning leader, industry educator, and founder of ConstructandCommission.com for a deep dive into the world of commissioning and the rapidly evolving data center industry. Jeremy shares his journey from working as a mechanical engineer in the UK to building a successful commissioning career across Hong Kong and the APAC region. Along the way, the conversation explores the realities of modern commissioning, leadership, training the next generation of engineers, and how AI and automation could reshape the industry over the next decade. They also discuss: • How Jeremy accidentally discovered commissioning through a conversation over lunch • The transition from construction into mission-critical data center projects • Why data centers are putting more focus on commissioning than ever before • The inspiration behind ConstructandCommission.com and how it became a global resource for engineers • The growing talent shortage in commissioning and why experienced engineers are becoming harder to find • The importance of mentorship, self-learning, and soft skills for young engineers • How AI and automation may improve project delivery — and the risks of overreliance on AI-generated work • Why smaller firms have a huge opportunity to innovate and scale using technology • Advice for engineers looking to build a long-term career in commissioning Jeremy also shares personal stories from his early career, lessons learned from difficult projects, and his perspective on what truly makes a great commissioning professional.
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