Chief Commissioning Engineer, Electrical

About the role

This is a full-time, on-site position, and candidates may be based in Houston, Texas; Fort Lauderdale or Melbourne, Florida; Harvey, Louisiana; or Herndon, Virginia.

Responsibilities

• You will play a critical role in bringing Wärtsilä Energy projects to life by executing and overseeing electrical installation, testing, and commissioning activities for new-build power plants.
• Working within the Construction and Commissioning Services team, you will collaborate closely with civil, mechanical, and electrical stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality project delivery.
• The role involves extensive global collaboration and hands-on site activities.
• During Installation:
  • Lead and support electrical installation activities on site, guiding subcontractors to deliver safe, high-quality work.
  • Cookordination of electrical activities with civil and mechanical teams to keep execution aligned and efficient.
  • Review electrical designs, installation instructions, and delivered materials to ensure readiness, quality, and compliance.
• During Commissioning:
  • Execute and oversee start-up, testing, and commissioning activities for electrical systems within the contract scope.
  • Follow commissioning plans and performance test procedures to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues, document findings, and support timely resolution on site.
  • Maintain strong HSSE standards and ensure the use of safe, approved, and calibrated testing practices during commissioning.
  • Keep commissioning records, test results, punch items, and handover documentation accurate and up to date.
  • Train and support operations personnel and assist customers during commissioning and testing activities.
  • Work closely with the wider project team to deliver a smooth and successful plant handover.

Requirements

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering.
• Hands-on experience performing electrical commissioning tasks.
• Knowledge of relevant electrical codes, standards, and testing practices.
• Understanding of utility-scale generation construction and commissioning.
• Strong HSSE awareness and ability to enforce safety standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments.
• Strong adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in English.
• Able and willing to travel internationally for extended periods (approx. 250 days/year).

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional languages beneficial (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish).
• Experience with Wärtsilä equipment, energy storage systems, or engine power plants.
• Experience supervising subcontractors in global or remote project sites.
• Demonstrated competency in client-facing technical roles.
• Familiarity with the Last Planner System or lean construction methodologies.