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.
• Duties include:
• Leading and supporting electrical installation activities on site, guiding subcontractors to deliver safe, high-quality work.
• Collaborating with civil and mechanical teams to keep execution aligned and efficient.
• Reviewing electrical designs, installation instructions, and delivered materials to ensure readiness, quality, and compliance.
• Supporting testing activities by ensuring approved methods, calibrated equipment, and accurate documentation of results.
• Monitoring progress, maintaining installation records, and ensuring punch items and as-built information are properly managed through handover.
• Participating in site meetings and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to proactively resolve issues.
• During commissioning, you will execute and oversee start-up, testing, and commissioning activities for electrical systems within the contract scope.
• Following commissioning plans and performance test procedures to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation.
• Troubleshooting technical issues, documenting findings, and supporting timely resolution on site.
• Maintaining strong HSSE standards and ensuring the use of safe, approved, and calibrated testing practices during commissioning.
• Keeping commissioning records, test results, punch items, and handover documentation accurate and up to date.
• Training and supporting operations personnel and assisting customers during commissioning and testing activities.
• Working 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.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments.
• Strong adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in English.
• Ability and willingness 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.