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.
- Lead and support electrical installation activities on site, guiding subcontractors to deliver safe, high-quality work.
- Cook up coordination 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.
- Drive compliance with HSSE requirements and safe working practices throughout installation activities.
- Support testing activities by ensuring approved methods, calibrated equipment, and accurate documentation of results.
- Maintain progress, manage installation records, and ensure punch items and as-built information are properly managed through handover.
- Participate in site meetings and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to proactively resolve issues.
- You will 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.
- 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.
Work Schedule
This role follows a rotating schedule of three months of work followed by 10 days of paid time off. Depending on assignment type and applicable policy, site assignments may also include support such as daily per diem/travel allowance, furnished accommodation, and project-arranged transportation.
Travel Requirements
In this role, international travel is required. Expect approximately 250 days per year working on-site abroad. Wärtsilä travel materials also indicate that business travel is managed under applicable travel policy and travel insurance coverage, and that energy/project personnel may travel under dedicated travel arrangements for energy-related work.