Commissioning Engineer - Energy
Reports to: Senior Program Manager, Commissioning | Location: Project sites in California, Nevada, and Indiana | Travel: Up to 100% | Salary Range: $68,250 to $128,000 | Eligible for annual performance bonus
About the Role
We are seeking a Commissioning Engineer to join our Renewables Group. This technical role involves working on multiple utility-scale Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage (BESS) projects across North America. You will collaborate with CEI Project Teams, Engineers of Record, and third-party subcontractors to ensure efficient completion and transmission of project commissioning documentation.
Responsibilities
- Travel domestically, minimum 50% of the time over extended periods
- Develop a detailed understanding of PV and energy storage systems
- Read and interpret construction plans, single-line diagrams for PV systems, energy storage systems, and substations
- Familiarize yourself with the project lifecycle and contract structures for solar, storage, and high-voltage projects
- Become a subject matter expert in testing and commissioning utility-scale PV, energy storage, and substation projects
- Develop expertise in regulations, compliance, and standards (IEC, IEEE), Power Plant Controls (PPC)/SCADA, racking, electrical Balance of System, and Power Conversion Systems (AC and DC portions)
- Create technical third-party subcontractor SOW documents and RFPs; review proposals and participate in subcontractor selection
- Understand Automatic Dispatch System (ADS) and Automatic Generation Controls (AGC) requirements
- Lead and facilitate technical discussions with utility-scale developers and subcontractors; generate meeting minutes and maintain action lists
- Use formal processes to investigate and determine root causes of problems
- Monitor testing and commissioning activities alongside onsite Project Management and Union Supervision to align with project schedules
- Represent CEI in client discussions regarding component electrical testing, system functional testing, plant operational testing, and OEM/third-party performance status
- Oversee specialty subcontractors to ensure adherence to contractual obligations
- Review and comment on technical test procedures, construction and commissioning schedules, and drawing packages; ensure compliance
- Develop knowledge for interacting with SCADA engineers, utilities, ISOs, and IPPs in the U.S. market
- Understand power plant modeling software and model creation in PSSE, PSCAD, or similar tools
- Learn network communication architectures, protocols, and NERC standards
- Support the team with proactive communications
- Multitask and adapt priorities quickly; convert complex technical requirements into actionable plans
- Focus on solving customer problems and delivering product value
Requirements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Knowledge of P6 Scheduling
- Ability to read and interpret specifications and drawings
- Background in Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Systems
- Ability to work under time pressure and in stressful situations with a positive attitude
- Effective interaction with employees at all levels, vendors, clients, and others
- BA/BS degree required
- Travel to U.S. construction sites up to 75% of the time
- Ability to sit/stand at a desk/computer or walk/drive project sites for extended periods
- Work on job sites in all weather conditions
- Wear required PPE: hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate footwear (safety-toe)
- Travel to vendors, which may involve loud or dirty environments
Benefits
We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education, alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets.