Lead Commissioning Engineer

About the role

The Lead Commissioning Engineer leads complex substation commissioning projects, overseeing all phases including planning, execution, testing, and documentation. This role ensures compliance with technical specifications, safety standards, and client requirements. The engineer supports multiple crews performing work across transmission and distribution substations, troubleshoots issues, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversees tasks associated with the following: Commissioning Engineer, Jr. Commissioning Engineer, Contract Relay Tech, Jr. Contract Relay Tech, Lead Substation Wireman.

Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight:
• Perform engineering design and relay settings reviews and interpret design specifications.
• Review and evaluate drawings and submittals to ensure compliance with design specifications and project requirements.
• Provide technical feedback and recommendations based on the review of engineering documents.
• Submit applicable work requests where required.
• Commissioning and Validation:
• Oversee all aspects of commissioning work on dedicated projects with electrical/mechanical crews.
• Aid and/or perform commission of new transmission and distribution substations, power equipment, relaying (electro-mechanical, solid state and micro-processor), pilot channel equipment (power line carrier, transfer trip, fiber optic, line tuners/traps, etc.), controls and communications equipment.
• Execute testing/routine maintenance of Transmission and Distribution substation equipment, relaying (electro-mechanical, solid state and micro-processor), pilot channel equipment (powerline carrier, transfer trip, fiber optic, line tuners, line traps, etc.) controls and communications equipment.
• Aid in documenting results and preparing project reports.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution:
• Identify and resolve issues with electrical/mechanical systems and equipment during the commissioning process.
• Aid in resolving on-site commissioning issues in collaboration with senior engineers and client representatives.
• Lead reviews of mid-operations of safety incidents including developing and implementing mitigation actions to prevent recurrence.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of commissioning activities, including test results.
• Submit daily and final reports documenting on-site activities.
• Safety and Compliance:
• Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures while performing commissioning activities.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and client specifications.
• Support the safety culture and ensure safe working conditions.
• Maintain compliance with all customer requirements and with internal training.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Monitor the construction for all scope changes and report daily on impactful costs/schedules.
• Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to provide updates on commissioning activities.
• Monitor performance of vendors, contractors, and other third parties.

Qualifications

• Must have a satisfactory background/MVR check.
• Must pass a pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and/or random drug test.
• Understanding both company and client expectations as it relates to safety, quality, compliance and the documentation for projects.
• Intermediate to advance knowledge of electrical/mechanical systems, equipment, and testing procedures.
• Intermediate to advance understanding of switching or operational procedures for system energization and restoration efforts.
• Available to work on an as-needed basis, with potential short-notice assignments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills including an understanding and the application of mathematical concepts, such as engineering and complex variables.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of protections and control testing and commissioning practices, guidelines and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage time in a dynamic environment while maintaining flexibility under changing demands.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret electrical/mechanical blueprints and schematics.
• Capable of effectively presenting information and responding to questions from diverse groups with varying levels of technical expertise.

Skills

• Intermediate to advance knowledge of electrical/mechanical systems, equipment, and testing procedures.
• Intermediate to advance understanding of switching or operational procedures for system energization and restoration efforts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills including an understanding and the application of mathematical concepts, such as engineering and complex variables.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage time in a dynamic environment while maintaining flexibility under changing demands.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret electrical/mechanical blueprints and schematics.
• Capable of effectively presenting information and responding to questions from diverse groups with varying levels of technical expertise.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Incentives for Certifications
• Referral Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD, Basic Life/AD&D, and other ancillary products
• 401k program with a company match
• Performance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• PTO including Wellness Days and Paid Holidays
• And much more!