Solar Commissioning Manager

About the role

The Solar Commissioning Manager oversees the commissioning, testing, and performance verification of large utility-scale photovoltaic power plants. This role focuses on performance analytics of PV systems, including inverters, trackers, substations, and SCADA-based control systems, while acting as the Owner’s representative to ensure compliance, safe startup, and successful integration into the electrical grid. The position is primarily remote with occasional travel within the United States to project sites and headquarters locations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct performance analytics of utility-scale photovoltaic power plant systems, including inverters, trackers, substations, and SCADA control systems, to ensure optimal operation and compliance.
• Act as the Owner’s representative during startup and commissioning activities, ensuring PV systems meet technical, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and coordinate ISO, GIA, and PPA testing activities to support successful interconnection and commercial operation of PV projects.
• Prepare projects for PPA, GIA, and ISO testing by developing test plans, coordinating stakeholders, and verifying readiness of systems and documentation.
• Manage test energy forecasts and AVR/AGC notifications with customers, the control center, and relevant external parties to support grid integration and compliance.
• Coordinate energy forecasting during the startup of large PV systems to align plant operations with grid and contractual requirements.
• Support IT and SCADA teams with functional checks, ensuring communication, monitoring, and control systems operate correctly and reliably.
• Develop a detailed commissioning schedule based on mechanical completion milestones in collaboration with the SCADA integrator and the execution commissioning project manager.
• Verify SCADA HMI functionality and accuracy with the SCADA integrator and commissioning manager, ensuring that displays, alarms, and data points are correct and actionable.
• Support CEWIS critical point checkout, including alarm checks and related verification activities, to confirm system readiness and safety.
• Review performance data and operational trends to identify deficiencies, issues, or optimization opportunities in PV plant performance.
• Manage and report on commissioning work performed by contractors and vendors at project sites, ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to project schedules.
• Provide clear status reporting on commissioning progress, issues, and resolutions to internal stakeholders and executives.
• Coordinate with transmission operators, independent system operators, balancing authorities, and other grid participants as needed during commissioning and testing.
• Ensure PV system compliance with relevant standards, interconnection requirements, and project-specific technical specifications.
• Maintain organized documentation of commissioning activities, test results, and performance analyses for project closeout and future reference.

Requirements

• Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience involving utility solar power systems.
• Knowledge of utility-scale photovoltaic construction and commissioning processes.
• Familiarity with utility-scale photovoltaic components, including PV modules, combiners, inverters, transformers, meteorological stations, and substations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 applications for documentation, analysis, and reporting.
• Effective communication skills for working with third parties, customers, and executives.
• Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple projects, schedules, and stakeholders.
• Strategic planning skills to align commissioning activities with project and operational objectives.
• Ability to see color to accurately interpret color-coded HMI controls and indicators.
• Ability to handle prolonged periods of screen time while monitoring systems and reviewing data.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to operate a motor vehicle for commuting between work locations.

Additional Qualifications

• Professional or graduate-level academic experience in utility photovoltaic systems.
• Prior experience with SCADA systems used in industrial plants or processes.
• 1–3 years of experience working with electrical grid participants such as transmission operators, independent system operators, and balancing authorities.
• Experience managing construction and commissioning activities on solar or other utility-scale energy projects.
• Experience interpreting and applying PPA, GIA, and ISO requirements in project execution.
• Comfort working in a remote environment while coordinating with geographically dispersed teams.

Work Environment

The Solar Commissioning Manager works primarily in a remote setting, using digital tools, SCADA interfaces, and performance analytics software to monitor and manage utility-scale photovoltaic projects. The role requires regular use of computers and human–machine interfaces, resulting in extended periods of screen time and interaction with color-coded controls and displays. The position involves occasional travel within the United States, including visits to project locations and headquarters facilities, with an estimated maximum travel of up to 20%. On-site work at solar facilities may include exposure to outdoor conditions, operational equipment, and construction environments, requiring adherence to site safety procedures and appropriate attire. The work environment emphasizes collaboration with IT, SCADA, engineering, and project management teams, as well as coordination with external stakeholders such as customers and grid operators.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $90.00 - $95.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract position based out of Juno Beach, FL. The role is fully remote with occasional travel within the United States.