Substation Commissioning Manager - Lead

About the role

This Substation Commissioning Manager – Lead role provides expert commissioning leadership and technical oversight for complex utility-scale renewable energy projects from mechanical completion through energization, performance testing, and final turnover. Acting as the owner’s representative, this position leads the execution of commissioning strategies across multiple systems and project scopes, interfaces with EPC leadership, OEMs, utilities, ISOs, and third-party vendors, and drives resolution of complex technical, controls, and grid-interconnection issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning activities for assigned utility-scale renewable projects from mechanical completion through energization, performance testing, and final turnover.
• Act as the owner’s representative on-site, ensuring that all commissioning activities meet safety, design, and contractual requirements.
• Develop, implement, and lead commissioning strategies across multiple systems and project scopes, including substations, solar, and battery storage assets.
• Oversee the execution and sequencing of commissioning activities to align with project schedules and operational readiness milestones.
• Cook up and manage EPC contractor personnel, OEM start-up personnel, third-party start-up contractors, and operations personnel as they relate to site commissioning and start-up.
• Interface directly with EPC leadership, OEMs, utilities, ISOs, and third-party vendors to resolve technical issues and ensure alignment on commissioning plans and grid-interconnection requirements.
• Support and validate PPA and GIA/LGIA testing, ensuring that all contractual performance and interconnection obligations are met.
• Guide system walkdowns, identify deficiencies, and drive timely resolution to ensure systems are ready for safe energization and turnover.
• Review, execute, and refine commissioning procedures, schedules, and test plans to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Validate commissioning test results and turnover documentation, ensuring all records are accurate, complete, and suitable for operational handover.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting support for electrical, controls, SCADA, and protection and control issues in coordination with engineering and operations teams.
• Oversee drawing review and quality control inspections to verify that installations match design and that field changes are properly documented.
• Prepare and deliver progress reports that clearly communicate commissioning status, risks, and mitigation plans to project stakeholders.
• Manage third parties and suppliers involved in commissioning activities to ensure quality, timeliness, and adherence to project requirements.
• Guide and coordinate direct report team members involved in commissioning tasks, providing technical direction and oversight (without formal hiring authority).
• Support schedule development and planning for commissioning activities, ensuring alignment with construction and operations timelines.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, ensuring that all commissioning work adheres to applicable safety policies and industry standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of commissioning processes by sharing lessons learned and best practices across projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in commissioning, construction, or related roles on utility-scale energy projects, with a focus on substations, solar, and battery storage systems.
• At least 5 years of experience providing on-site project support for renewable power generation project construction, start-up, and commissioning.
• At least 3 years of experience working for an EPC in renewable power generation project construction, start-up, and commissioning.
• Demonstrated track record of interacting effectively with engineering personnel on highly technical issues and with construction personnel on constructability, schedule, and cost matters.
• Prominent ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality, execution, and safety.
• Strong knowledge of electrical construction and commissioning means and methods, including familiarity with NEC and NFPA requirements.
• Hands-on experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) integration and troubleshooting.
• Experience with electrical and instrumentation (E&I) controls and instrumentation installation, start-up, and troubleshooting.
• Expertise in protection and controls implementation and troubleshooting for utility-scale substations and renewable assets.
• Proficiency in drawing review and quality control inspection for electrical and control systems.
• Experience preparing and delivering progress reporting for complex construction and commissioning projects.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Outlook, PDF editing tools, Word, Excel, document control systems, and PowerPoint.
• Experience managing third parties and suppliers involved in commissioning and start-up activities.
• Experience coordinating and directing team members involved in commissioning tasks.
• Solid understanding of scheduling and planning concepts as they relate to construction and commissioning activities.
• Self-starter mindset with a high drive for quality, execution, and safety in all aspects of project work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Renewable power generation projects, including wind, solar, and battery storage, is preferred.
• Experience working on behalf of an owner or owner’s representative for renewable power plant projects is highly beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to support high-risk or high-complexity projects requiring extensive experience with utility-scale solar, BESS, substations, SCADA integration, and grid compliance testing.
• Ability to travel to project sites and support off-hours testing and intensive commissioning schedules as project needs dictate.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across engineering, construction, operations, and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to operate independently with minimal supervision while maintaining alignment with broader project and organizational objectives.