Testing & Commissioning Engineer II, III or IV - Substation Experience

Ampirical is shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions and empower our team to grow and thrive. This is a 100% travel role focused on specific states within the Western United States. Candidates must currently live in — or be willing to relocate to — the Western US.

About the role

As a Power Commissioning Engineer II with substation experience, you will develop commissioning plans, perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment, and ensure compliance with industry standards. This role is remote with 100% travel, including overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Develop commissioning plans for substation projects, including physical design and protection & control (P&C) components.
• Create relay settings files for SEL, GE, and Basler relays using protection summaries and AC/DC schematics.
• Perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment such as circuit breakers, power transformers, CTs/PTs, switches, bus systems, and protective relays.
• Conduct electrical testing including insulation resistance, contact resistance, power factor (Doble), TTR, winding resistance, timing, SFRA, and GPS-based end-to-end relay testing.
• Test current transformers, relay panels, and verify full protective relay functionality.
• Support and perform SCADA and SCADA/RTU I/O verification, including automation testing.
• Adjust and verify the operation of group-operated switches.
• Troubleshoot relay misoperations, equipment failures, and protection logic issues.
• Interpret and verify one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, protection logic, and as-built drawings.
• Operate industry-standard test equipment including Megger, Doble, Vanguard, and Omicron.
• Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, relay settings, and redline/as-built drawings.
• Ensure compliance with NETA, NERC PRC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and utility safety standards.
• Collaborate with engineers, design teams, utilities, contractors, and field personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an ABET-accredited school and minimum 2 years of experience in testing and commissioning, or
• Associate’s degree in substation and relay technology or Electrical Technology/Power Systems and a minimum of 6 years of experience testing and commissioning, or
• Military technical experience (Prime Power, Electrical, Instrumentation) and a minimum of 8 years of experience in testing and commissioning substations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass drug and background screenings.
• No travel restrictions.
• Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety-first mindset.
• NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher.
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 or 30.
• OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E (or ability to obtain).
• Experience in energized substations under utility safety rules.
• Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers.
• Knowledge of NETA ATS/ASTM, IEEE, NERC PRC, and NESC standards.
• Detailed knowledge of relay systems and substation equipment.
• Understanding of substation physical design and P&C.
• Understanding of protection concepts around bus, transformer, transmission line, and distribution line protection.
• Ability to work independently in energized substations.
• Strong drawing/schematic interpretation skills.

Skills

• Strong documentation discipline and accurate test reporting.
• Effective communication with both field teams and customers.
• Continuous growth in technical skills and industry certifications.
• Reliability and professionalism while working in the field.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $38–$59 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Semi-annual, performance-based profit-sharing bonus: 10% to 20% of salary.

Benefits

• Day-one medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting.
• Starting at 80 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick time per year, plus 10 paid holidays.
• Every other Friday off (flexible work schedule).
• Career development: advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement.
• Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, and pet insurance.