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 remote position with high travel (up to 75%) and specific needs in Northern Virginia.

About the role

As a Power Commissioning Engineer II with substation experience, you will:

• 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.
• Travel regionally or nationally up to 100%, including overnight stays.

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.

What Success Looks Like

• 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.

Benefits

• Hourly rate: $38–$59 (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications).
• Semi-annual, performance-based profit-sharing bonus (10% to 20% of salary).
• Day-one medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting.
• Starting PTO: 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays.
• Every other Friday off (flexible work schedule).
• Career development: advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement.
• Perks: gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more.