Testing & Commissioning Engineer II, III, Sr. or Staff - Substation Experience

About the role

This role is a remote position with high travel (up to 75%) with specific needs in Northern Virginia.

Why Ampirical?

• Hourly Rate: $38/Hour - $85/Hour - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
• Profit-Sharing Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
• Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting
• PTO: Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
• Career Development: Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
• Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more

Your Role

Power Commissioning Engineer II - Substation

• 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 100%, including overnight stays.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors Degree from an ABET credited school and minimum 2+ years for II (4+ years for III or 6+ years for Sr. or 8+ years for Staff ) of experience in testing and commissioning substations or related technical experience
• 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 preferred
• 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

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