Testing & Commissioning Engineer II, III, Sr - Substation Experience - DFW

About the role

Ampirical is a company that focuses on shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. The company values quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowers its team to grow and thrive. This role is a remote position with high travel (up to 75%) with specific needs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Why Ampirical?

• Hourly Rate: $38/HR - $95/HR - 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, III, Sr., or Staff - Substation Experience - Remote with Travel

• 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.
• 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

• Bachelor's Degree from an ABET accredited school and minimum 2+ years of experience for II (4+ years for III or 6+ years for Sr. or 8+ years for Staff) 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.

Company Information

Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.