Substation Commissioning Technician

Substation Commissioning Technician

Location: Project-based (travel required)

Type: Contract / Project-Based

Overview

We are seeking a Substation Commissioning Technician to support transmission and substation projects by ensuring equipment is tested, commissioned, and delivered in full compliance with contract specifications and operational requirements.

This role serves as an independent commissioning authority , working separately from construction to validate system functionality, oversee testing, and support a safe and efficient turnover to the client.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning & Execution

• Execute commissioning activities for transmission and substation equipment in compliance with project specifications and contracts
• Perform detailed system walkdowns to verify completion status and identify outstanding issues
• Oversee commissioning processes and ensure efficient, timely project turnover
• Provide functional direction to technicians and onsite craft personnel

Protection & Controls (SME Responsibilities)

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in:
• Protection system design, settings, configuration, and commissioning
• Relay testing, calibration, and operation
• NERC CIP ESP / Security Zone commissioning (where applicable)
• Review and approve:
• Relay calibration and operational test plans
• Commissioning test results and documentation
• Provide technical troubleshooting support for relay testing and commissioning

Review & Validation

• Review and approve:
• Protection system commissioning documentation
• AC acceptance (load check) results post-energization
• Validate:
• Symmetrical phasing of voltage and current
• Balanced system loading
• Perform post-commissioning documentation reviews to ensure completeness and accuracy
• Ensure all checklists and test reports meet quality and compliance standards

Planning & Coordination

• Support development and maintenance of commissioning schedules
• Proactively plan commissioning activities and key milestones
• Track and provide feedback on commissioning progress
• Collaborate with engineering, testing teams, and document control

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Adhere to all safety, quality, and regulatory standards (including OSHA)
• Support change management and continuous improvement initiatives
• Validate system inventory, configuration, and compliance requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5+ years of commissioning experience (8+ years preferred)
• Strong hands-on experience with:
• Substation and transmission systems
• Protection relays and controls
• OSHA 10 Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Ability to pass pre-employment screenings (background, etc.)

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Experience with relay testing and protection systems
• Familiarity with NERC CIP standards
• NICET or NETA Certification
• Prior experience working within utility systems (e.g., Entergy)

Core Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in power systems and protection controls
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Effective planning and multi-tasking abilities
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capability
• Ability to interpret:
• Technical documentation
• Engineering drawings and commissioning procedures

Work Environment

• Field-based role within active substation and transmission projects
• Requires collaboration with multi-disciplinary project teams
• Must be comfortable working around energized equipment and in industrial environments