Substation Commissioning Technician

Job Description

Job Description

The Substation Commissioning Technician will support the commissioning, testing, verification, and startup of high-voltage transmission substation equipment. This individual will work as an independent commissioning resource responsible for validating protection systems, relay functionality, electrical equipment, and associated documentation prior to system turnover.

The ideal candidate has experience commissioning transmission substations and possesses a strong understanding of protective relays, electrical testing, energization activities, and utility commissioning practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Commission transmission substation equipment in accordance with project specifications, engineering standards, and client requirements.
• Participate in planning and execution of commissioning activities while supporting project schedules and milestones.
• Perform detailed system walkdowns to verify installation completion and identify outstanding deficiencies.
• Review commissioning documentation, turnover packages, and test records for completeness and accuracy.
• Support relay commissioning activities including protection system verification and functional testing.
• Review relay calibration, settings verification, and operational test results.
• Verify proper operation of protection systems during equipment energization.
• Perform or support AC load checks, current and voltage verification, phasing, and system validation activities.
• Assist in troubleshooting commissioning issues and resolving technical deficiencies.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, testing personnel, and client representatives throughout commissioning activities.
• Ensure compliance with project safety requirements, quality standards, and commissioning procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and functional direction to field technicians and craft personnel as required.
• Support final turnover documentation and project closeout activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of electrical commissioning, startup, or substation commissioning experience.
• Experience commissioning transmission or utility substations.
• Working knowledge of protection and control systems.
• Experience with protective relay testing and commissioning preferred.
• Familiarity with relay manufacturers such as SEL, GE Multilin, ABB, Siemens, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting equipment energization and electrical system startup.
• Ability to interpret electrical one-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and protection drawings.
• Experience performing system walkdowns and turnover documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Technical Experience

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Protection & Control (P&C)
• Relay Commissioning
• Relay Settings Verification
• CT/PT Verification
• AC Load Checks
• Functional Testing
• Electrical Acceptance Testing
• Transmission Substations
• Switchyards
• High Voltage Electrical Systems
• Utility Commissioning
• NERC CIP environments
• SCADA Integration
• Omicron, Doble, Megger, or similar electrical testing equipment

Certifications

Preferred certifications include:

• OSHA 10 (Required)
• OSHA 30
• NETA Certification
• NICET Certification
• NFPA 70E
• Electrical Safety Training

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates are self-motivated professionals who enjoy solving complex technical challenges while working safely in fast-paced field environments. Candidates should be comfortable supporting commissioning teams, collaborating with multiple disciplines, and ensuring equipment is fully tested and ready for safe operation.

If you have experience in transmission substations, relay commissioning, electrical testing, or power system startup, we'd like to speak with you.

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