Power Commissioning Engineer III – Substation Experience

This role is ideal for an experienced professional with a strong background in substation testing, commissioning, protective relays, and power systems. Although the position is listed as remote, it requires extensive field travel across the Western United States. Candidates must currently reside in or be willing to relocate to the Western U.S.

Position Details

• Job Title: Power Commissioning Engineer III – Substation Experience
• Work Arrangement: Remote with extensive field travel
• Location: Western United States
• Compensation: $40–$52 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
• Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based profit-sharing bonus
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with 4% company match, paid time off, holidays, and additional wellness benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commissioning plans for substation physical design and protection and control (P&C) systems.
• Configure and test protective relays, including SEL, GE, and Basler systems.
• Perform testing and commissioning of circuit breakers, power transformers, CTs/PTs, switches, bus systems, and relay panels.
• Conduct electrical tests, including insulation resistance, contact resistance, power factor, transformer turns ratio (TTR), winding resistance, timing, SFRA, and end-to-end relay testing.
• Verify SCADA/RTU systems, I/O points, automation functions, and protective relay operations.
• Troubleshoot relay misoperations, equipment failures, and protection logic issues.
• Read and interpret one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, protection logic, and as-built drawings.
• Maintain accurate test reports, relay settings, and commissioning documentation.
• Follow applicable NETA, NERC PRC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and utility safety requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, utilities, contractors, and field personnel.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited institution with at least 4 years of testing and commissioning experience; OR
• An associate degree in substation and relay technology, electrical technology, or power systems with at least 10 years of relevant experience; OR
• A high school diploma/GED with at least 12 years of substation testing and commissioning experience; OR
• Relevant military technical experience in Prime Power, Electrical, or Instrumentation, with at least 10 years of substation testing and commissioning experience.
• NICET Level I certification in Power Testing or higher.
• Valid driver's license, ability to obtain a TWIC card, and willingness to travel without restrictions.
• Strong knowledge of protective relays, substation equipment, physical design, P&C systems, and protection schemes for buses, transformers, and transmission and distribution lines.
• Ability to pass required background and drug screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Knowledge of OSHA electrical safety requirements and NFPA 70E.
• Experience working in energized substations under utility safety procedures.
• Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers.
• Knowledge of NETA ATS/ASTM, IEEE, NERC PRC, and NESC standards.

The position also offers career advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement, a flexible work schedule with every other Friday off, and additional employee wellness benefits.

If this opportunity aligns with your experience and career goals, please share your updated resume and let me know a convenient time for a brief discussion. I would be happy to provide further details about the role and hiring process.