Commissioning Engineer Energy
Location: Arizona, United States
Work Location: Project Sites / On-Site
Travel: Up to 75 100% domestic travel required
Industry: Renewable Energy / Power / Utilities
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and technically driven Commissioning Engineer to support utility-scale renewable energy projects across North America. This position will be responsible for supporting the testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and successful turnover of Photovoltaic (PV), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Substation projects.
The Commissioning Engineer will work closely with project management teams, engineers, utilities, developers, equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, and field personnel to ensure commissioning activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements, schedules, specifications, and applicable industry standards.
This is a highly technical, field-oriented position requiring strong analytical skills, effective communication, and a willingness to travel extensively to project locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and lead commissioning activities for utility-scale solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and substation projects.
- Develop technical expertise in the testing and commissioning of AC/DC electrical systems, Power Conversion Systems (PCS), Power Plant Controllers (PPC), SCADA systems, and electrical Balance of System (BOS).
- Read, interpret, and review single-line diagrams, electrical drawings, construction plans, specifications, and commissioning documentation.
- Coordinate with project teams, Engineers of Record, utilities, developers, OEMs, and third-party subcontractors to ensure commissioning requirements are met.
- Review and provide technical input on test procedures, commissioning plans, schedules, drawings, specifications, and documentation packages.
- Monitor field testing and commissioning activities in coordination with Project Management and site supervision to ensure work is aligned with the project schedule.
- Represent the commissioning team in technical discussions with clients, developers, utilities, OEMs, and subcontractors.
- Support component electrical testing, system functional testing, plant operational testing, and performance verification.
- Develop technical Statements of Work (SOWs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for commissioning subcontractors.
- Review subcontractor proposals from a technical perspective and participate in subcontractor selection and evaluation.
- Monitor specialty subcontractors to ensure compliance with contractual, technical, safety, and commissioning requirements.
- Facilitate technical problem-solving activities and conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify and resolve commissioning issues.
- Maintain commissioning action lists, meeting minutes, test records, punch lists, and project documentation.
- Translate complex technical requirements into clear and actionable commissioning plans.
- Coordinate with SCADA engineers, utilities, Independent System Operators (ISOs), and Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
- Develop knowledge of Automatic Dispatch Systems (ADS), Automatic Generation Control (AGC), Power Plant Controls (PPC), and SCADA systems.
- Support compliance with applicable IEC, IEEE, NERC, utility, and project-specific standards and requirements.
- Develop familiarity with power system modeling and simulation tools such as PSS/E, PSCAD, or similar platforms.
- Support evaluation of network communication architectures, protocols, and control systems used in renewable energy facilities.
- Communicate project status, technical risks, commissioning progress, and issues proactively to project stakeholders.
- Manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly to changing project requirements and field conditions.
- Support safe work practices and comply with all site-specific safety requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, specifications, construction plans, and single-line diagrams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work effectively with project managers, engineers, contractors, vendors, clients, and field personnel at all organizational levels.
- Ability to work under time constraints and in high-pressure project environments while maintaining a professional and positive approach.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and changing priorities.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively to domestic project sites.
- Ability to work outdoors and on active construction sites in varying weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Photovoltaic (PV) systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), substations, or utility-scale renewable energy projects.
- Knowledge of electrical testing and commissioning practices.
- Familiarity with SCADA, PPC, PCS, ADS, and AGC systems.
- Understanding of IEC, IEEE, NERC, and utility interconnection requirements.
- Familiarity with P6 Scheduling / Primavera P6.
- Experience working with electrical contractors, OEMs, utilities, EPC contractors, or commissioning subcontractors.
- Knowledge of power system modeling tools such as PSS/E, PSCAD, or equivalent.
- Understanding of electrical network communication architectures and protocols.
- Experience with formal Root Cause Analysis and troubleshooting methodologies.
Key Skills
- Electrical Engineering
- Testing & Commissioning
- Solar PV Systems
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Substation Commissioning
- Electrical Testing
- SCADA & Power Plant Controls
- Power Conversion Systems (PCS)
- Power Plant Controller (PPC)
- Utility-Scale Renewable Energy
- Electrical Drawings & Single-Line Diagrams
- Root Cause Analysis
- Project Coordination
- P6 Scheduling
- IEC / IEEE / NERC Standards
- Power System Modeling
- Technical Problem Solving
Work Environment & Travel
- Extensive domestic travel to utility-scale energy and construction project sites is required, potentially 75 100% depending on project requirements.
- Work will primarily be performed on active construction and commissioning sites.
- Position may require extended periods of standing, walking, driving, or working at a computer.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions is required.
- Appropriate PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and safety-toe footwear, may be required at project locations.
- Occasional travel to vendor and manufacturing facilities may be required.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a technically strong Electrical/Commissioning Engineer who is passionate about renewable energy and enjoys solving complex field problems. The candidate should be comfortable working in dynamic construction environments, collaborating with multiple stakeholders, and converting technical requirements into practical commissioning solutions.
Candidates with a background in solar PV, BESS, substations, electrical testing, SCADA, or utility-scale renewable energy are highly encouraged to apply.