Commissioning Associate (Field)

Wind Energy Transmission Texas • Big Spring, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Commissioning Associate will be responsible for learning and supporting testing and commissioning activities on all Wind Energy Transmission Texas (WETT) substation projects under the direction of a Commissioning Lead or Construction Manager. This role consists of overseeing and learning contract resources to ensure all new and existing station equipment is commissioned to industry and WETT standards with a hands-on approach. In this role, the Commissioning Associate will also be responsible for helping the Commissioning Lead develop new standards necessary for project turnover from the contractor to the utility and documenting commissioning best practices. The Commissioning Associate will help ensure project testing deliverables and coordination efforts are completed by the required project schedule by tracking progress and escalating issues as needed. This position will require working remotely, on-site with minimal supervision, and traveling to numerous job sites each week. This position will be issued a company truck to facilitate travel as required. This position will report to the Construction Manager.

Requirements

• 1-5 years of combined experience in protection and control engineering design, protective relay testing, apparatus testing, and station startup commissioning.
• Basic understanding of industry design, construction, testing standards, and methods typical for 138 kV and 345 kV transmission and substation projects.
• Demonstrates an understanding of transmission system relays (SEL and GE.)
• Demonstrates understanding of transmission system communication devices (i.e., RTAC, network switches, gateways)
• Ability to understand switching orders and determine critical checkpoints (in-service checks) during station energization.
• Basic understanding of relay logic and relay setting development.
• Basic understanding of zones of protection.
• Ability to read and interpret control prints, relay schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Comfortable overseeing multiple contract resources and managing their daily tasks.
• Strong understanding of project schedules and sequence of deliverables required to energize a substation.
• Basic understanding of the latest computer-controlled solid-state test equipment, such as Omicron or Doble, and their associated software.
• Familiarity with NETA, NFPA, NESC, NEC, IEEE, AISC, ACI, and OSHA standards and requirements.
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical skills.
• Self-motivated and able to function effectively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adjust to changing priorities of multiple projects.
• Ability to be effective in a growing organization and demonstrate flexibility in taking on new challenges.
• Must have or be willing to get Health and Safety training, including OSHA 30hr Construction Certification and CPR/FIRST Aid Certification.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Basic understanding of Safety Risk/Barrier Analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the oversight of all on-site testing and commissioning contract support, including but not limited to relay technicians, wiremen, commissioning leads, construction managers, and SCADA engineers.
• Learn and apply WETT’s testing and commissioning standards.
• Learn and utilize WETT’s testing and commissioning templates.
• Ensure all testing and commissioning standards are enforced and followed within assigned scope and under supervision.
• Reviews commissioning test reports submitted by contractors for completeness and technical accuracy and supports the Commissioning Lead in the acceptance process.
• Review end-to-end test plans and participate in execution and documentation of end‑to‑end testing activities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, and drawings as required to support commissioning closeout and asset turnover.
• Assist with developing project testing and commissioning platforms such as SharePoint including organization and document control.
• Coordinate with third parties for end-to-end testing deliverables and timeline with oversight from the Commissioning Lead or Project Team.
• Identifies potential gaps, issues, or discrepancies in testing activities and escalates findings for resolution prior to acceptance.
• Review electrical design drawing submittals during the 30%, 60%, 90%, IFC, and as-built stages with a focus on commissioning readiness, constructability, and protection and control requirements.
• Maintain relationships with contractors and vendors and stay abreast of market and technological advancements as applicable to the role.
• Learn and support the development of switching orders and the necessary in-service checks during the switching process.
• Work comprehensively with WETT Operations during energization activities.
• Accurately report progress and remaining timeline of assigned testing activities to the project team.
• Assist with uploading relay settings and RTAC settings under approved procedures and supervision.
• Assist WETT IT/Telecom Manager with communications and network installation requirements.
• Assist with the diagnosis of trouble, mis operation, or damage of equipment, and support the development of corrective actions to effectively repair and prevent reoccurrence.
• Assist with reviewing legacy equipment and relay installations to determine if corrective actions may be required during maintenance windows.
• Assist WETT Operations field team with maintenance and operation issues related to protection and control functions of the station.
• Support field walkdowns, verification of protection and control installations, commissioning readiness checks, and punch list resolution.
• Assure compliance with WETT’s Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental standards and policies.
• Take on additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by management to meet evolving business needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive Annual Salary based on experience and professional credentials
• Robust Paid Time Off including PTO, sabbatical, holidays, and floating holidays
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including parental leave
• Employer-Matching 401(k) to support your long-term financial goals
• A Collaborative, Team-Focused Culture built on respect, partnership, and shared success

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed