Commissioning Technician III

Atlas Energy Solutions•El Paso, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Commissioning Technician III serves as the lead commissioning representative on assigned projects, with overall responsibility for commissioning execution on multi-unit natural gas generation fleets, battery energy storage systems (BESS), power distribution, and balance of plant equipment. This role plans and sequences commissioning activities, owns engine startup and first fire through performance testing, leads island mode and black start commissioning on off-grid plants, directs the on-site commissioning team, and owns the safety, quality, and completeness of the commissioning turnover package. As the senior level in the Atlas commissioning career path, this role also develops technical standards and builds capability across the commissioning team.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
7 or more years of progressive experience in commissioning, construction, or maintenance of power generation or utility-scale electrical systems
Demonstrated experience leading commissioning activities on a site, including directing technicians and coordinating with multiple stakeholders
Advanced experience commissioning and testing natural gas or reciprocating engine generation, switchgear, transformers, and related power equipment
Demonstrated experience leading engine startup and first fire, load bank testing, and performance or emissions testing on generation fleets
Experience commissioning or supporting islanded, black start, or off-grid generation facilities
Ability to develop and review commissioning plans, test procedures, and energization and switching plans
Expert-level ability to read, interpret, and verify electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, protection and control logic, and as-built drawings
Advanced troubleshooting skills, including the ability to diagnose relay misoperations and complex control system issues
Working knowledge of applicable industry standards, including NETA acceptance testing specifications, NFPA 70E, OSHA, IEEE, and NERC requirements
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent Atlas to customers, utilities, and vendors
Ability and willingness to travel extensively to project sites, including overnight stays
Valid Driver’s License and qualified through our company insurance/Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Policy

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical technology, power systems, engineering, or a related discipline
NETA Level III or IV, or NICET Level II or higher in power testing
OSHA 30 and NFPA 70E electrical safety certification
Experience with protective relays and test sets from manufacturers such as SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, or Basler
Experience with SCADA and RTU integration and automation testing
Experience commissioning battery energy storage systems (BESS) or inverter-based resources
Experience with multi-unit fleet commissioning on large gas engine platforms (Caterpillar or similar)
Experience commissioning distributed power, microgrid, or behind-the-meter generation assets

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead commissioning representative on assigned sites, with overall responsibility for commissioning execution, safety, and quality.
Develop, review, and sequence commissioning plans, test procedures, and system turnover packages for natural gas generation fleets, BESS, power distribution, and balance of plant equipment.
Direct the on-site commissioning team, assigning work, verifying execution, and confirming that testing is completed to specification.
Independently perform and oversee advanced testing, including engine first fire, synchronization, load bank and load-share tuning, protective relay testing, control logic verification, and full system validation.
Own the startup sequence for multi-unit natural gas generation fleets, including fuel gas system readiness, engine controls configuration, and performance and emissions testing.
Lead commissioning of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and inverter-based equipment, including integration with generation assets and plant controls.
Lead island mode and black start commissioning on off-grid plants, including black start sequencing, load acceptance, load sharing, and verification of system stability without a utility source.
Resolve the most complex commissioning and equipment issues, including engine, controls, relay, and power system failures, and lead root-cause investigations.
Own the punch list and deficiency process from identification through closure, escalating risks to project and site leadership with owners and due dates.
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for engineering, construction, operations, utilities, and equipment vendors throughout commissioning.
Review and approve test reports, redline drawings, and as-built documentation for accuracy and completeness before turnover to Operations.
Lead site-specific safety planning for commissioning activities, including switching and energization plans, job safety analyses, and pre-task briefings.
Develop commissioning standards, procedures, and checklists, and drive consistency across projects.
Mentor, train, and evaluate the technical development of Commissioning Technician I and II personnel.
Follow all safety protocols, including energy isolation lockout/tagout (LOTO), NFPA 70E electrical safety practices, and site-specific requirements.
Other duties as assigned.