Field Commissioning Engineer - Utility Services

MMR Group • Brookhaven, MS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

MMR is seeking highly motivated Field Commissioning Engineer candidates to support the testing, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of utility substation Protection & Control (P&C) systems. The Commissioning Engineer will serve as the technical lead for commissioning activities, ensuring substation systems are installed, tested, and energized safely and in accordance with engineering design, customer requirements, and industry standards. This role requires extensive knowledge of protection and control systems, protective relaying, substation equipment, and electrical testing procedures. The successful candidate will work directly with customers, project managers, construction teams, and engineering personnel to execute commissioning projects ranging from distribution substations to EHV transmission facilities. This position is ideal for an experienced relay technician, commissioning specialist, or protection and control engineer seeking a field-focused leadership opportunity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive commissioning experience will be considered.
• Minimum 5-10 years of experience in: Protective relaying, Substation testing, Commissioning, Power system operations.
• Strong understanding of utility transmission and distribution systems.
• Ability to independently lead commissioning projects.
• Ability to interpret: One-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, Wiring diagrams, Protection & Control drawings, Relay settings files.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively.
• Working knowledge of Relay Manufacturers: SEL, GE, Siemens, ABB, Beckwith, Basler.
• Working knowledge of Test Equipment: Doble F6150 / F6150sv, Omicron CMC Series, Megger equipment, Omicron & Vanguard CT Testing Equipment, SF6 Moisture testing (DILO), Ductoring, Doble Power Factoring, Doble Breaker Time & Travel Equipment, Ground Grid Testing, Primary injection equipment.
• Working knowledge of Software Applications: SEL AcSELerator, Omicron Test Universe, Doble Protection Suite, ASPEN OneLiner, RTAC configuration tools, SCADA and communications platforms.
• Working knowledge of Communications & Automation: IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, Mirrored Bits, Fiber communications, RTUs and SCADA systems, Synchrophasor and PMU applications.
• Ability to work in energized electrical substations.
• Ability to travel up to 75-100% as project requirements dictate.
• Ability to climb ladders, work outdoors, and lift equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work extended hours during outages, turnarounds, and commissioning events.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.
• Experience with: Entergy standards, Utility commissioning procedures, Renewable energy interconnections, Generator commissioning, IEC 61850 systems.
• Previous experience serving as commissioning lead on major utility projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and energization activities for transmission and distribution substations.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, test procedures, and startup checklists.
• Verify proper installation and operation of protection and control systems.
• Perform and oversee point-to-point checks, functional testing, and acceptance testing.
• Coordinate system energization and cutover activities.
• Support outage planning and switching activities.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during startup and commissioning.
• Commission and validate: Line protection schemes, Transformer protection systems, Bus differential systems, Breaker failure protection, Feeder protection, Generator protection, Capacitor bank protection, Load shedding systems.
• Verify relay settings implementation and relay logic functionality.
• Conduct end-to-end protection testing and communication-assisted scheme testing.
• Analyze relay event reports, fault records, and oscillography data.
• Validate protection coordination and system performance.
• Review construction drawings, relay settings, one-lines, wiring diagrams, and design packages.
• Identify design discrepancies and provide field engineering support.
• Support integration of protection, control, SCADA, RTU, and communication systems.
• Assist with engineering design improvements and commissioning lessons learned.
• Coordinate engineering changes and field revisions.
• Ensure compliance with utility standards, project specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as technical lead for commissioning projects.
• Coordinate activities among: Utility customers, Project managers, Construction teams, Relay testing personnel, Operations groups.
• Manage commissioning schedules and project milestones.
• Support project planning and resource forecasting.
• Mentor relay technicians and junior engineers.
• Facilitate customer meetings and startup coordination meetings.
• Develop commissioning reports and turnover packages.
• Review test results and ensure documentation accuracy.
• Maintain commissioning records and project files.
• Prepare punch lists and track project closeout items.
• Ensure all testing documentation meets customer and company requirements.
• Promote a safety-first culture in all field activities.
• Lead daily job safety briefings and hazard assessments.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, company, and customer safety programs.
• Stop work when unsafe conditions are identified.
• Serve as a safety leader for field crews and subcontractors.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Per diem and travel reimbursement
• Company vehicle eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career advancement opportunities
• Exposure to major utility, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects
• Industry-leading testing and commissioning equipment
• Collaborative, safety-focused culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior