Senior Commissioning Engineer (Remote)

SOLV Energy•Remote - CA, NV

7d•$142,603 - $178,254•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Commissioning Engineer leads and supports testing, commissioning, and initial energization for utility-scale high-voltage substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and photovoltaic facilities. This fully remote position includes approximately 20–30% travel and active participation in field operations. The engineer serves as the senior technical authority for commissioning engineering on assigned projects and as the primary engineering interface among Commissioning Project Management, Project Management, Engineering, owners, utilities, original equipment manufacturers, and Field Services. The role provides engineering oversight through project execution; develops energization strategies; applies independent engineering judgment to resolve complex technical issues; approves Testing & Commissioning deliverables; and provides technical leadership, mentoring, and direct supervision to Commissioning Engineers. The position is responsible for consistent technical execution, safe energization, compliance with project specifications and utility requirements, and adherence to applicable industry standards. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university; equivalent experience may be considered.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in testing, commissioning, and initial energization of utility-scale HV substations, BESS, and/or utility-scale PV facilities.
At least 5 years leading or serving as the primary technical engineer for commissioning and energization activities on complex utility-scale projects.
At least 5 years performing and directing high-voltage switching operations and supporting energized electrical systems.
At least 2 years of engineering leadership or supervisory experience.
Demonstrated expertise in power system protection, control systems, relay testing, electrical system analysis, power quality, harmonic analysis, and utility interconnection requirements.
Ability to independently resolve complex technical issues requiring engineering analysis and sound engineering judgment.
Experience developing commissioning plans, initial energization procedures, switching procedures, and technical work instructions.
Experience reviewing and approving engineering deliverables, commissioning reports, and technical documentation.
Experience leading technical investigations and root cause analyses for complex electrical system failures.
Experience mentoring, supervising, or providing technical leadership to engineering staff.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to interface effectively with Owners, Utilities, and internal stakeholders.
Commitment to safety, demonstrated by an excellent safety record, compliance with company and client safety programs, and adherence to applicable OSHA, NFPA 70E, and utility switching and clearance procedures, including work in energized and high-risk electrical environments.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain.
High-voltage switching experience.
NETA Certification (Level II, III, or IV).
Experience with harmonic analyzers and power quality monitoring equipment.
Experience supporting post-energization operations or warranty periods.
Experience reviewing protection coordination studies and relay settings.
Experience with SEL, GE, ABB, Schweitzer, or comparable protection systems.
Experience with utility interconnection and NERC/FERC compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Attend Owner, Utility, and stakeholder meetings as requested by the Commissioning Manager (PM).
Develop Testing & Commissioning (T&C) plans aligned with project specifications, utility interconnection requirements, and industry standards.
Develop, review, and execute initial energization procedures for HV substations, BESS auxiliary power distribution systems, and BESS and PV AC power collection systems.
Serve as the engineering authority for complex commissioning issues requiring technical evaluation and engineering judgment.
Review protection and control philosophies, relay settings, and commissioning strategies to identify risks and verify readiness for safe energization.
Support development and review of switching procedures, LOTO, Permit to Work, Red Rope, and System Under Test (SUT) programs.
Lead and support initial substation energization, including readiness verification and field coordination.
Perform high-voltage switching operations as required for initial energization and commissioning.
Review and approve commissioning and acceptance test reports; identify non-conformances; direct corrective retesting or documentation revisions; and provide final engineering sign-off before client release.
Perform or coordinate harmonic measurements and power quality assessments during commissioning and post-energization.
Develop substation operations and training documentation and deliver onsite training to Owner and Operations personnel.
Provide post-energization technical support, including system monitoring, troubleshooting, and commissioning closeout.
Provide on-call technical support for site events, including system trips and abnormal operating conditions.
Lead post-trip and equipment-failure investigations; direct the analytical approach and assign investigative tasks.
Document root cause findings using structured methodologies such as 5-Why, fishbone, and fault tree analysis, and prepare and formally release RCA reports for internal and client distribution.
Identify, analyze, and recommend corrective actions; track implementation to closure and verify effectiveness through post-repair functional testing and system return-to-service sign-off.
Contribute lessons learned to commissioning procedures, design standards, and O&M documentation, and lead cross-project dissemination of findings.
Serve as final technical reviewer and approver for Testing & Commissioning deliverables, including commissioning documentation, energization procedures, technical reports, test documentation, and turnover packages before client release.
Review EPC contract exhibits and project documentation to define Testing & Commissioning scope of work and division of responsibility (DOR).
Provide guidance to the Commissioning Engineering team on complex technical issues, commissioning strategies, and engineering best practices.
Conduct performance evaluations, establish development goals, provide coaching and feedback, and support career development for assigned engineering staff.
Assign, prioritize, and coordinate Commissioning Engineer workloads to ensure timely delivery of engineering deliverables across multiple projects.
Provide engineering leadership and technical authority for utility-scale HV, BESS, and PV commissioning activities while promoting consistent execution and technical quality.