Senior Substation Commissioning Specialist

DLB Associates

8d•$140,000 - $185,000•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Substation Commissioning Specialist oversees full-life-cycle commissioning of electrical substations, ensuring newly constructed or upgraded facilities are operational and meet industry standards. The position reviews design documents, coordinates with construction and engineering teams, and tests and validates substation systems, including transformers, breakers, relays, and control systems. The specialist works independently on day-to-day assignments, receives high-level direction on new projects, and leads complex commissioning projects and project teams while coordinating other personnel. This is a remote position with up to 75% travel to project sites, potentially in any of the 50 U.S. states. Travel varies with project status and does not involve remaining in one location for extended periods. The role may also involve relocation opportunities or international travel depending on project needs. A valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles are required. For domestic air travel associated with the role, a REAL ID or acceptable alternative, such as a passport, is required effective May 7, 2025. The specialist commissions and tests substation equipment, directs vendors and contractors, manages project delivery and risks, serves as a primary site contact for clients, develops test plans and scripts, reviews design documents, and prepares project and final commissioning reports. The position requires advanced knowledge of substation equipment and protection and control systems, applicable regulatory standards, power-system tools, and effective project, communication, and organizational skills. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, or a related discipline, or the alternative experience pathway described in the posting: two years of substation commissioning experience plus a minimum of eight additional years of such experience. Experience with utility companies or large-scale industrial electrical systems is also required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, or a related discipline; alternatively, two years of electrical substation commissioning experience plus a minimum of eight additional years of such experience.
Experience commissioning electrical substations, including testing and troubleshooting transformers, protection relays, circuit breakers, and SCADA systems, under the experience-based education pathway.
Experience working with utility companies or large-scale industrial electrical systems.
Advanced knowledge of substation system electrical equipment, protection, and control systems.
Knowledge of regulatory standards, including IEEE, NERC, and FERC compliance requirements.
Skill using power-system analysis software, protection coordination tools, and SCADA integration.
Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams, and strong file-management organization.
Accuracy and attention to detail when completing assignments.
Ability to use AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operations, and contribute to company-wide innovation.
Ability to work successfully remotely through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness, resourcefulness, and a distraction-free workspace.
Ability to follow company and site safety requirements.
Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports, and correspondence.
Effective oral and written communication skills for technical and non-technical information.
Ability to communicate directly with clients and sometimes serve as the primary client contact.
Ability to work independently with moderate supervision and as a team member.
Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
Ability to plan and delegate others’ work effectively.
Ability to obtain NFPA 70E and/or OSHA training certification if required.
Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles.
Ability to travel up to 75%, potentially to any or all 50 U.S. states.
For associated domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID or acceptable alternative, such as a passport, is required effective May 7, 2025.

Nice To Haves

Omicron test unit experience.

Responsibilities

Perform on-site inspection, validation, functional testing, verification, and troubleshooting of transformers, switchgear, protection relays, and control systems.
Participate in factory witness testing and observe startup activities.
Use technical equipment to conduct testing; Omicron test unit experience is a plus but is not required.
Direct vendors and contractors in executing testing.
Manage and deliver projects effectively and on time.
Identify project risks and help develop strategies to minimize impacts and control deviations from estimated costs and deadlines.
Serve as the primary site contact for clients and build effective, long-term client relationships.
Onboard project teams for mobilization and provide ongoing updates.
Develop commissioning plans, pre-functional checklists, and functional performance test scripts.
Review shop drawings, submittals, and sequences of operations.
Lead and participate in commissioning-focused design reviews.
Direct and assist with project communication and reporting.
Prepare and oversee project progress reports for internal and external stakeholders and the final commissioning report for the client.
Manage personal and site-team hours using company tools.
Complete assigned tasks and deliverables on time and on budget.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Choice of comprehensive medical plans, including two PPO-style plans and a high-deductible health plan with an HSA option.
Flexible spending accounts.
Dental and vision plans.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits extend to a spouse or domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26.
401(k) with company match and self-directed brokerage account option.
Paid time off, including additional paid time off during the last week of the year.
Company-paid life insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
Short- and long-term disability and AD&D coverage.
Professional development opportunities.
Tuition reimbursement.
Professional licensing assistance.
Paid parental leave after one year of employment.