Lead Commissioning Engineer
About the Opportunity
This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing clean energy startup in Maine, focused on utility-scale solar commissioning and technical excellence. The company offers the chance to grow alongside an expanding organization while playing a key role in bringing renewable energy projects online. As the Lead Commissioning Engineer, you will serve as the senior technical authority on-site, leading commissioning programs for community and utility-scale solar PV projects. Responsibilities include developing commissioning proposals and test plans, overseeing engineers and field technicians, and coordinating project execution from startup through energization. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy field work, technical problem-solving, and ensuring electrical and mechanical systems are safely tested, verified, and commissioned for commercial operation
Key Responsibilities
- Lead commissioning activities for utility-scale solar PV projects.
- Develop testing and commissioning proposals from engineering drawings and studies.
- Perform and oversee testing of AC/DC systems, relays, inverters, transformers, and switchgear.
- Coordinate with EPCs, OEMs, utilities, and Owner's Engineers.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, and site safety requirements.
- Prepare commissioning reports and maintain test documentation.
- Support energization activities and utility witness testing.
- Report project risks, schedule impacts, and technical issues.
- Mentor and oversee commissioning technicians
Testing Responsibilities - Phase 1: Pre-Energization
- Execute pre-energization testing and validation of solar plant electrical, protection, communication, and monitoring systems. Commission and verify inverters, transformers, breakers, reclosers, meters, CTs/PTs, switchgear, and medium-voltage equipment.
- Perform electrical acceptance testing including insulation resistance, IV curve, voltage, grounding, cable, relay, and surge protection testing.
- Configure and validate DAS, SCADA, metering, fiber optic communications, and protection settings prior to energization.
Testing Responsibilities - Phase 2: Post-Energization
- Lead energized system testing and operational verification following plant startup.
- Perform thermography, operating current, capacity, and performance testing to confirm system reliability and production targets.
- Conduct hot commissioning of electrical systems, protection equipment, and communications infrastructure.
- Verify mechanical racking systems and complete site monitoring platform configuration and integration.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3-7 years of commissioning, testing, or startup experience in utility-scale solar or power generation.
- Strong AC/DC electrical systems knowledge.
- Experience with inverter technology, SCADA, DAS, and protection relays.
- Familiarity with NEC, IEEE, IEC, and NERC standards.
- Experience with Omicron, Doble, or similar relay testing equipment.
- NFPA 70E certification required; NABCEP preferred.
- Ability to travel extensively to project sites.
- PE License in Maine or interest in pursuing PE.
- Strong communication, documentation, MS Office, Google Drive, and Procore skills.
FAQs
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