Electrical Commissioning Specialist

CIRA; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CIRA is seeking a Senior Electrical Commissioning Expert to lead pre-commissioning, energization, testing and grid integration for a 200 MW facility in the Netherlands. The role requires hands-on experience with high-complexity industrial power systems and field leadership across HV/MV assets.

Expect short business trips to France, Germany or Poland as part of project coordination and grid compliance, with responsibility for safety and regulatory adherence throughout commissioning activities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years hands-on experience in high-complexity industrial power systems.
• Expertise in pre-commissioning, energization, testing and grid integration.
• Ability to ensure regulatory compliance and readiness for hot commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead HV/MV Substation & Power Conversion commissioning.
• Supervise cold and hot commissioning of HV GIS switchgear and main transformers.
• Lead pre-commissioning and energization of MV switchgears, transformers and distribution headers.
• Commission Reactive Power Compensation assets to enforce grid-code power factor and harmonic compliance.
• Oversee loop testing and energization of step-down transformers and rectifiers across technology trains.
• Pre-commissioning, Safety & Grid Compliance.
• Coordinate earthing resistance measurements, inspections, and grid operator relay studies.
• Execute phased LV switchboard energization using temporary supplies and transfer to definitive power.
• Direct field activities of electrical vendors and site subcontractors aligning ITPs.
• Perform end-to-end loop checks and protection interlock verifications prior to PSSR.
• Drive system handovers from Construction to Commissioning with punch list clearance.

Skills

Electrical commissioning

Grid integration

Industrial power systems

Job description

Work Environment

We are looking for a Senior Electrical Commissioning Expert with a minimum of 10 years of proven hands‑on experience in high‑complexity industrial power systems. The core mission encompasses leading the pre‑commissioning, energization, functional testing, and grid integration of the 380 kV High Voltage substation, Medium Voltage distribution, power conversion units, and reactive power compensation assets for the 200 MW facility. Short business trips in France, Germany or Poland are expected.

Missions

• HV/MV Substation & Power Conversion Commissioning
• Supervise cold and hot commissioning of HV GIS switchgear and main power transformers to validate insulation, timing, and protection integrity.
• Lead pre‑commissioning and energization of MV switchgears, transformers, and distribution headers to secure power to downstream plant loads.
• Commission Reactive Power Compensation assets, including StatCom modules and harmonic filters, to enforce grid‑code power factor and harmonic compliance.
• Oversee loop testing and energization of step‑down transformers and rectifiers across both PEM and AEL technology trains.
• Pre‑commissioning, Safety & Grid Compliance
• Coordinate earthing resistance measurements, initial inspections, and grid operator relay coordination studies to satisfy connection requirements.
• Execute phased LV switchboard energization using temporary supplies and manage the transfer to definitive power prior to process startup.
• Field Execution & Team Coordination
• Direct field activities of primary electrical vendors and site subcontractors, aligning Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) to resolve non‑conformances.
• Perform end‑to‑end loop checks and protection interlock verifications between field equipment, switchgears, and BPCS/SIS control systems prior to PSSR.
• Drive system handovers from Construction to Commissioning, ensuring Category‑A punch list clearance and as‑built documentation compliance.

Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of proven, hands‑on experience in high‑complexity industrial power systems.
• Expertise in electrical commissioning, including pre‑commissioning, energization, functional testing, and grid integration.
• Ability to ensure full electrical readiness, regulatory compliance, and smooth transition from mechanical completion to hot commissioning and commercial operations.