Commissioning Engineer - Energy

Cupertino Electric, Inc.; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 68,250 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Cupertino Electric, Inc. is seeking a Commissioning Engineer to support on-site photovoltaic and energy storage projects across North America.

You will coordinate commissioning activities, work with engineers, subcontractors, and clients, and ensure documentation is completed on schedule. The role requires travel up to 100% to project locations, a background in electrical engineering, and familiarity with PV and energy storage systems.

Qualifications

• Background in Electrical Engineering.
• Willingness to travel up to 100% to project locations.
• Experience with PV and energy storage systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and drawings for PV, storage and substations.

Responsibilities

• Travel domestically to project locations as required.
• Develop commissioning tests and coordinate with subcontractors.
• Lead technical discussions with developers and vendors.
• Ensure documentation is completed and transmitted per schedule.
• Review procedures and schedules for PV, storage and substation projects.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

PV Systems

Energy Storage

Travel Ready

Reading Drawings

Education

BA/BS

Tools

P6 Scheduling

PSSE/PSCAD

Job description

Posting Title: Commissioning Engineer

Reports To: Senior Program Manager, Commissioning

Location: Project Locations - On Site | California | Nevada | Indiana

Salary Range: $68,250 to $128,000

Travel: Travel required to project locations - Up to 100%

• This position is eligible for the annual performance bonus.
• This position requires up to 100% Travel.

Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.

Who We Are

Since 1954, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who’ve built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. And we've done it with integrity for more than 70 years. We’re problem solvers and innovation seekers. We’re team players and safety fanatics. And we’re proud to be part of Quanta Services (PWR:NYSE), North America's largest employer of skilled craft labor. Because what we do is important, but how we do it is everything.

The Energy Team

Our Energy Group at CEI builds projects from the field to the grid. Whether it’s a solar, battery storage, substation, EV charging, microgrid or converter station project, our skilled project managers, engineers, and field employees deliver when it matters most. We work with customers on programs of all sizes—those spanning several smaller sites or spanning several thousand acres. Besides building some of the nation’s largest utility‑scale solar plants and installing more EV charging stations in California than any other contractor, we are dedicated to running a business that is environmentally responsible.

About The Role

We are seeking a COMMISSIONING Engineer to become part of a collaborative team, in our Renewables Group. You will have the challenge of working on multiple Utility Scale Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage (BESS) projects throughout North America. This position is within the program management department but is considered a technical position. Applicants with experience in and understanding of the electrical contracting industry are preferred.

This individual will work closely CEI Project Team(s), Engineers of Record and 3rd party subcontractors to ensure the project commission documentation is completed and transmitted in an effective and efficient manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Desire/Willingness to travel domestically, minimum 50% of the time over extended periods
• Background in Electrical Engineering
• Willingness to develop a detailed understanding of PV and energy storage systems.
• Ability to read and understand all disciplines of construction plans and single line diagrams associated with PV systems, energy storage systems and substations
• Familiarity with project lifecycle and contract structures for solar, storage and high voltage projects.
• Develop into a subject matter expert in the testing and commissioning of utility scale PV, Energy Storage and Substation projects.
• Desire to develop expertise in regulations, compliance, and standards around applicable IEC and IEEE standards and Power Plant Controls (PPC)/ SCADA, racking, electrical Balance of System, Power Conversion Systems. (AC and DC portion of projects)
• Develop technical 3rd party subcontract SOW documents and RFP’s, review associated proposals from a technical perspective and participate in subcontractor selection.
• Develop an understanding of Automatic Dispatch System (ADS) and Automatic Generation Controls (AGC) requirements.
• Lead and facilitate technical discussions with Utility Scale Developers and Subcontractors, generate meeting minutes and maintain action lists with respect to commissioning.
• Facilitate problem solving activities using formal processes to investigate and determine root cause
• Monitor testing and commissioning activities in conjunction with the onsite Project Management and Union Supervision to ensure that testing and commissioning support has been planned in accordance with the project schedule.
• Represent CEI in discussions with clients regarding component electrical testing, system functional testing, plant operational testing and status of OEM and 3rd Party performance.
• Oversee varies specialty subcontractors to ensure their adherence to contractual obligations
• Review and comment on technical test procedures, construction and commissioning schedules, drawing packages. Ensure compliance to these documents.
• Develop the knowledge base for interacting with SCADA engineers, Utilities, ISO’s, IPPs in the US market.
• Develop understanding of Power plant modeling software and model creation in PSSE, PSCAD, or similar tools
• Interest to understand network communication architectures, protocols, NERC standards
• Support the team with proactive communications.
• Ability to multi task and change priorities quickly.
• Able to convert complex technical requirements into an actionable plan.
• Passionate about solving customers’ problems and focused on product value to the customer.

About You

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong use of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of P6 Scheduling
• Ability to read and interpret specifications and drawings
Background in Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Systems
• Ability to work under time pressure and stressful situations with a positive attitude
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: BA/BS required.

Work Environment

• Travel to US construction sites up to 75% required
• May be required to sit/stand at desk/computer, and/or drive/walk the project site for extended time
• Required to work on job site in all kinds of weather
• Hard Hat, Gloves, Safety Glasses and appropriate foot ware (supplier or job site-Safety toe)
• Traveling to vendors which may be loud and/or dirty, is possible

Experience

Typically requires no previous professional experience.

Cupertino Electric, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.