Commissioning Engineer/Sr Commissioning Eng _ Europe

Smart Wires Inc.; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Wires Inc. is looking for a Commissioning Engineer / Senior Commissioning Engineer to oversee the commissioning of SmartValve systems. This role involves leading tests at high-voltage substations in Europe and supporting global projects from home.

Ideal candidates must have a degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 3 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include managing testing schedules, providing technical support, and ensuring safety compliance during site work.

Fluency in English and proficiency in other European languages are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Commissioning Engineer in high-voltage transmission.
• Experience with communication protocols like IEC 61850.

Responsibilities

• Lead all Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for SmartValve deployments.
• Manage commissioning spares and as-built documentation.
• Execute on-site commissioning activities at customer substations.

Skills

Technical problem-solving

Effective communication

Independent workload management

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Network engineering tools proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PuTTY

Wireshark

Job description

Smart Wires provides advanced power flow control solutions and analytics that enable controllable power systems. This gives grid operators more control over where power flows and helps them use their existing networks more efficiently. Our solutions support system reliability, reduce congestion, and make it easier to integrate new load and generation while minimizing costs and community disruption. We collaborate with customers to achieve their strategic objectives and help them face an uncertain energy future with flexible, high‑impact solutions.

Position Overview

The Commissioning Engineer / Senior Commissioning Engineer is responsible for leading and executing the end‑to‑end commissioning of Smart Wires’ Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) SmartValve systems and associated control infrastructure at high‑voltage transmission substations across Europe and, as required, globally. This is the primary engineering role within the Technical Services team responsible for project delivery within the EU. The role requires a technically strong, customer‑facing engineer who is comfortable working independently at high‑voltage substation sites, managing complex multi‑stakeholder environments, and maintaining Smart Wires’ reputation for technical excellence and delivery quality. The role is home‑based within Europe with approximately 50% of time spent on‑site at customer substations, and the remainder working remotely from home providing engineering support, documentation, and technical assistance to projects globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of secondary systems Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and all Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for SmartValve deployments.
• Produce, maintain and review commissioning schedules, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs/ITRs), and safety documentation.
• Design and review control system integration for project‑specific deployments.
• Lead SCADA design, configuration, and customer‑witnessed SCADA testing.
• Execute on‑site commissioning activities, including pre‑installation inspections, SAT, offline and online commissioning.
• Provide customer training.
• Manage commissioning spares, as‑built documentation, and site configuration backups.
• Manage Field Issues throughout project delivery and ensure timely closeout.
• Support the Project Manager with project closeout activities.

Technical Services & Support

• Provide structured remote support to field staff and customers.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of standard designs, SCADA templates, HMI configurations, and ITPs/ITRs.
• Author and review Technical Services processes and deployment documentation.
• Assist with the development and delivery of customer operator training.
• Provide technical assistance to the Commercial team for pre‑tender activities and site visits.
• Support firmware update activities, including preparation of customer‑specific update documentation.

Post‑Commissioning & Failure Analysis

• Obtain and review site telemetry and Event Data Recorder (EDR) data following commissioning.
• Develop and maintain troubleshooting protocols and ITP/ITRs for failure investigation and remedial works.

Remedial & Warranty Works

• Plan and coordinate warranty works, including spares management and site logistics.
• Lead or assist with on‑site inspections, testing, and re‑commissioning activities.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Dipl.-Ing., or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Commissioning Engineer working on high‑voltage transmission, distribution, or renewable connection substations.
• Demonstrated experience in the design or testing of substation control systems, HMIs, and SCADA.
• Familiarity with communication protocols including IEC 61850 Client/Server, IEC 60870‑5‑101/104, and/or DNP3.
• Experience with primary plant commissioning and/or protection relay testing is an advantage.
• Experience commissioning or supporting FACTS devices is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical problem‑solving and fault‑finding capability in complex multi‑vendor environments.
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including utility customers.
• Ability to work independently and manage own workload across concurrent projects.
• Comfortable working at heights and in energised high‑voltage substation environments.
• Proficiency with standard network engineering tools including PuTTY, Wireshark, and network diagnostic utilities.
• Proficiency in vendor tools for configuring protection relays / control system IEDs.
• Competent in Microsoft Office suite.

Language

• Fluent English is essential (working language of the team and customer documentation).
• Proficiency in one or more European languages is an advantage.

Work Conditions

This is a site and home‑based role within Europe. The successful candidate will be the primary commissioning resource for all EU projects, with the expectation of up to 50% of time spent on‑site at customer substations across Europe. Travel beyond Europe — including to the UK, USA, Latin America, and Asia Pacific — may be required periodically to provide hands‑on or remote commissioning support to global projects. The role requires compliance with all applicable site safety regulations, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), adherence to high‑voltage safety protocols, and compliance with customer site access requirements. Exposure to high‑voltage hazards and the requirement to work at height should be expected as part of normal site activities.

Smart Wires is committed to diversity in our organisation and building an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.