Commissioning Lead/Manager in Nationwide

Energy Jobline CVL; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline CVL seeks an experienced commissioning engineer to lead planning, coordination and delivery of commissioning for utility-scale solar projects from completion through energisation, grid compliance and handover.

You will manage pre-commissioning, cold/hot commissioning, readiness reviews and defect resolution, coordinating across EPCs, ICPs and DNOs while ensuring records and handover documentation are complete.

Qualifications

• Essential: HNC, HND, degree in electrical/power engineering or related discipline.
• Essential: Strong LV/HV competence with commissioning experience in power/ renewables.
• Essential: Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the commissioning/execution plan, programme, responsibilities, hold points and acceptance criteria for each project.
• Define pre-commissioning, cold and hot commissioning scopes including prerequisites, test boundaries, permits, safety controls, evidence and sign-off requirements.
• Lead pre-energisation activities using temporary/backup to test auxiliary and LV systems ahead of permanent grid connection.
• Lead readiness reviews covering mechanical/electrical completion, commissioning, energisation and handover.
• Review contractor and OEM commissioning procedures, ITPs, test sheets, switching schedules, protection settings and risk assessments.
• Coordinate commissioning interfaces across EPC, ICPs, DNOs, equipment suppliers, commissioning specialists, Technical Authority and project teams.
• Oversee LV/HV testing covering cables, switchgear, transformers, earthing, protection, interlocks, metering, inverters and auxiliary systems.
• Lead testing of communications, controls, alarms, plant power controllers, export limitation, reactive power control and DNO/G99 requirements.
• Manage commissioning defects, punch lists, technical queries and concessions; ensure issues are resolved or accepted before progression.
• Ensure commissioning records, test certificates, settings, reports, as-built information and handover dossiers are complete and traceable.

Skills

Electrical engineering

LV/HV commissioning

Pre-commissioning

Test procedures

UK electrical standards

Project coordination

SCADA knowledge

Education

HNC/HND/degree in electrical engineering

Full UK driving licence

Tools

SCADA

Protection testing equipment

Job description

Role Purpose

Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of commissioning for utility-scale solar projects, from construction completion through safe energisation, grid compliance and operational handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the commissioning, execution plan, programme, responsibilities, hold points and acceptance criteria for each project.
• Define pre-commissioning, cold and hot commissioning scopes, including prerequisites, test boundaries, permits, safety controls, evidence and sign-off requirements.
• Lead pre-energisation activities using temporary/backup where appropriate to test auxiliary and LV systems ahead of permanent grid connection.
• Lead readiness reviews covering mechanical and electrical completion, commissioning, energisation, grid compliance, reliability testing and handover.
• Review contractor and OEM commissioning procedures, ITPs, test sheets, switching schedules, protection settings and risk assessments.
• Coordinate commissioning interfaces across EPC contractors, ICPs, DNOs, equipment suppliers, commissioning specialists, Technical Authority, Electrical Duty Holder, Project and Operations teams.
• Oversee LV/HV testing covering cables, switchgear, transformers, earthing, protection, interlocks, metering, inverters and auxiliary systems.
• Lead testing of communications, controls, alarms, plant power controllers, export limitation, reactive power control and DNO/G99 requirements.
• Manage commissioning defects, punch lists, technical queries and concessions, ensuring critical issues are resolved or formally accepted before progression.
• Ensure commissioning records, test certificates, settings, reports, as-built information and handover dossiers are complete and traceable.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Strong electrical engineering background with substantial practical LV/HV experience on utility-scale solar or comparable power infrastructure.
• Proven experience leading commissioning from pre-commissioning through energisation and handover.
• Strong knowledge of switchgear, transformers, protection, cable testing, earthing, auxiliary supplies, inverters, metering, SCADA, plant controllers and communications.
• Experience developing commissioning plans, test procedures, ITPs, switching schedules, readiness reviews and handover documentation.
• Practical understanding of temporary , generator changeover, earthing, protection coordination and temporary power distribution.
• Ability to interpret single-line diagrams, schematics, protection studies/settings, cable schedules, cause-and-effect documents and manufacturer manuals.
• Working knowledge of UK electrical safety legislation, relevant British/international standards and DNO/G99 requirements.

Qualifications & Professional Requirements

Essential:

• HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in electrical/power engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong practical LV/HV competence and relevant commissioning experience in power , renewables, substations or electrical infrastructure.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to project sites.

Desirable:

• Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status, or progress towards professional registration.
• HV authorisation/switching, protection testing and temporary generator experience.
• Construction H&S qualification such as SMSTS or NEBOSH, plus relevant first-aid training