Commissioning Manager – Renewable Energy & Storage

Sunset Search LLC; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunset Search LLC in New York, NY, seeks a Commissioning Manager for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). You will lead commissioning activities, manage a team of engineers and technicians, and coordinate with EPC and utility stakeholders to ensure safety and performance before commercial operation.

This high-impact role requires 5+ years in energy storage or related fields, 2+ years of leadership, hands-on BESS commissioning, scheduling software familiarity, and willingness to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in energy storage, solar EPC, substation engineering, or related industries.
• 2+ years of leadership or team management experience.
• Hands-on commissioning background with BESS, MV equipment, protection systems, and controls.
• Strong understanding of electrical construction, system testing, safety protocols, and AHJ/utility requirements.
• Proficiency with scheduling tools such as MS Project or Smartsheet.
• Ability to simplify complex technical scenarios for executive-level reporting.
• Excellent organization, decision-making, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Willingness to travel 50%+ and remain on-site during key commissioning phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of commissioning plans, schedules, and testing protocols.
• Manage a team of commissioning engineers and technicians across multiple project locations.
• Coordinate closely with EPC partners, utilities, and equipment suppliers to support safe and efficient commissioning.
• Oversee commissioning and acceptance testing for MV/LV electrical systems, PCS, BESS units, EMS, SCADA, and protection systems.
• Conduct site visits to initiate commissioning activities and resolve field issues.
• Ensure documentation, testing records, and turnover packages meet internal and external requirements.
• Facilitate daily commissioning meetings and update stakeholders on progress and risks.
• Support continuous improvement by refining procedures and capturing technical lessons learned.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and internal engineering teams.

Skills

Leadership

Commissioning

BESS

Electrical testing

MS Project

Smartsheet

Stakeholder communication

Travel coordination

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Job description

Category: Renewables & Storage
City/Suburb: New York, NY
Job Title: Commissioning Manager - Renewable Energy & Storage

About the Employer

We’re recruiting for a major renewable energy and storage developer delivering large-scale grid-connected projects across North America. The organization is known for its strong engineering culture, established project pipeline, and commitment to technical excellence. With a growing portfolio of storage deployments, the employer offers a stable environment with meaningful opportunities for leadership advancement.

About the Role

The Commissioning Manager leads commissioning activities for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This role oversees a team of commissioning engineers and technicians, manages project schedules, coordinates with EPC and utility stakeholders, and ensures all systems meet performance and safety standards prior to commercial operation. This is a high-impact leadership position with responsibility across multiple active project sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of commissioning plans, schedules, and testing protocols
• Manage a team of commissioning engineers and technicians across multiple project locations
• Coordinate closely with EPC partners, utilities, and equipment suppliers to support safe and efficient commissioning
• Oversee commissioning and acceptance testing for MV/LV electrical systems, PCS, BESS units, EMS, SCADA, and protection systems
• Conduct site visits to initiate commissioning activities and resolve field issues
• Ensure documentation, testing records, and turnover packages meet internal and external requirements
• Facilitate daily commissioning meetings and update stakeholders on progress and risks
• Support continuous improvement by refining procedures and capturing technical lessons learned
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and internal engineering teams

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in energy storage, solar EPC, substation engineering, or related industries
• 2+ years of leadership or team management experience
• Hands-on commissioning background with BESS, MV equipment, protection systems, and controls
• Strong understanding of electrical construction, system testing, safety protocols, and AHJ/utility requirements
• Proficiency with scheduling tools such as MS Project or Smartsheet
• Ability to simplify complex technical scenarios for executive-level reporting
• Excellent organization, decision-making, and stakeholder communication skills
• Willingness to travel 50%+ and remain on-site during key commissioning phases

Why Join

This employer offers competitive compensation, strong leadership visibility, and opportunities to guide large-scale grid modernization projects. Commissioning Managers gain influence across engineering, construction, operations, and vendor networks while shaping commissioning standards for high-growth energy storage deployments.