Lead P&C Commissioning Specialist

Group CBS; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Group CBS in Indianapolis is seeking a Lead P&C Commissioning Specialist to supervise testing, commissioning, and maintenance of electrical protection and control systems in substations and power facilities.

You will lead complex projects from planning through execution, coordinating field teams and serving as the primary customer contact while ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's in electrical power systems or equivalent military/tech training
• 5+ years in protection & controls, substation commissioning, or related power work
• Knowledge of protection relay schemes, testing, and commissioning procedures
• Experience with relay test equipment and automated software
• Knowledge of substation comms (TCP/IP, DNP, Modbus, Ethernet, fiber, serial)
• Understanding of NERC and CIP compliance
• Strong project management, organization, and problem-solving
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Proficiency with MS Office and vendor software (SEL/GE/ABB/Siemens/Novatech/Cooper)
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary customer contact on assigned projects
• Coordinate daily field activities and project schedules
• Lead planning meetings, safety briefings, and job scoping
• Monitor costs, timelines, and overall project performance
• Communicate changes and updates to management
• Assist with proposals, estimates, and change orders
• Support business development and identify new opportunities
• Perform and oversee protection relay testing and commissioning
• Develop and execute commissioning test plans
• Verify operation of protection, control, and communications systems
• Use relay test equipment and automated testing software
• Troubleshoot protection and control issues in substations
• Support construction, startup, and commissioning activities
• Provide technical guidance to field personnel
• Mentor and train technicians
• Promote cross-training and teamwork across project teams
• Review project docs, timesheets, and expense reports
• Ensure compliance with policies, customer requirements, and safety expectations
• Identify hazards and develop mitigation plans
• Support compliance with NERC, CIP, OSHA, NFPA
• Maintain safe work practices in energized substations
• Promote safety culture and accountability

Skills

Protection & controls

Relay testing

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Substation knowledge

Microsoft Office

Industrial software

Education

Electrical power systems degree (Assoc/Bac or equivalent)

Technical/Military training in power systems

Tools

Relay test equipment

Automated testing software

Vendor software (SEL/GE/ABB/Siemens/Novatech/Cooper)

Job description

Category

Field Service

Job Location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Lead P&C Commissioning Specialist

Travel-based position

Schedule

Full-time, hourly, non-exempt

Occasional nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as needed

Overview

This is a hands‑on leadership role supporting the testing, commissioning, and maintenance of electrical protection and control systems in substations and power facilities. You will lead complex projects from planning through execution while serving as the primary point of contact for customers, coordinating field teams, and ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, and to industry standards.

What You Will Do

Project leadership

• Serve as the primary customer contact throughout assigned projects
• Coordinate daily field activities and project schedules
• Lead project planning, safety meetings, and job briefings
• Monitor project costs, timelines, and overall performance
• Communicate schedule changes, risks, and project updates to management
• Assist with proposals, estimates, and change orders
• Support business development efforts and identify new customer opportunities

Protection & control commissioning

• Perform and oversee protection relay testing and commissioning
• Develop and execute commissioning test plans
• Verify proper operation of protection, control, and communications systems
• Utilize relay test equipment and automated testing software
• Troubleshoot protection and control issues in substations and power systems
• Support construction, startup, and commissioning activities for electrical equipment

Team leadership

• Provide technical guidance and support to field personnel
• Mentor and train less experienced technicians and specialists
• Promote cross-training and teamwork across project teams
• Review project documentation, timesheets, and expense reports
• Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and safety expectations

Safety and compliance

• Identify project hazards and develop mitigation plans
• Support compliance with NERC, CIP, OSHA, and NFPA requirements
• Maintain safe work practices in energized substation environments
• Promote a strong safety culture and accountability across all project teams

What Success Looks Like

• Projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget
• Relay testing and commissioning activities are performed accurately
• Customers receive clear communication and professional support
• Documentation and reporting are completed correctly and on time
• Team members receive effective mentorship and technical guidance
• Safety, quality, and compliance standards are consistently met

What We Are Looking For

• Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, technical school training, or equivalent military experience in electrical power systems
• Minimum 5 years of experience in protection and controls, substation commissioning, or related power industry work
• Strong knowledge of protection relay schemes, relay testing, and commissioning procedures
• Experience with relay test equipment and automated testing software
• Knowledge of substation communications including TCP/IP, DNP, Modbus, Ethernet, fiber optic, and serial communication systems
• Understanding of NERC and CIP compliance requirements
• Strong project management, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industry software from manufacturers such as SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Novatech, and Cooper
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Work environment

• Work in and around energized electrical substations
• Frequent travel, including overnight and multi-day assignments
• Participation in emergency response and on-call rotations
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, lift, carry, and work outdoors
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Ability to pass pre-employment background, motor vehicle, drug, and alcohol screenings
• Willingness to obtain OSHA 10, NFPA 70E, and CPR certifications
• Ability to achieve NETA Level III or IV certification within 12 months of employment

May be modified from time to time. Other duties, tasks, and work may be assigned.

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