Lead P&C Commissioning Specialist

Premier Power Maintenance; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier Power Maintenance is seeking a Lead P&C Commissioning Specialist to lead protection and control commissioning projects for substations and power facilities. This hands-on leadership role will coordinate field teams, manage safety, and ensure projects are completed on schedule and to industry standards.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in protection and controls or substation commissioning, strong relay testing knowledge, and proficiency with testing software and OEM tools.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in electrical power systems or related field.
• Minimum 5 years 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 probleming 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Protection & controls

Relay testing

Substation commissioning

Project management

Field leadership

Safety compliance

Education

Associate's degree in electrical power systems

Bachelor's degree in electrical power systems

Tools

Relay test equipment

Automated testing software

Microsoft Office

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

Job description

Lead P&C Commissioning Specialist

Category

Field Service

Job Location

Indianapolis, United States

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Location

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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