Lead P&C Commissioning Specialist

Group-CBS; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Group-CBS is seeking a hands-on leader to oversee testing, commissioning, and maintenance of electrical protection and control systems in substations and power facilities. You will manage projects from planning through execution, serve as the main customer contact, coordinate field teams, and ensure safe, on-time, and standards-compliant delivery.

The role requires 5+ years in protection and controls, strong relay testing knowledge, and experience with relay test equipment and automation

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's in electrical power systems or equivalent military/technical training.
• 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 (TCP/IP, DNP, Modbus, Ethernet, fiber, serial).
• Understanding of NERC and CIP compliance requirements.
• Strong project management, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead primary customer contact on assigned projects and coordinate field activities.
• Develop and execute commissioning test plans; verify protection and control system operation.
• Oversee safety meetings, project planning, and cost/timeline management.
• Mentor field personnel and ensure policy and safety compliance.
• Support proposals, estimates, and change orders; assist business development.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Associate's degree in electrical power systems

Bachelor's degree in electrical power systems

Technical school training

Military experience in electrical power systems

Tools

SEL

GE

ABB

Siemens

Novatech

Cooper

Job description

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 performanceCommunicate 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

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
• 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.