Staff Commissioning Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec Services; Saco (ME); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)/Profit Sharing

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Wunderlich-Malec Services in Saco, Maine is seeking a Staff Commissioning/Testing Engineer to lead testing and commissioning of electrical equipment in substations. This role includes direct involvement in critical testing, mentoring, and the ability to travel at least 50% of the time.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in engineering and proven experience in three-phase power systems and relay testing. The position offers competitive benefits and a collaborative working environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or engineering technology preferred.
• Proven ability to motivate and mentor in a collaborative environment.
• In-depth understanding of three-phase power systems and protection schemes.

Responsibilities

• Lead testing and commissioning of electrical equipment.
• Review specifications and engineering drawings.
• Perform critical tests and direct crews during commissioning.

Skills

Motivating and mentoring

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Relay test sets

SCADA

RTU

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Services (WM) is a 100% employee‑owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well‑established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

• 100% employee‑owned with 40+ years of industry history
• A Top 5 Systems Integrator Giant
• ENR Top 500 Firm

Primary Purpose

The Staff Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for leading and/or supporting the testing and commissioning of electrical equipment within an electrical substation or generator plant. The role includes performing and directing all aspects of electrical testing, including but not limited to protection relays, circuit breakers, transformers and other substation equipment. The Engineer will also support and train new engineers/technicians in relay testing, equipment testing and substation commissioning.

Major Responsibilities

• Review specifications and engineering drawings to understand the purpose and functionality of the substation.
• Directly witness or perform critical tests such as DC Functional Trip Testing prior to energization and in‑service.
• Direct crews as necessary during critical work junctures (final commissioning and through startup).
• Perform all electrical testing including, but not limited to, P&C control equipment.
• Demonstrate the ability to service newly designed and experimental equipment, instilling confidence in the customer.
• Manage resources and services required to install electrical equipment.
• Demonstrate safety consciousness in equipment handling, electrical and electronic procedures, and the unique situations encountered at diverse work sites.
• Maintain all service equipment, including all test equipment and tools, and keep sufficient inventory to respond to standard calls.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers, demonstrating an awareness of customer needs and constraints.
• Assist in the development of estimates for client proposals.
• Apply knowledge of programming and testing protection relays from GE, SEL, ALSTOM, SCHNEIDER, SIEMENS, and ABB; develop programming macros for automated relay testing.
• Understand AC and DC elementary diagrams, wiring diagrams, and one‑line drawings to develop testing requirements and procedures.
• Develop standard testing documentation and training procedures; maintain all project documentation including certifications and calibration records. Candidate should be able to obtain NICET certification or equivalent.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Proven ability to motivate, mentor, and optimize in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
• Goal oriented and focused.
• Strong drive, energy, enthusiasm, and proactive style.
• Experience managing technical projects of various sizes.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
• Proven problem‑solving and decision‑making ability.
• Strong organizational, multi‑tasking, and time‑management skills.
• Strong budget management skills.
• Independent work with the ability to guide less experienced engineers/technicians.

Job Requirements

Education

A bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical or engineering technology) from an accredited institution is preferred.

Experience

• In‑depth understanding of three‑phase power systems.
• In‑depth understanding of protection and control schemes and implementation.
• In‑depth experience utilizing relay test sets with various relay vendors including SEL, GE, Beckwith, ABB, Basler, etc., and various manufacturers of electromechanical relays.
• Experience and understanding of equipment testing—circuit breakers, transformers, circuit switchers, MOABS, CTs, PTs, batteries & chargers, transfer switches, line tuners, wave traps, carrier relays, etc.
• Experience executing in‑service power measurements (load checks).
• Experience leading crews to test and commission new and modified substations, including equipment isolation/restoration and complex circuit cutovers.
• Experience with rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systems.
• Experience testing previously programmed RTUs locally and remotely to system operators.
• Experience with SCADA, RTU, and DFR systems.

Travel

Ability to travel a minimum of 50%.

Driver’s License

Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver’s license.

Physical Demands of Position

Seeing, color perception, hearing, listening, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling; exposure to warm and cold temperature conditions, sun exposure, moisture, and potential exposure to hazardous materials and electrical voltages.

Working Conditions

Standard office work, work‑from‑home, and in‑field leadership: on‑site environment may require work in various temperature conditions; in and/or around moisture, on slippery and/or uneven surfaces, in confined spaces, and at heights. Frequent standing, driving a 4‑wheel drive vehicle, bending, squatting, climbing, twisting, balancing, and reaching are required. Exposure to noise, vibrations, and chemicals is possible. Irregular or extended hours, being on call, and travel for project completion may be required.

Job descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Short Term Disability
• Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral Bonus Program
• 401(k)/Profit Sharing
• 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Will Preparation Resources
• Worldwide Travel Assistance

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer. Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.