Substation Commissioning Engineer

Actalent; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 82,656 - 110,208; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent in Denver, CO is seeking a Substation Commissioning Engineer for a Contract-to-Hire, on-site role. The position emphasizes field commissioning of substations across Colorado with local and travel assignments.

You will lead protection and controls testing, relay logic verification, and final energization sign-off, applying a strong three-phase electrical systems background. A degree in electrical engineering and PE license are preferred, with 5+ years of field experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of field experience in substation protection and controls testing.
• Extensive hands-on experience performing substation commissioning and energization support.
• Strong background in protection and controls testing for substation systems.
• Proven experience with relay testing and relay logic verification.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning efforts for greenfield and brownfield substations across Colorado.
• Perform protection and controls testing and validation to confirm system performance and reliability.
• Review, execute, and document relay testing activities, including logic verification for protection schemes.
• Provide final sign-off prior to energization of substations and equipment.

Skills

Substation protection testing

Relay testing

Three-phase electrical systems

Field engineering

Travel to Colorado

Education

Electrical engineering degree preferred

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Tools

Relay testing equipment

Job description

Job Title: Substation Commissioning Engineer

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning efforts for both greenfield and brownfield substations across Colorado.
• Perform comprehensive protection and controls testing and validation to confirm system performance and reliability.
• Review, execute, and document relay testing activities, including logic verification for protection schemes.
• Apply a solid understanding of three-phase electrical systems to assess system readiness and functionality.
• Provide final sign-off prior to energization of substations and equipment, ensuring all systems are fully operational.
• Take ownership of final checks before energization, maintaining high attention to detail and accountability.
• Deliver hands‑on commissioning and final energization support at substation sites, resolving issues identified during testing.
• Collaborate with project teams to support the highest-impact phase of substation projects and contribute directly to project success.
• Work comfortably in field environments, including live, high-impact settings during the final stages of energization.
• Participate in local and travel assignments, coordinating activities to meet project schedules and commissioning milestones.

Essential Skills

• At least 5+ years of field experience in substation protection and controls testing.
• Extensive hands‑on experience performing substation commissioning and final energization support.
• Strong background in protection and controls testing for substation systems.
• Proven experience with relay testing and relay logic verification to validate protection schemes.
• Solid understanding of three-phase electrical systems and their application in substation environments.
• Demonstrated ability to take responsibility for final sign‑off prior to energization, with high attention to detail.
• Comfort working in field environments, including live and high‑impact substation sites.
• Willingness and ability to travel across Colorado, including trips of up to approximately two weeks at a time.
• Ability to work primarily within the Denver Metro area while supporting projects across the state.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Electrical engineering degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• Senior relay technicians with 10–15+ years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in relay setting development and configuration.
• Substation design experience, particularly related to protection and controls systems.
• Exposure to project leadership responsibilities and interest in developing into roles such as Project Manager, Field Service Manager, or Operations leadership.
• Based in the Denver Metro area or Colorado Springs preferred.
• Openness to relocation; relocation and sign‑on bonus may be available for strong candidates.
• Desire to work on complex protection and control systems and critical infrastructure projects.
• Motivation to grow compensation through technical advancement and increased responsibility.

Work Environment

This is a field-based role working at substation sites across Colorado, with a mix of local assignments in the Denver Metro area and travel‑based projects of up to approximately two weeks at a time. You will work in live, high‑impact environments during the final stages of energization, where safety, precision, and clear communication are essential. The position offers exposure to advanced protection and controls technologies, relay systems, and critical infrastructure. You will operate in outdoor and industrial settings typical of substations, collaborating closely with project teams and field personnel. The work schedule is driven by project needs, with flexibility required to support commissioning timelines and travel. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, accountability for final system performance, and a clear path into leadership roles, supported by strong opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Denver, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Denver,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.