Substation Commissioning Technician - Minnesota

Black & Veatch Family of Companies; Minneota (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Black & Veatch Family of Companies seeks a Transmission Substation Commissioning Technician to verify equipment is commissioned per contract and design. You will work within the engineer’s discipline, set up equipment, calibrate, test protection relays, RTU/RTAC, and document commissioning activities in support of project delivery.

Ideal candidates have or pursuing NICET/NETA certifications, hands-on relay testing experience, and a commitment to safety in a demanding field environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with field startup and relay testing in substations.
• NICET/NETA certifications preferred for electrical testing roles.
• Able to operate test equipment safely on site.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate substation equipment.
• Verify device set points and perform SCADA alarms checks.
• Test protection relays, RTU, RTAC and document results.
• Assist and learn DC function and secondary injection testing.

Skills

Startup experience

Relay testing

Field testing

Education

NICET certification

NETA certification

Tools

Doble

Megger

Job description

Why Black and Veatch

Join the Black & Veatch Construction team and build with pride . As a 100% employee‑owned company, every role matters — you own your work, your impact, and your future. We lead with care , and safety is non‑negotiable and embedded into every role, site and decision , ensuring our teams return home safe, every day.

From field engineering to project management to quality and startup, you’ll work with cutting‑edge technology, learn from seasoned experts, and grow through real‑world, hands‑on experience. With a strong backlog across power, water, grid, and industrial markets, you’ll have the stability to grow and the opportunity to shape what comes next.

Job Summary

Verification that Transmission Substation Equipment is commissioned in compliance with project contract and specification requirements, conforms to design operational feasibility, and is set up and tested per the supplier’s requirements, within the engineer’s discipline capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Sets up equipment.
• Performs eqiupment calibration
• Confirms device set points per design
• Performs alarms checks to SCADA per substation commissioning package
• Loads and test settings and programming in protection relays, RTU, RTAC
• Performs required functional testing of equipment and systems
• Verifies equipment installation per design
• Walks down substation for erection completion
• Identifies damaged or failed devices for replacements within completion schedule
• Prepares testing and commissioning documentation
• Assisting and learning aspects of substation yard apparatus testing
• Learning and implementing safety protocols and procedures
• Familiarity with substation schematic sets, able t navigate prints to find necessary drawings.
• Learning how to properly and safely operate a man-lift
• Assisting and learning the aspects of DC function testing
• Assisting and learning the aspects of secondary injection of currents and potentials
• Learning how to properly identify different equipment in substations
• Adheres to safety and quality standards as applicable to duties and accountabilities
• Supports continuous improvement efforts and the change management effects associated with the implementation of improvements
• Compliance with any applicable lasws and regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• NICET or NETA certification preferred. 2+ years of relevant startup experience preferred.
• Previous experience using Doble, Megger, or other relay testing equipment

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Certifications

OSHA 10 Hour Training

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Physical Demands:

• Lift and carry heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, Kneel, Bend, Stoop, Move, and Walk long distances in and around confined, cluttered places, and uneven areas.
• See and hear naturally or with correction.
• Full range of motion and flexibility consistent with requirements of the job duties.
• Requires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls according to a set procedure.
• Requires repetitive movement.
• May require work above 5 feet in height.
• Climb and maintain balance on steel framework, stairs, ladders and scaffolds.
• Work up to a 12 hour shift doing hard physical labor in varying temperature extremes and other outside conditions.

Work Environment:

• Typical construction site environment:
• Requires working in cramped work spaces and getting into awkward positions.
• Requires working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32F degrees) temperatures and exposure to inclement weather such as dust, wind, snow, rain, etc.
• Requires working in extremely bright or low lighting conditions
• Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Work around hazardous equipment.
• Typical office environment.
• This position is considered a safety sensitive position.