Testing & Commissioning Engineer II, III, Sr. or Staff - Substation Experience

Ampirical Solutions LLC; Covington (LA); Remote; USD 52,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with 4% match

PTO: 80h vacation, 40h sick, 10 hols

Profit-sharing bonus 10-20%

Gym membership stipend

Wellness program

Fertility benefits

Pet insurance

Job summary

Ampirical Solutions LLC is seeking a Power Commissioning Engineer II with substation experience for a remote role with extensive travel. You will develop commissioning plans, prepare relay settings, and perform testing on substation equipment across multiple relay families.

This position requires the ability to travel regionally or nationally, maintain meticulous documentation, and ensure compliance with industry standards such as NETA and NERC.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass drug and background screenings.
• No travel restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Develop commissioning plans for substations including design and protection & control.
• Create relay settings files for SEL, GE, Basler, ABB and Siemens relays.
• Perform testing and commissioning of substation equipment (circuit breakers, transformers, CTs/PTs, switches, bus systems, protective relays).
• Conduct electrical testing ( insulation resistance, contact resistance, power factor, TTR, winding resistance).
• Test current transformers and relay panels; verify protective relay functionality.
• Support SCADA/RTU I/O verification and automation testing.
• Travel regionally or nationally as required; document results and maintain records.

Skills

Independent work in energized substas

Safety-first mindset

Mechanical/technical aptitude

Willingness to travel

TWIC eligibility

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Megger

Doble

Vanguard

Omicron

Job description

This role is a remote position with high travel (up to 75%) with specific needs in Northern Virginia. About Ampirical At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive. We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.

Why Ampirical?

• Hourly Rate : $38/Hour - $85/Hour - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
• Profit-Sharing Bonus : Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
• Day-One Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting
• PTO : Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
• Career Development : Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
• Perks : Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more

Your Role

Power Commissioning Engineer II - Substation Experience - Remote with Travel

What You’ll Do

• Develop commissioning plans for substation projects, including physical design and protection & control (P&C) components.
• Create relay settings files for SEL, GE, and Basler relays using protection summaries and AC/DC schematics.
• Perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment such as circuit breakers, power transformers, CTs/PTs, switches, bus systems, and protective relays.
• Conduct electrical testing including insulation resistance, contact resistance, power factor (Doble), TTR, winding resistance, timing, SFRA, and GPS-based end-to-end relay testing.
• Test current transformers, relay panels, and verify full protective relay functionality.
• Support and perform SCADA and SCADA/RTU I/O verification, including automation testing.
• Adjust and verify the operation of group-operated switches.
• Troubleshoot relay misoperations, equipment failures, and protection logic issues.
• Interpret and verify one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, protection logic, and as-built drawings.
• Operate industry-standard test equipment including Megger, Doble, Vanguard, and Omicron.
• Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, relay settings, and redline/as-built drawings.
• Ensure compliance with NETA, NERC PRC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and utility safety standards.
• Collaborate with engineers, design teams, utilities, contractors, and field personnel.
• Travel regionally or nationally 100%, including overnight stays.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors Degree from an ABET credited school and minimum 2+ years for II (4+ years for III or 6+ years for Sr. or 8+ years for Staff ) of experience in testing and commissioning substations or related technical experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass drug and background screenings
• No travel restrictions
• Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety-first mindset
• NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher preferred
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 or 30
• OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E (or ability to obtain)
• Experience in energized substations under utility safety rules
• Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers
• Knowledge of NETA ATS/ASTM, IEEE, NERC PRC, and NESC standards

Experience

• Detailed knowledge of relay systems and substation equipment
• Understanding of substation physical design and P&C
• Understanding of protection concepts around bus, transformer, transmission line, and distribution line protection
• Ability to work independently in energized substations
• Strong drawing/schematic interpretation skills

What Success Looks Like

• Strong documentation discipline and accurate test reporting
• Effective communication with both field teams and customers
• Continuous growth in technical skills and industry certifications
• Reliability and professionalism while working in the field

Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.