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

Ampirical; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with 4% match

PTO: 80 hours vacation, 40 sick, 10hol

Tuition reimbursement

Gym membership stipend

Fertility benefits

Pet insurance

Job summary

Ampirical is seeking a Power Commissioning Engineer II with substations experience for a remote role with up to 75% travel, centered in Northern Virginia.

You’ll develop commissioning plans, create relay settings, test and commission equipment, verify protection schemes, support SCADA/RTU verification, and collaborate with field teams to ensure safe, reliable operations across regions. Travel regionally or nationally with overnight stays is required.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS degree required.
• 2+ years in testing/commissioning substations (4+ for senior levels).
• NICET Level I or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop commissioning plans for substation projects including P&C components.
• Create relay settings files for SEL, GE, Basler relays from protection summaries.
• Perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment (CBs, transformers, CTs/PTs, switches).
• Conduct insulation, resistance, power factor, TTR, winding tests and GPS-based relay tests.
• Test and verify protective relay functionality and SCADA/RTU I/O verification.

Skills

Substation testing

Protection concepts

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree

Tools

SEL relays

GE relays

ABB relays

Siemens relays

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.