Transmission and Commissioning Manager

Zelestra; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Retirement savings benefits

Job summary

Zelestra is seeking a Transmission and Commissioning Manager to lead high-voltage construction, interconnection, and commissioning for utility-scale renewable projects in the United States. You will manage EPC contractors, coordinate with utilities, and drive on-time, on-budget delivery while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role offers remote work with 20%+ travel, a strong salary, and a benefits package including health, retirement, and life insurance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, STEM, Business/Economics, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience, including 3+ years in commercial and regulated energy markets.
• Strong background in transmission planning, utility-scale engineering, project management, and interconnection.
• Proven experience securing interconnection approvals for U.S. renewable energy projects across RTO/ISO markets.
• Experience with transmission analysis, load flow, capacity, congestion, and related modeling tools such as TARA, PSS/E, or PSLF preferred.
• Strong understanding of power markets, interconnection, permitting, regulatory approvals, project development, engineering, and construction.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects, negotiate with counterparties, and drive projects through completion.
• Excellent project management, communication, stakeholder management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial acumen, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, coachable, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Transmission Construction and Execution: Oversee construction of substations, generation tie lines, and high-voltage infrastructure.
• Interconnection and Utility Coordination: Manage interconnection construction and commissioning requirements.
• Commissioning and Energization: Oversee commissioning plans, contractors, equipment testing, SCADA integration, and energization.
• Project Management and Operational Turnover: Manage schedules, budgets, contractor performance, and project risks.
• Coordinate with Asset Management, Operations, and ROCC for turnover and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Transmission planning

Project management

Interconnection coordination

Vendor/EPC leadership

SCADA integration

Communication

Travel coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

TARA

PSS/E

PSLF

Job description

Join Zelestra: Powering a Carbon-Free FutureAt Zelestra, we are on a mission to change the world by making decarbonization a reality for our partners. As a client-focused, multi-technology, global renewable energy company, we work tirelessly to do things right, to push ourselves and our clients further, and to get the results that matter. With a key emphasis on innovation and collaboration, Zelestra is committed to helping customers, communities, and stakeholders through tailored solutions, local employment, and strong sustainability.

Position Snapshot

Industry: Utility-Scale Renewable EnergyLocation: U.S.Job Type: Remote l Full-Time | PermanentRole Reports To: VP of Construction

Position Summary

The Transmission and Commissioning Manager oversees transmission construction, high-voltage infrastructure, commissioning, energization, and operational turnover for Zelestra's utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects. This role manages third-party contractors, utility coordination, project schedules, and technical execution to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. The ideal candidate is a results-driven professional who proactively identifies risks, resolves challenges, and drives successful project execution through commercial operation.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, STEM, Business/Economics, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience, including 3+ years in commercial and regulated energy markets.
• Strong background in transmission planning, utility-scale engineering, project management, and interconnection.
• Proven experience securing interconnection approvals for U.S. renewable energy projects across RTO/ISO markets.
• Experience with transmission analysis, load flow, capacity, congestion, and related modeling tools such as TARA, PSS/E, or PSLF preferred.
• Strong understanding of power markets, interconnection, permitting, regulatory approvals, project development, engineering, and construction.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects, negotiate with counterparties, and drive projects through completion.
• Excellent project management, communication, stakeholder management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial acumen, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, coachable, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Remote-based role requiring 20%+ travel.

Position Responsibilities

Transmission Construction and Execution

• Oversee construction of substations, generation tie lines, and high-voltage infrastructure.
• Manage EPC contractors, schedules, milestones, equipment deliveries, and quality.
• Mitigate transmission risks and coordinate with internal teams and utilities to ensure project readiness.

Interconnection and Utility Coordination

• Manage interconnection construction and commissioning requirements.
• Coordinate utility inspections, outages, testing, energization, and approvals to prevent delays.

Commissioning and Energization

• Oversee commissioning plans, contractors, equipment testing, SCADA integration, and energization.
• Resolve technical issues while ensuring safety, contractual, and operational compliance.

Project Management and Operational Turnover

• Manage schedules, budgets, contractor performance, and project risks.
• Provide leadership updates and partner with EHS on electrical safety.
• Coordinate with Asset Management, Operations, and ROCC for successful turnover.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardized processes.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated starting salary for this role is $150,000 annual plus a competitive bonus structure. Actual pay will vary depending on job-related factors, such as the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Zelestra offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Retirement savings benefits

Zelestra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

#LI-SG1#LI-REMOTELet's co-build a carbon-free tomorrow!Visit us at zelestra.energy