Commissioning Manager

MC Technology Staffing; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 100 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm in South Africa is seeking a Commissioning Manager to oversee commissioning and performance verification for utility-scale Solar PV projects. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and manage the handover from construction to commercial operation. The role requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in electrical commissioning and a BSc/BTech in Electrical Engineering. Proficiency in MV/HV systems and strong leadership skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in electrical/renewable energy commissioning.
• 5+ completed Solar PV plants in a commissioning lead role.
• Strong understanding of MV/HV systems and grid integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commissioning activities for utility-scale Solar PV projects.
• Ensure compliance with PPA obligations and grid requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive commissioning records and reports.

Skills

Leadership

Commissioning Management

Problem-Solving

Documentation

Technical Coordination

Education

BSc / BTech in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Overview

The Commissioning Manager will lead and coordinate all commissioning, energisation, testing, and performance verification activities for utility-scale Solar PV projects. The role ensures full compliance with grid, PPA, and regulatory requirements, and manages the complete handover process from construction to COD. One Commissioning Manager will be assigned per site.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning Leadership

• Lead all commissioning activities including energisation, functional testing, subsystem verification, and performance testing.
• Develop and manage the commissioning schedule in alignment with EPC, OEMs, and grid operator requirements.
• Direct daily commissioning tasks, issue logs, and readiness checks.

Grid & PPA Compliance

• Ensure commissioning processes comply with PPA obligations, Grid Code, and utility/System Operator requirements.
• Coordinate grid compliance testing, performance runs, and dispatch readiness.
• Review commissioning procedures, test plans, and acceptance criteria.

Handover, Sequencing & Punch Management

• Lead punch-list creation, prioritisation, and close-out.
• Manage sequencing from Practical Completion (PAC) through to Commercial Operation Date (COD) handover.
• Ensure all documentation, evidence packs, and compliance records are complete and accurate.

Technical Coordination

• Coordinate commissioning interfaces with EPC teams, OEMs, electrical engineers, SCADA teams, and utility representatives.
• Resolve technical issues affecting energisation, testing, protection, communication, or system performance.
• Conduct technical reviews of commissioning reports, SCADA data trends, and test results.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive commissioning records, test sheets, energisation reports, and grid compliance evidence.
• Provide daily and weekly commissioning progress reports.
• Ensure all documentation meets QA/QC requirements and contractual obligations.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• BSc / BTech in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current / Power Systems preferred).
• 8+ years experience in electrical/renewable energy commissioning.
• 5+ completed Solar PV plants in a commissioning lead or senior role.
• Strong understanding of MV/HV systems, protection, SCADA, and grid integration.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and coordination capability across EPC, OEM, and grid operator teams.
• Deep knowledge of grid compliance testing and PPA performance requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills in live-systems environments.
• High attention to detail with strong documentation and reporting discipline.