Pre Commissioning Engineer

Pre-Commissioning Engineer

This role serves as a pre-commissioning agent based out of the Amarillo area, managing substation protection and controls projects across greenfield and brownfield sites in various stages of energization. The pre-commissioning engineer coordinates construction-phase activities, ensures proper implementation of protection and control schemes, and supports the safe and reliable energization of high-voltage substations. High-performing individuals in this role may have the opportunity to transition into more technical and higher-paying commissioning positions.

Responsibilities:

• Manage substation protection and controls projects from the pre-commissioning perspective, focusing on both greenfield and brownfield substations in various stages of energization.
• Coordinate and schedule multiple stakeholders involved in the construction phase of substation projects to ensure timely and efficient completion of work.
• Work on-site at substations up to five days per week for approximately 10 hours per day, often remaining at the same location for several months at a time.
• Interpret and work from schematics, wiring diagrams, and protection and control drawings to verify correct installation and readiness for commissioning.
• Oversee and verify substation wiring, particularly wiring that is #10 AWG and smaller, to ensure it meets design, safety, and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with relay technicians, engineers, and field crews to ensure proper implementation of relay, protection, and control equipment.
• Support relay testing, protection and control checks, and functional verification of substation systems as projects approach energization.
• Assist in identifying and resolving issues related to substation design, protection and control schemes, and field wiring during the pre-commissioning phase.
• Contribute to the preparation and organization of documentation related to substation protection and control systems, including test records and as-built information.
• Demonstrate strong safety awareness and adherence to procedures when working in high-voltage substation environments.
• Maintain clear communication with project teams, utilities, and other stakeholders regarding project status, scheduling, and technical issues.
• Pursue continuous improvement and professional development with the goal of progressing into more advanced commissioning roles.

Essential

Skills:

• At least 5 years of field experience in substation protection and controls.
• Hands-on experience with substation protection and control implementation in high-voltage environments.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and protection and control drawings.
• High-level substation wiring experience, particularly with wiring that is #10 AWG and smaller.
• Practical experience as a relay technician or in a similar relay-focused field role.
• Strong understanding of protection and control principles for transmission and substation systems.
• Experience working with relay equipment, relay testing, and associated protection schemes.
• Knowledge of substation design, switch gear, and high-voltage equipment.
• Familiarity with electric utility and transmission system operations.
• Ability to coordinate and schedule multiple stakeholders during substation construction and pre-commissioning.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site five days per week for long shifts (around 10 hours per day) at project locations.
• Capacity to work in greenfield and brownfield substations at different stages of energization.
• Strong safety mindset when working in high-voltage environments.
• Residence in, or willingness to regularly work within, the Texas / Oklahoma panhandle and southeastern New Mexico regions.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Electrical engineering or related technical degree, which may be considered as part of the required years of experience.
• Experience with SCADA systems and their integration with substation protection and control schemes.
• Experience in substation design and protection and control engineering.
• Familiarity with utility and energy sector standards and practices.
• Experience with specialized testing tools and equipment, such as Omicron or similar relay testing platforms.
• Exposure to commissioning activities for substations and high-voltage installations.
• Ability to relocate or travel within the Texas / Oklahoma panhandle and southeastern New Mexico regions, with potential relocation support for highly qualified candidates.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with field crews, engineers, and utility personnel.

Work Environment:

This position is field-based and requires regular on-site presence at high-voltage substations located throughout the Texas / Oklahoma panhandle and southeastern New Mexico. The role typically involves working five days per week for approximately 10-hour shifts, often at the same project location for several consecutive months. Work takes place in both greenfield and brownfield substations at various stages of…