Electrical Commissioning Manager

Electrical Commissioning Manager / Senior CxA (MV/HV) What This Role Does

• Leads the commissioning, testing, and energization of medium- and high-voltage electrical infrastructure.
• Oversees the transition from construction to live power operations.
• Manages testing teams, installation contractors, and commissioning specialists.
• Enforces strict electrical safety, switching, and maintenance standards.

• Primary project located in the Chicago area with expected long-term site involvement (3-5+ years)
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally or offshore as needed
• Participate in Factory Witness Testing (FWT) at global manufacturing facilities prior to equipment shipment
• Travel to vendor locations to witness testing of transformers, switch gear, GIS, protection systems, and other critical electrical equipment
• Represent the owner/client during factory acceptance and commissioning activities
• Occasional short‑notice travel may be required to support project schedules and equipment delivery timelines

• Lead commissioning activities from pre‑commissioning through final energization.
• Oversee Level 1-5 commissioning programs.
• Manage testing and startup of transformers, switch gear, substations, GIS, and protection systems.

• Travel internationally to witness factory testing of electrical equipment.
• Verify equipment quality and compliance before shipment to site.
• Coordinate installation crews, testing contractors, vendors, and commissioning teams.
• Ensure a smooth transition from construction to operations.

• Establish and enforce high‑voltage safety procedures.
• Manage switching orders, LOTO programs, work permits, and energization protocols.
• Serve as or direct Authorized Person (AP) / Senior Authorized Person (SAP) activities.

• Review relay testing results and protection system performance.
• Support troubleshooting of relay operations, protection schemes, and grid disturbances.
• Review COMTRADE files, secondary injection testing results, and system settings.

• Work directly with EPC firms, utilities, equipment manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate all technical activities required for energization.

• Review and approve:
• FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing)
• SAT (Site Acceptance Testing)

• Utility substations
• Power transformers
• Transmission and distribution systems
• Generator Step‑Up (GSU) transformers

• MV switch gear
• Loop switches
• Distribution systems

• SEL relays
• SCADA systems
• EPMS (Emergency Power Management Systems)

• 8+ years of MV/HV commissioning experience
• Utility, substation, data center, or industrial power infrastructure experience
• Strong relay and protection systems knowledge
• Experience leading energization activities
• Familiar with utility coordination and switching procedures
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering preferred
• AP/SAP certification preferred
• Valid passport and willingness to travel internationally