Commissioning Manager

Division: Bluewater Consulting Services (BCS)

Job Title: Commissioning Manager (1)

Location: Paris, TX

Start Date: ASAP

Duration: Through January 2027

Pay Rate: $95/hr straight time | $142.50/hr OT (anything in excess of 40 per week)

Per Diem: $150/day seven days a week regardless of work schedule.

Mobilization: $1,500.00 lump sum for mobilization and another $1,500.00 lump sum for demobilization.

Estimated

Hours:

Typical startup schedule. Schedule is client-directed and will fluctuate week to week.

Drug Screening: Required

Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States

Special Safety Req.: None specified

The Client is seeking a contract Commissioning Manager to lead startup and commissioning activities at one of the largest utility-scale solar facilities in the United States. This individual will manage startup execution across PV array blocks, inverters, medium voltage collection systems, and the substation interface, directing startup technicians and coordinating with construction, engineering, OEMs, and the owner. The assignment runs through January at the current site, with a planned transition to a second utility-scale solar project mid next year and continued work expected after that, making this a long-runway opportunity for the right startup leader.

• Lead and manage all startup and commissioning activities across the project, including PV array blocks, inverters, MV collection systems, and the substation and interconnection interface
• Direct startup technicians and subcontractor commissioning resources; plan, prioritize, and sequence startup work fronts to support the energization and completion schedule
• Develop and execute startup procedures, checklists, and test plans; ensure work is performed per engineering documents and OEM requirements
• Manage block-by-block energization, including MV switching, inverter commissioning, tracker commissioning, and performance verification
• Coordinate with construction teams on system turnover; manage punch lists and deficiency resolution through closure
• Interface with the owner, utility, and OEM representatives on testing, energization approvals, and acceptance requirements
• Oversee functional and performance testing and support capacity testing and substation protection verification
• Maintain startup documentation, test records, and turnover packages; report progress, risks, and schedule impacts to the Client’s project leadership
• Enforce safe energization practices across startup crews, including switching orders, LOTO, and energized work controls
• Comply with all site safety programs, OSHA and NFPA 70E requirements, and Client safety protocols

• Minimum 7 years of startup and commissioning experience on utility-scale solar or renewable generation projects, with prior experience leading startup as a manager or lead
• Strong knowledge of PV plant systems: central and string inverters, MV collection, trackers, SCADA, and substation and interconnection requirements
• Experienced directing startup technicians and subcontractors on fast-paced EPC projects; able to drive an energization schedule
• Working knowledge of safe switching, lockout/tagout, and NFPA 70E; able to manage energization boundaries on an active construction site
• Must be able to mobilize ASAP; willingness to transition to a follow-on solar project next year strongly preferred