Lead Commissioning Professional Engineer

Position Overview

The Lead Commissioning Engineer serves as the senior technical authority on‑site, responsible for the end‑to‑end execution of commissioning programs at community to utility‑scale solar PV projects. This role develops detailed testing and commissioning proposals derived directly from engineered IFC drawings and project design documents, builds out detailed internal test plans that exceed the expectations of our clients, leads and develops a team of junior engineers and field technicians, and ensures all electrical and mechanical systems are installed, tested, and verified in accordance with project specifications, applicable utility electrical codes, and manufacturer requirements prior to energization and commercial operation.

In addition to testing & commissioning services, the Lead Engineer will also support our expanding O&M services — including building O&M proposals based on IFC sets and system design, troubleshooting and assisting in maintenance recommendations & solutions when systems are down, and overseeing yearly inspections and add‑on services for our clients.

• Lead and coordinate all commissioning activities for utility‑scale solar PV projects, including inverters, trackers, SCADA/DAS, met stations, and interconnection equipment.
• Develop testing and commissioning proposals by interpreting engineered drawings (single‑line diagrams, protection coordination studies, equipment schedules, site plans, and interconnection drawings), translating design intent into detailed test plans, procedures, and acceptance checklists.
• Perform and oversee functional testing of AC/DC electrical systems, protection relays, inverters, step‑up transformers, and medium‑voltage switch gear.
• Coordinate with EPC contractors, OEM representatives, the utility, and the Owner's Engineer to resolve punch list items and technical issues.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements, site safety plans, and OSHA regulations during all commissioning activities.
• Document test results, prepare commissioning reports, and maintain accurate records of as‑built conditions and equipment settings.
• Support energization procedures and utility witness testing, serving as the technical point of contact during grid interconnection.
• Identify and communicate project risks, schedule impacts, and technical deficiencies to the Project Manager.
• Provide technical oversight and mentorship to field commissioning technicians.
• This role is approximately 50–75% field‑based with regular travel across our operating markets: ME, NH, MA, NY, PA, DE, VA, IL, TX.

• Grid Emulation Testing - Simulate utility‑grid conditions to confirm inverters, switch gear, and protection equipment respond correctly before grid connection.
• DAS Pre‑Qualification - Verify all Data Acquisition System devices, sensors, and communication pathways meet configuration and performance requirements.
• DAS Remote Commissioning - Complete final setup, configuration, and functionality checks of the DAS system, ensuring live site data is accessible and reporting correctly.
• Insulation Resistance Testing - Measure insulation quality on conductors, equipment, and circuits to ensure no unwanted leakage current or degradation.
• IV Curve Testing - Capture current‑voltage characteristics of PV strings and modules to verify performance, identify hidden defects, and confirm expected production values.
• Open Circuit Voltage Testing - Measure string/module voltage with no load applied to confirm correct wiring, polarity, and module count.
• Inverter Cold Commissioning - Perform all inverter checks, programming, and verifications before energization, including firmware, settings, communication, and safety interlocks.
• Transformer Cold Commissioning - Inspect and verify transformer wiring, tap settings, grounding, oil levels (if applicable), and relay protections prior to energized testing.
• Main Circuit Breaker Programming - Configure protection settings, time‑current curves, trip levels, and communication parameters for the site main circuit breaker.
• Switchboard Breaker Settings - Set and confirm individual breaker…