Testing & Commissioning Engineer II, III, Sr. or Staff - Substation Experience

Summary

Ampirical is an energy-sector company focused on shaping the future of the power grid through innovative and quality-driven solutions. The Testing & Commissioning Engineer will develop commissioning plans, configure and test substation protection and control systems, troubleshoot equipment and relay issues, document results, ensure safety and standards compliance, and collaborate with project stakeholders while traveling extensively.

Responsibilities

• Develop commissioning plans for substation projects, including physical design and protection & control (P&C) components
• Create relay settings files for SEL, GE, and Basler relays using protection summaries and AC/DC schematics
• Perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment such as circuit breakers, power transformers, CTs/PTs, switches, bus systems, and protective relays
• Conduct electrical testing including insulation resistance, contact resistance, power factor (Doble), TTR, winding resistance, timing, SFRA, and GPS‑based end‑to‑end relay testing
• Test current transformers, relay panels, and verify full protective relay functionality
• Support and perform SCADA and SCADA/RTU I/O verification, including automation testing
• Adjust and verify the operation of group‑operated switches
• Troubleshoot relay misoperations, equipment failures, and protection logic issues
• Interpret and verify one‑line diagrams, wiring schematics, protection logic, and as‑built drawings
• Operate industry‑standard test equipment including Megger, Doble, Vanguard, and Omicron
• Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, relay settings, and redline/as‑built drawings
• Ensure compliance with NETA, NERC PRC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and utility safety standards
• Collaborate with engineers, design teams, utilities, contractors, and field personnel
• Travel regionally or nationally 100%, including overnight stays

Skills

• Bachelors Degree from an ABET credited school
• Minimum 2+ years for II (4+ years for III or 6+ years for Sr. or 8+ years for Staff ) of experience in testing and commissioning substations or related technical experience
• Valid driver's license
• No travel restrictions
• Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety‑first mindset
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card
• Ability to pass drug and background screenings
• NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher
• OSHA 10 or 30
• OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E (or ability to obtain)
• Experience in energized substations under utility safety rules
• Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers
• Knowledge of NETA ATS/ASTM, IEEE, NERC PRC, and NESC standards
• Detailed knowledge of relay systems and substation equipment
• Understanding of substation physical design and P&C
• Understanding of protection concepts around bus, transformer, transmission line, and distribution line protection
• Ability to work independently in energized substations
• Strong drawing/schematic interpretation skills

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelors Degree from an ABET credited school
• minimum 2+ years for II (4+ years for III or 6+ years for Sr. or 8+ years for Staff ) of experience in testing and commissioning substations or related technical experience
• Valid driver's license
• No travel restrictions
• Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety‑first mindset
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card
• Ability to pass drug and background screenings

Nice to Haves

• NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher
• OSHA 10 or 30
• OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E (or ability to obtain)
• Experience in energized substations under utility safety rules
• Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers
• Knowledge of NETA ATS/ASTM, IEEE, NERC PRC, and NESC standards
• Detailed knowledge of relay systems and substation equipment
• Understanding of substation physical design and P&C
• Understanding of protection concepts around bus, transformer, transmission line, and distribution line protection
• Ability to work independently in energized substations
• Strong drawing/schematic interpretation skills

Benefits

• Profit-Sharing Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
• Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting
• PTO: Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
• Career Development: Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
• Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more
• This role is a remote position