Testing & Commissioning Engineer II, III, Sr - Western US Region

Summary

Ampirical is shaping the future of the power grid through precision, innovation, and energy-sector solutions. The company is seeking a Power Commissioning Engineer to develop commissioning plans, create relay settings, test and troubleshoot substation equipment and protection systems, verify SCADA systems, maintain documentation, and travel 100% throughout the Western United States.

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
• Candidates must currently live in — or be willing to relocate to — the Western US
• NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher preferred
• 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
• Candidates must currently live in — or be willing to relocate to — the Western US

Nice to Haves

• NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher preferred
• 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
• Gym membership stipend
• Wellness program
• Fertility benefits
• Pet insurance