What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commissioning Technician position at ABM US?
ABM is seeking an experienced Electrical Distribution Commissioning Technician to join our growing Power & Technical Services team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that low- and medium-voltage electrical systems are installed, tested, and commissioned safely, accurately, and in compliance with industry standards. You will play a critical role in verifying system integrity, optimizing performance, and supporting our clients through the energization and turnover process.
What You’ll Do,
As a Commissioning Technician at ABM, you’ll serve as the trusted technical leader for the startup, testing, and validation of complex power distribution systems.
Key Responsibilities:
• Serve as a daily champion of safety and Human Performance Improvement (HPI), modeling best practices for the commissioning team.
• Lead Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), maintaining a safe, compliant, and high-performing jobsite environment.
• Perform detailed commissioning, functional testing, and operational verification of low- and medium-voltage switchgear, breakers, transformers, and protection systems.
• Verify, configure, and commission microprocessor relays—including SEL, GE, ABB, and Westinghouse—to ensure correct protection logic, communication schemes, and system coordination.
• Execute system-level testing such as end-to-end protection testing, SCADA point-to-point verification, and interlock validation.
• Interpret complex electrical drawings (one-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams) and proactively identify discrepancies, ensuring issues are documented and corrected.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and client teams to resolve technical issues, clarify design requirements, and support project planning.
• Develop or refine commissioning test plans and procedures to ensure project-specific scopes are executed thoroughly and consistently.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including test reports, relay settings verification, redlines, daily logs, timesheets, and expenses.
• Support startup and energization planning, including outage coordination, equipment readiness checks, and safety walkdowns.
• Provide mentoring and technical guidance to junior technicians and commissioning support staff.
What You Bring,
• 4 years of hands-on experience in electrical testing and commissioning, specifically within power distribution, protection, and control systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology preferred; equivalent technical experience considered.
• Demonstrated proficiency with SEL, GE, ABB, and Westinghouse protection relays, including configuration, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Experience with relay test equipment, CT/PT test equipment, insulation resistance testers, and other standard electrical test tools.
• Strong proficiency using test software such as Pro-Test, Protection Suite, or RTS, including developing automated test routines.
• Experience creating and executing commissioning test plans, FAT/SAT procedures, and turnover documentation.
• Solid understanding of NERC PRC-005-6, equipment maintenance standards, and best practices for work in high-voltage substations.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate engineering drawings, relay settings, and electrical logic diagrams with high attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to lead field activities, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and document test results clearly.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with the ability to work independently in dynamic field environments.
Why ABM
Joining ABM means becoming part of a company committed to safety, technical excellence, and long-term customer success. We invest in our people through continual training, certification support, and opportunities to work on complex, high-profile electrical infrastructure projects. Our teams benefit from a collaborative environment where expertise is valued, innovation is encouraged, and career growth is supported at every level. With competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a strong culture of performance and accountability, ABM provides a place where commissioning engineers can thrive and elevate their careers.