Commissioning Manager

Commissioning Manager – Utility‑Scale Battery Energy Storage (BESS)

Overview

The Commissioning Manager will serve as the Owner’s representative for utility‑scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, leading commissioning activities from system readiness through energization and parallel operation with the utility grid. This role is focused on technical verification, oversight, and leadership—not hands‑on construction or relay testing—ensuring all electrical, controls, protection, and communications systems are installed, tested, and operating safely and in full compliance prior to commercial operation.

This position supports complex power and renewable energy projects nationwide and offers a clear path into senior technical and service‑line leadership within a highly respected electrical testing and commissioning organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full commissioning lifecycle for utility‑scale BESS and other grid‑connected electrical systems, from readiness through energization and utility parallel operation
• Act as the Owner’s representative during commissioning, ensuring compliance with design intent, safety requirements, and applicable codes and standards
• Coordinate closely with EPC contractors, equipment vendors, third‑party testing firms, utilities, and internal engineering teams
• Develop, execute, and refine commissioning plans, procedures, acceptance criteria, and system‑specific checklists
• Verify correct installation, configuration, and functional performance of electrical, controls, protection, and communications systems
• Confirm grid synchronization, import/export control functionality, and proper system response during commissioning events
• Verify proper operation of anti‑islanding protection, lockout, and recovery sequences
• Witness vendor and third‑party testing, review results, and validate compliance with acceptance requirements
• Identify, track, and drive resolution of commissioning issues, non‑conformances, and punch‑list items prior to interconnection approval
• Produce clear and comprehensive commissioning reports, test summaries, and system turnover documentation
• Provide technical leadership across electrical, controls, and protection disciplines
• Apply sound judgment in representing the Owner’s interests, including pushing back on contractors when required to uphold safety, quality, and compliance
• Troubleshoot system performance or operational issues uncovered during commissioning and coordinate corrective actions
• Support multiple concurrent projects while maintaining schedule, quality, and safety expectations
• When not on site, contribute to billable work such as project management or technical engineering support
• Support ongoing development of commissioning standards, procedures, and documentation
• Contribute to company growth through high‑quality execution, repeat business, and future leadership within commissioning and service lines

Required Qualifications

• 7 years of commissioning and start‑up experience on grid‑connected electrical systems (BESS, substations, power generation, or similar assets)
• Demonstrated experience leading commissioning through energization and utility parallel operation
• Strong technical background in electrical power systems with hands‑on commissioning and troubleshooting experience
• Direct exposure to utility witness testing and first energization activities
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams (electrical, controls, protection)
• Experience working closely with engineering and construction teams on technical, schedule, and constructability issues
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high safety and quality standards
• background in electrical engineering or a closely related electrical discipline
• Experience in electrical construction, project engineering, or electrical project management
• Confident decision‑maker capable of representing Owner interests and holding contractors accountable
• Self‑starter with strong attention to detail, execution, and safety

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as an Owner’s Engineer or Owner’s Representative
• Acceptance testing, maintenance testing, and commissioning experience for substations and power infrastructure
• Experience developing commissioning plans, readiness criteria, and system‑specific test documentation
• Familiarity with renewable energy facilities, including BESS and solar projects
• Knowledge of SF6 gas circuit breakers, voltage regulators, and related high‑voltage equipment
• Exposure to data centers, utilities, industrial facilities, mining, healthcare, or government projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and stakeholder coordination
• Interest in growing into technical and service‑line leadership, including mentoring teams and client engagement

Work Environment & Travel

This role combines on‑site commissioning at project locations with remote work from home when not in the field. Travel is required and supported with per diem based on federal rates, a company credit card for approved expenses, and fully covered air travel. Ground travel may be supported via company vehicle or personal vehicle stipend.

Projects span utility‑scale BESS, substations, and large power infrastructure across the United States. The organization is rapidly growing, offering the stability of a larger corporate group with the flexibility and autonomy of an employee‑focused, technically driven company.

Benefits include paid time off, sick time, holidays (including additional paid time around major holidays), and access to health and retirement benefits. Significant long‑term growth opportunities exist for candidates seeking advancement into senior technical and leadership roles.

This is a Permanent position based out of Atlanta, GA.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Atlanta,GA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $60 - $80