Commissioning Electrical Engineer

NO THIRD PARTIES NO SPONSORSHIP

Alava Consulting's client is looking for a Sr. Commissioning Electrical Engineer.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) with 17 years power-generation/industrial experience, including 10 years leading electrical commissioning on rotating equipment and power distribution systems (simple-cycle/CCGT preferred). In lieu of a degree, extensive experience (15 year’s experience in Commissioning Electrical systems in Combined Cycle Gas Turbines will be considered.
2. Demonstrated expertise commissioning LV/MV distribution (MCCs, switchboards, switchgear), UPS/DC/battery systems, transformers, motors/VFDs, and grounding/earthing—able to plan, execute, and sign off test evidence and turnover dossiers.
3. Strong knowledge of protective relays and generator/feeder protection concepts and hands-on familiarity with acceptance/commissioning test methods (IR/megger, hipot where applicable, continuity, phasing/rotation, primary/secondary injection oversight, functional trip testing, point-to-point verification).
4. Proven ability to coordinate electrical commissioning with I&C/controls and operations, including energization planning, interlocks/permissives verification support, and troubleshooting across electrical–controls boundaries during start-up.
5. Deep working knowledge of PTW/ Hot work/LOTO, energized work controls, arc-flash/shock safety, and SIMOPS coordination; experienced leading field teams/contractors, managing punch lists, and driving MC/RFE/RFSU readiness in a high-risk start-up environment.
6. Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail.
7. Effective communicator able to translate technical findings into actionable recommendations. Ability to communicate with Engineering services, Third Party contractors and customers.
8. Team player, comfortable in 24/7 operational environments with rotating shifts.

Own the electrical commissioning scope for the project: define system boundaries, commissioning approach, and deliverables for LV/MV distribution, MCCs, UPS/DC, batteries, transformers, motors/VFDs, and grounding systems.

- Develop and execute commissioning procedures and test packs (check sheets, test scripts, inspection forms), ensuring results are captured, reviewed, and compiled into turnover dossiers.

- Lead MC/RFE/RFSU readiness activities for electrical systems: perform walkdowns, verify installation status and documentation, classify/manage punch list (A/B/C), and drive closure with installation teams.

- Plan and control energization activities: create switching/energization plans, coordinate PTW/LOTO boundaries, manage hold points, and direct safe first-power activities for panels, MCCs, and switchgear.

- Coordinate and oversee electrical testing: manage contractors/test vendors for IR/megger, phasing/rotation, breaker functional checks, transformer tests, battery/UPS testing, and protection/relay testing (including injection testing oversight).

- Interface with controls/I&C and operations to verify electrical permissives, interlocks, alarms, and trips, and to support integrated functional testing and start-up windows.

- Troubleshoot electrical issues during commissioning and start-up: lead fault isolation, root-cause identification, corrective action coordination, and re-test/verification for closeout.

- Ensure electrical safety compliance and field leadership: enforce arc-flash/shock controls, energized work rules, and SIMOPS coordination; mentor junior staff and provide daily execution direction to electricians and test crews.

- Provide Technical Instruction to field labor and customers on-site

- Manage the Safety policies to the onsite personnel with direction to additional Sub-Contractors as required by OSHA Compliance

- Perform job duties and work ethic in a professional manner that is conducive with industry renowned

SPECIFIC TASKS

1. Develop, deliver and own the electrical commissioning system register and turnover packages (LV/MV distribution, MCCs, UPS/DC, batteries, transformers, grounding), including MC/RFE/RFSU checklists, test packs, and required evidence.
2. Lead electrical walkdowns and punch list closure: verify installation completeness vs one-lines/schematics, manage A/B/C punch items, and validate as-built redlines for turnover.
3. Plan and direct energization (“first power”) activities: write switching/energization plans, establish PTW/LOTO boundaries, verify grounding/phase rotation, and safely energize switchboards/MCCs/critical power systems.
4. Oversee and verify electrical testing execution: IR/megger/continuity, breaker functional checks, transformer tests (as applicable), battery/UPS functional and autonomy checks, and document results in commissioning records.
5. Verify protection, metering, and trip paths: confirm CT/PT wiring/polarity, review settings implementation, and execute/coordinate functional trip testing to prove protective actions operate as intended.
6. Support integrated functional testing and start-up windows: validate electrical permissives/interlocks and status feedback to controls, troubleshoot abnormal trips/faults, coordinate corrective actions, and re-test to close.
7. Deliver final electrical turnover dossier to Operations: compile “as-left” configuration, test evidence, punch list status, and conduct operator walkdowns/briefings for critical electrical systems.
8. Complete required Technical Training required by AUX, BOP and support Systems that will be utilized in the field environment to ensure reliability and success.
9. Travel required to Domestic locations in the U.S.