Testing & Commissioning Engineer II, III or IV - Substation Experience

This role is a remote position with high travel (up to 75%) with specific needs in Northern Virginia.

About Ampirical

At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive.

We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.

Why Ampirical?

Hourly Rate: $38/Hour - $59/Hour - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
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
️ Flexible Work Schedule: Every other Friday off
Career Development: Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more

Your Role: Power Commissioning Engineer II - Substation Experience - Remote with Travel

What You’ll Do:

• 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.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors Degree from an ABET credited school and minimum 2 years (4 years for III or 6 years for Sr.) of experience in testing and commissioning OR

• Associate's degree in substation and relay technology or Electrical Technology/Power Systems and a minimum of 6 years (6 years for III or 8 years for Sr. ) of experience testing and commissioning OR

• OR Military technical experience (Prime Power, Electrical, Instrumentation) and a minimum of 8 years ( 10 years for III or 12 years for Sr) of experience in testing and commissioning substations

• Valid driver’s license

• Ability to pass drug and background screenings

• No travel restrictions

• Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety‑first mindset

• NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher

• Ability to obtain a TWIC card

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

• Experience:

  • 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

What Success Looks Like:

• Strong documentation discipline and accurate test reporting

• Effective communication with both field teams and customers

• Continuous growth in technical skills and industry certifications

• Reliability and professionalism while working in the field

Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.