Substation Commissioning Senior Specialist
DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience.
Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.
Position Title: Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist
Position Location: Remote with up to 75% travel to project sites, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states .Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles.
JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist is responsible for overseeing the full life-cycle commissioning of electrical substations, ensuring that newly constructed or upgraded substations are fully operational and meet industry standards. This role includes reviewing design documents, coordinating with construction and engineering teams, and performing detailed testing and validation of substation systems, including power transformers, breakers, relays, and control systems.
The Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist will be self-directed on day-to-day work and receive high level instruction on new projects or assignments. Will execute commissioning and lead project teams and projects of complex scope. Will coordinate activities of other personnel.
The Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist will travel around the country to the different job locations at different times depending on status of project. The job does not constitute staying in one location for long periods of time.
This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform On-site Substation Commissioning Activities and Manage Projects (50%)
- On-site inspection, validation, functional testing, verification and troubleshooting of electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, protection relays, and control systems
- Participate in factory witness testing and observe startup activities
- Use technical equipment to perform testing – Omicron test unit experience is a plus but not required
- Direct vendors / contractors in the execution of the testing
- Timely and effective management and delivery of projects
- Identify potential project risks and aid in development of strategies to minimize impact and control deviations from estimated costs and project deadlines
- Primary site contact for clients and build effective, long-term client relationships
- Onboarding of project team for mobilization and provides ongoing updates
Develop Testing Plans and Procedures for Substation Projects (20%)
- Development of commissioning plans
- Prepare pre-functional checklists
- Prepare functional performance test scripts
Review Substation Design Documents, Drawings and Specifications (15%)
- Review shop drawings and submittals
- Review sequence of operations
- Lead and participate in commissioning focused design reviews
Reporting (15%)
- Direct and assist with all project communication and reporting
- Prepare and oversee development of project progress reports for internal and external stakeholders
- Prepare and oversee the final commissioning report for submission to client
- Manage personal hours and site team’s hours using company tools
Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget
Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned
POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING)
- Knowledge of substation system electrical equipment, protection, and control systems.
- Knowledge of regulatory standards, including IEEE, NERC, and FERC compliance requirements.
- Skilled in using power system analysis software, p