Lead Substation Commissioning 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, protection coordination tools, and SCADA integration
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
• Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment thru effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information)
• Ability to communicate effectively directly with clients and at times serve as primary point of client contact
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
• Ability to achieve certification for NFPA70E and / or OSHA training as / if required
• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
• Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
• Frequently descending / ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
• On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles.
• Up to 75%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
• Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.  
• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc. 
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need. 
• Potential relocation opportunities may exist per project needs. 
• Potential international travel based on project needs and skillset development. 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction or related discipline

OR

• Two years’ experience with electrical substation commissioning, including testing and troubleshooting of transformers, protection relays, circuit breakers, and SCADA systems

PLUS

• Minimum eight years’ additional experience with electrical substation commissioning, including testing and troubleshooting of transformers, protection relays, circuit breakers, and SCADA systems.
• Experience working with utility companies or large-scale industrial electrical systems.

BENEFITS

DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Flex spending accounts (FSA)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is DLB's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!​

​NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.