Commissioning Engineer - Energy

Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been a leader in delivering complex projects since 1954, focusing on innovation and integrity. They are seeking a Commissioning Engineer to work on multiple Utility Scale Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage (BESS) projects throughout North America, ensuring project commission documentation is completed effectively and efficiently.

Responsibilities:

• Desire/Willingness to travel domestically, minimum 50% of the time over extended periods
• Background in Electrical Engineering
• Willingness to develop a detailed understanding of PV and energy storage systems
• Ability to read and understand all disciplines of construction plans and single line diagrams associated with PV systems, energy storage systems and substations
• Familiarity with project lifecycle and contract structures for solar, storage and high voltage projects
• Develop into a subject matter expert in the testing and commissioning of utility scale PV, Energy Storage and Substation projects
• Desire to develop expertise in regulations, compliance, and standards around applicable IEC and IEEE standards and Power Plant Controls (PPC)/ SCADA, racking, electrical Balance of System, Power Conversion Systems. (AC and DC portion of projects)
• Develop technical 3rd party subcontract SOW documents and RFP’s, review associated proposals from a technical perspective and participate in subcontractor selection
• Develop an understanding of Automatic Dispatch System (ADS) and Automatic Generation Controls (AGC) requirements
• Lead and facilitate technical discussions with Utility Scale Developers and Subcontractors, generate meeting minutes and maintain action lists with respect to commissioning
• Facilitate problem solving activities using formal processes to investigate and determine root cause
• Monitor testing and commissioning activities in conjunction with the onsite Project Management and Union Supervision to ensure that testing and commissioning support has been planned in accordance with the project schedule
• Represent CEI in discussions with clients regarding component electrical testing, system functional testing, plant operational testing and status of OEM and 3rd Party performance
• Oversee varies specialty subcontractors to ensure their adherence to contractual obligations
• Review and comment on technical test procedures, construction and commissioning schedules, drawing packages. Ensure compliance to these documents
• Develop the knowledge base for interacting with SCADA engineers, Utilities, ISO’s, IPPs in the US market
• Develop understanding of Power plant modeling software and model creation in PSSE, PSCAD, or similar tools
• Interest to understand network communication architectures, protocols, NERC standards
• Support the team with proactive communications
• Ability to multi task and change priorities quickly
• Able to convert complex technical requirements into an actionable plan
• Passionate about solving customers’ problems and focused on product value to the customer

Requirements:

• Desire/Willingness to travel domestically, minimum 50% of the time over extended periods
• Background in Electrical Engineering
• Willingness to develop a detailed understanding of PV and energy storage systems
• Ability to read and understand all disciplines of construction plans and single line diagrams associated with PV systems, energy storage systems and substations
• Familiarity with project lifecycle and contract structures for solar, storage and high voltage projects
• Develop into a subject matter expert in the testing and commissioning of utility scale PV, Energy Storage and Substation projects
• Desire to develop expertise in regulations, compliance, and standards around applicable IEC and IEEE standards and Power Plant Controls (PPC)/ SCADA, racking, electrical Balance of System, Power Conversion Systems. (AC and DC portion of projects)
• Develop technical 3rd party subcontract SOW documents and RFP's, review associated proposals from a technical perspective and participate in subcontractor selection
• Develop an understanding of Automatic Dispatch System (ADS) and Automatic Generation Controls (AGC) requirements
• Lead and facilitate technical discussions with Utility Scale Developers and Subcontractors, generate meeting minutes and maintain action lists with respect to commissioning
• Facilitate problem solving activities using formal processes to investigate and determine root cause
• Monitor testing and commissioning activities in conjunction with the onsite Project Management and Union Supervision to ensure that testing and commissioning support has been planned in accordance with the project schedule
• Represent CEI in discussions with clients regarding component electrical testing, system functional testing, plant operational testing and status of OEM and 3rd Party performance
• Oversee varies specialty subcontractors to ensure their adherence to contractual obligations
• Review and comment on technical test procedures, construction and commissioning schedules, drawing packages. Ensure compliance to these documents
• Develop the knowledge base for interacting with SCADA engineers, Utilities, ISO's, IPPs in the US market
• Develop understanding of Power plant modeling software and model creation in PSSE, PSCAD, or similar tools
• Interest to understand network communication architectures, protocols, NERC standards
• Support the team with proactive communications
• Ability to multi task and change priorities quickly
• Able to convert complex technical requirements into an actionable plan
• Passionate about solving customers' problems and focused on product value to the customer
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong use of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of P6 Scheduling
• Ability to read and interpret specifications and drawings
• Background in Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Systems
• Ability to work under time pressure and stressful situations with a positive attitude
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others
• Education: BA/BS required
• Work Environment: Travel to US construction sites up to 75% required
• May be required to sit/stand at desk/computer, and/or drive/walk the project site for extended time
• Required to work on job site in all kinds of weather
• Hard Hat, Gloves, Safety Glasses and appropriate foot ware (supplier or job site-Safety toe)
• Traveling to vendors which may be loud and/or dirty, is possible
• Experience: Typically requires no previous professional experience
• Applicants with experience in and understanding of the electrical contracting industry are preferred