Key skills
Substation TestingCommissioningRelay systems knowledgeSubstation physical designProtectionControl (P&C)Protection concepts for bustransformertransmission linedistribution lineRelay settings creation for SELGEBasler relaysElectrical testing insulation resistanceElectrical testing contact resistanceElectrical testing power factorElectrical testing TTRElectrical testing winding resistanceElectrical testing timingElectrical testing SFRAElectrical testing GPS-based relay testingSCADASCADA/RTU I/O verificationTroubleshooting protection logicrelay misoperationsInterpretation of one-line diagramswiring schematicsOperation of test equipment MeggerOperation of test equipment DobleOperation of test equipment VanguardOperation of test equipment OmicronNICET Level I Power Testing certificationNETANERC PRCOSHANFPA 70E standardsSafety-first mindsetdocumentation disciplineC
About this role
Ampirical is a company focused on shaping the future of the power grid with innovation and quality solutions. They are seeking a Power Commissioning Engineer III with substation experience to develop commissioning plans, perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment, and ensure compliance with industry standards while collaborating with various teams.
Responsibilities:
- 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 (50–75%), including overnight stays
Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited university and 4 + years of experience in Substation Testing and Commissioning
- 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
- 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
- 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