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.

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.

• 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

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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

• Development of commissioning plans
• Prepare pre-functional checklists
• Prepare functional performance test scripts

• Review shop drawings and submittals
• Review sequence of operations
• Lead and participate in commissioning focused design reviews

• 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

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

• 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