Commissioning Manager – Renewables & BESS

Position Type: Full-Time
Travel Requirement: 100% Travel
Reports To: Director of Operations, BESS
Location: Multistate 

About Us
National Electrical Engineering Consultants (NEEC) provides full-service engineering and field support for utilities and renewable developers across the United States. Our core expertise includes Protection & Control (P&C) Substations, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Solar, and Renewable Energy Integration. NEEC’s commissioning team ensures that every system operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with the highest industry standards.

About the Role
The Commissioning Manager – Renewables & BESS leads the testing, startup, and performance validation of utility-scale solar, wind, and BESS projects. This role oversees the full commissioning phase from mechanical completion through commercial operation (COD), ensuring systems are safe, compliant, and performing as designed.
The position coordinates EPC contractors and OEM vendors, drives commissioning activities, and ensures high-quality execution across all systems in active construction and energization environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety Leadership:
  Safety comes first. Enforce all site safety policies, OSHA standards, NFPA 70E, and company safety protocols. Use stop work authority any time conditions are unsafe. Verify LOTO and energization readiness before any system is energized.
• Commissioning Leadership:
  Lead and oversee on-site commissioning activities, including coordination of internal teams, EPC contractors, and OEM vendors (inverters, batteries, trackers, turbines).
• Testing & Validation:
  Develop and execute commissioning procedures, including pre-energization, cold and hot commissioning, and final performance testing.
• Electrical Systems Oversight:
  Ensure proper operation and validation of medium- and high-voltage systems, including transformers, switchgear, and substations.
• Performance Analysis:
  Monitor and analyze system performance, including inverter efficiency (DC/AC) and battery health metrics.
• Grid Compliance:
  Manage and support compliance testing in alignment with PPA (Power Purchase Agreements), GIA (Generation Interconnection Agreements), and ISO/RTO requirements.
• Owner’s Representative Duties:
  Conduct quality control inspections, manage punch lists, and perform system walkdowns for project turnover.
• BESS Commissioning:
  Lead startup and validation of battery systems (lithium-ion and other chemistries), including BMS (Battery Management Systems), PCS (Power Conversion Systems), and DC/AC subsystems.
• SCADA & Controls Verification:
  Validate SCADA/HMI systems, ICCP communications, alarms, and overall plant control system performance.
• Scheduling & Reporting:
  Develop commissioning schedules, track progress against project timelines, and document all testing and commissioning activities. Issue daily reports and deliver a complete turnover package at closeout.

Required Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must possess a valid passport and be able to travel internationally (including Canada).
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening, background check, and motor vehicle record (MVR) check.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in electrical commissioning, with at least 5 years focused on utility-scale renewable energy (solar, wind, and/or BESS).
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong knowledge of battery energy storage systems (lithium-ion and other chemistries), medium- and high-voltage substations, and DC/AC electrical systems.
• Proficiency with SCADA systems, PLCs, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Current OSHA 30, NFPA 70E qualified person, and LOTO training, plus First Aid/CPR, or the ability to complete them before mobilizing to site.
• Ability and willingness to travel 100% to project sites across the United States and Canada.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain, climb as needed, and lift up to 20 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with BESS and hybrid solar-plus-storage projects
• Experience with wind turbine controls or commissioning
• NETA Level III or higher certification, or equivalent
• Prior experience working with an EPC contractor or utility-scale developer

Key Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting experience with electrical systems (high and low voltage)
• Experience with plant controls (PPC, EMS, SCADA)
• Understanding of BESS thermal management, fire detection and suppression systems, and NFPA 855 requirements
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced construction environments
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development programs and leadership training.
• A dynamic, growth-oriented environment committed to innovation and excellence

Equal Employment Opportunity
NEEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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