Senior Commissioning Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec Services (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

• 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history


• A Top 5 Systems Integrator Giant


• An ENR Top 500 Firm

We have a Senior Commissioning Engineer position available in Denver, CO. The Senior Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized correctly. This position is responsible for leading the testing and commissioning of electrical equipment within an electrical substation or generator plant.  Performing and directing all aspects of electrical testing including, but not limited to, protection relays, circuit breakers, transformers and other substation equipment. Senior Engineer is responsible for training new engineers/technicians in relay testing, equipment testing and substation commissioning. Responsibilities also include:

 Major Responsibilities This position requires the Commissioning Engineer to provide testing and commissioning services along with engineering to the Utility Substation and Generation Stations. Responsibilities include:

• Review specifications and engineering drawings to understand the purpose and functionality of substation


• Directly witness or perform critical tests such as DC Functional Trip Testing prior to energization and in-service


• Direct crews as necessary during critical work junctures (final commissioning and through startup)


• Perform all electrical testing including but not limited to P&C control equipment


• Demonstrate ability to service newly designed and experimental equipment, which has not been seen before, and instill confidence in the customer


• Assist field crews and dispatch in developing switching to properly sequence in equipment, making sure proper hold points for testing are incorporated


• Monitor the construction and be available to address technical questions as they arise during construction, installation and testing.


• Management of resources and services required to install electrical equipment


• Demonstrate safety consciousness in equipment handling, electrical and electronic procedures, and the unique situations encountered at diverse work sites


• Maintain all service equipment including all test equipment, tools issued to meet specifications including ISO requirements, etc. in good working condition and maintain sufficient inventory to respond to standard calls


• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers, demonstrates an awareness of customer needs, preferences, and time and financial constraints


• Proven customer service, sales ability, and ability to handle difficult customers and gain their satisfaction


• Assists in the development of estimates for client proposals


• Near project completion, as the equipment is ready to have its control schemes functionally tested and the equipment energized, commissioning engineer will likely be required to work extended hours/days in a row at a particular job site


• Knowledge of programming and testing protection relays from GE, SEL, ALSTOM, SCHNEIDER, SIEMENS, and ABB. Ability to develop programming macros for use in automated relay testing


• Ability to understand AC and DC elementary diagrams, wiring diagrams and one-line drawings for the purpose of understanding system operation and developing testing requirements and procedures


• Develop standard testing documentation, training procedures and maintain all project documentation including certifications and calibration records. Candidate should be able to obtain NICET certification or equivalent

 Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Proven ability to motivate, mentor, and optimize in a collaborative, team-oriented environment


• Goal oriented and focused


• Strong drive, energy, enthusiasm, and proactive style


• Experience managing technical projects of various sizes


• Excellent communication (written and oral) & interpersonal skills


• Proven ability with problem solving and decision making


• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, & time-management skills


• Strong budget management skills


• Diverse skill set with the ability to work independently. Will act to guide less experienced engineers/technicians. May also act as Commissioning Engineer on projects

Job Requirements

Education A Bachelor’s degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical or engineering technology) from an accredited institution is preferred.

Experience A minimum of 6-15+ years testing & commissioning experience should include:

• In-depth understanding of three-phase power systems


• In-depth understating of protection and control schemes and implementation


• In-depth experience utilizing relay test sets with various relay vendors including SEL, GE, Beckwith, ABB, Basler, etc. and various manufacturers of electromechanical relays


• In-depth understanding of equipment testing - circuit breakers, transformers, circuit switchers, MOABS, CTs, PTs, batteries & chargers, transfer switches, line tuners, wave traps, carrier relays, etc.


• In-depth experience executing in-service power measurements (load checks)


• Experience leading crews to test and commission new and modified substations including equipment isolation/restoration and complex circuit cutovers being mindful to mitigate inadvertent operations


• Experience with rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systems


• Experience testing previously programmed RTUs locally and remotely to system operators


• Experience with SCADA, RTU, and DFR systems

Travel Ability to travel a minimum of 50%.

Driver’s License Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver’s license. 

Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, listening, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling, warm and cold temperature conditions, sun exposure, moisture, potential exposure to hazardous materials and electrical voltages.

Working Conditions Standard office work, work-from-home, and in the field leadership: On site environment could require work in various temperature conditions; in and/or around moisture, on slippery and/or uneven surfaces, in confined spaces, and at heights; will require frequent standing, driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and occasional bending, squatting, climbing, twisting, balancing, and reaching; will have exposure to noise, vibrations and chemicals. May require irregular or extended hours, subject to being on call and travel for project completion.

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance 

Salary Range The expected pay range is $115,000 to $150,000 based on experience and qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.  

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