Commissioning Project Manager

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.

Job Description Summary:

This role involves planning, executing, and managing the commissioning process across the utility scale solar, battery energy storage, SCADA, and electrical substation projects nationwide to ensure all systems and components are installed, tested, and operated according to the contractual requirements. The Commissioning Project Manager leads the overall commissioning phase of a given project to include all contracted EPC scope of work. The Commissioning Project Manager will work closely with project execution teams, Owner's project managers, site engineers, construction and quality managers to schedule the Commissioning activities, coordinate with affected parties, ensure witness points are held for owner oversight, and deliver results that comply with the contractual requirements and ensure a smooth transition from commissioning to closeout.

This role is remote with travel required within the Midwest region. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Job Description:

• Review technical, contractual, and regulatory requirements related to commissioning and lead the development of the associated project specific commissioning plans and procedures.

• Establish and execute commissioning plans and integrated commissioning schedules

• Host commissioning coordination meetings to drive the commissioning phase forward.  Lead daily commissioning plan of day meetings during the commissioning phase.

• Develop and maintain the commissioning resource plan for the project.

• Coordinate and oversee all project commissioning activities with Owner representatives, OEM technical field advisors, 3rd party testing providers, electrical utility representatives, and internal/external project team members, including engineering, construction, and quality assurance, to ensure alignment on commissioning activities.

• Lead the site commissioning team, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure efficient and effective execution of tasks.

• Conduct pre-commissioning and commissioning tests, including performance testing, functional testing, and reliability testing of all solar plant systems, Substation (HV) systems, and Energy Storage (BESS) systems and ensure testing is performed in conformance with standards and specifications.

• Ensure all commissioning activities comply with industry standards, safety protocols, and environmental regulations. 

• Ensure that tests related to Pre-commissioning, Commissioning, Start-up, and Performance Testing activities are witnessed, data is recorded, and the required documentation handled in accordance with the requirements of the project

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise during the commissioning process to ensure optimal performance of the solar plant systems, the Energy Storage systems and the Substation systems.

• Prepare detailed commissioning reports, documenting all commissioning activities, test results, issues encountered, and corrective actions taken.  Track and report out on commissioning progress.

• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project delivery.

• Support the completion of documentation for mechanical and substantial completion as well as commercial operation.

• Support the development of initial energization plans, switching procedures, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Permit to Work, Red Rope, and System Under Test (SUT) programs

• Identify, analyze, and recommend corrective actions to resolve technical issues identified during commissioning or initial operation.

• Facilitate an organized hand-off to the Operations and Maintenance team to include training and procedures. 

• Assist with the development and refinement of methodologies, tools, and standards in support of continuous improvement initiatives.

• Remain current on industry best practices and work methods for testing and/or commissioning

• Continuously improve commissioning processes by incorporating feedback and lessons learned from completed projects.

     Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Utility scale solar power plants testing for EPC or Utilities in the United States

• Underground and overhead distribution design; transmission systems and design; single and three phase electrical design.

• Working knowledge of the design and operation of utility scale solar, battery energy storage, SCADA, and substations.

• Ability to interpret detailed design drawings, interconnection documentation, and technical requirements.

• Fiber installation and testing.

• SCADA system understanding, testing, and commissioning.

• DC systems architecture and testing.

• Knowledgeable in National Fire Protection Association/National Electrical Code (NFPA/NEC) standards, and IEEE/IES/API Standards.

• NETA and IEEE standards related to utility scale solar generation, ie. Transformers, MV and LV cabling, grounding, and solar specific component testing.

• Understanding of the commercial performance of power plants.

• Familiarity with NERC guidelines and various ISO and TSO organization requirements is a plus.

• Familiarity with DCS / SCADA control systems and methods for utility scale generation is a plus.

• Familiarity with testing of mechanical and solid-state relaying systems is a plus.

• Functional competencies include attention to detail, communication, customer focus, prioritization, and drive.

Safety

• Presents, supports, and leads-by-example with a safety and quality-oriented attitude.

• Leads by example showing that safety is the most important function. Ensure that all employees follow safe practices while working.

• Ensures continually reinforced safe behaviors and correct at risk behaviors.

• Adheres to and ensures all site team members understand standard operating procedures.

• Leads and supports the site team in technical, quality and safety, utilizing system in place.

• Knowledge of Personal Protective equipment, its proper usage, and inspections.

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience leading complex project commissioning activities.

• Experience with technical, regulatory, and contractual requirements of utility scale solar/BESS/SCADA/HV commissioning.

• 3 or more years of experience in a direct management role.

• A Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) preferred.   

• Understanding of electrical and communication system testing procedures.

• Knowledge in project management principles including safety leadership, schedule logic and implementation, procurement, and construction means and methods

• Ability to manage project teams and coordinate with affected parties.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

• Familiarity with relevant industry standards, safety protocols, and environmental regulations.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

• Occasional exposure to weather, harsh outdoor environment, and variable site conditions.

• Requires frequent stooping/bending/crouching, reaching, handling, finger dexterity, sitting, standing, walking, and lifting 50 or more lbs. 

• Constant finger dexterity and ability to see details at close range and at a distance, hear, and talk, and possess depth perception 

• Occasional climbing and carrying, proximity to moving mechanical parts, working in high, exposed, or difficult to access places. 

• The noise intensity level may be high. 

• Working on or near lifts and other machines.  

• Working near medium and high voltage.

• Regional travel to monitor multiple sites simultaneously a possibility. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

SOLV Energy Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:
Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance. Employees can enroll in our company’s 401(k) plan and are provided vacation, sick and holiday pay.

Compensation Range:

$110,632.00 - $138,290.00

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

SOLV Energy does not accept unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. We require all third-party recruiters to communicate exclusively with our internal talent acquisition team. SOLV Energy will not pay a placement fee to any third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of our internal talent acquisition team.

In addition, candidate introductions or resumes can only be submitted to our internal talent acquisition recruiting team if a signed vendor agreement is already on file and the third-party recruiter or agency has received formal instructions from our internal talent acquisition team to submit candidates for a particular job posting.

Any unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes sent by third-party recruiters to SOLV Energy or directly to any of our employees, or received through our website or career portal, will be considered property of SOLV Energy and will not be eligible for a placement fee. In the event a third-party recruiter submits a resume or refers a candidate without a previously signed vendor agreement, SOLV Energy explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire the candidate(s) without financial liability to such third-party recruiter.

Job Number: J13218

If you’re interested in a meaningful career with a brighter future, join the SOLV Energy Team.