Substation Commissioning Senior Specialist

About this role

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.
Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.
Position Title: Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist
Position Location: Remote with up to 75% travel to project sites, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states .Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles.
JOB SUMMARY
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.
The Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist will be self-directed on day-to-day work and receive high level instruction on new projects or assignments. Will execute commissioning and lead project teams and projects of complex scope. Will coordinate activities of other personnel.
The Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist will travel around the country to the different job locations at different times depending on status of project. The job does not constitute staying in one location for long periods of time.
This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform On-site Substation Commissioning Activities and Manage Projects (50%)

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

Develop Testing Plans and Procedures for Substation Projects (20%)

Development of commissioning plans

Prepare pre-functional checklists

Prepare functional performance test scripts

Review Substation Design Documents, Drawings and Specifications (15%)

Review shop drawings and submittals

Review sequence of operations

Lead and participate in commissioning focused design reviews

Reporting (15%)

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

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget
Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned
POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING)

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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

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…