Instrumentation & Controls Commissioning Technician

Position Summary

The Instrumentation & Controls Commissioning Technician will perform field testing, calibration, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities associated with electrical substation equipment and control systems. This role supports the successful turnover of electrical systems from construction through energization and operational readiness.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of electrical protection systems, relay testing, control circuits, instrumentation, PLCs, SCADA systems, and startup procedures while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform commissioning, testing, calibration, and startup activities for electrical substation equipment.
• Verify installation of electrical and control equipment against drawings, specifications, and design documents.
• Conduct point-to-point verification, loop checks, and functional testing of control and protection systems.
• Perform calibration and configuration of instrumentation, transmitters, relays, meters, and associated electrical devices.
• Validate equipment settings, protection schemes, and control logic in accordance with project requirements.
• Support PLC, RTU, HMI, and SCADA system testing and integration activities.
• Assist with relay testing and verification of protection and control systems.
• Perform subsystem and system walkdowns to verify construction completion and readiness for commissioning.
• Identify deficiencies, equipment issues, and punch list items while supporting timely resolution.
• Prepare commissioning reports, test records, calibration documentation, turnover packages, and startup reports.
• Support energization activities and plant/substation startup operations.
• Coordinate daily commissioning activities with engineering, construction, operations, and client representatives.
• Provide technical guidance and work direction to junior technicians and commissioning personnel as assigned.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with project safety requirements, OSHA regulations, and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of commissioning, startup, testing, or field service experience within electrical substations, power generation facilities, utility systems, or industrial power systems.
• Experience commissioning medium-voltage and high-voltage electrical equipment.
• Knowledge of electrical protection and control systems.
• Experience with relay testing, control circuit verification, and functional testing.
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • One-line diagrams
  • Three-line diagrams
  • Elementary drawings
  • Schematics
  • Wiring diagrams
  • Construction drawings
• Experience performing loop checks, calibration, and troubleshooting of electrical and instrumentation systems.
• Strong understanding of safe work practices around energized electrical equipment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and electronic commissioning documentation systems.
• Ability to travel and work extended schedules as project demands require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics Technology, Instrumentation Technology, or related discipline.
• NETA, NICET, ISA, or equivalent technical certifications.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience with:
  • SEL Relays
  • GE Multilin Relays
  • Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) equipment
  • PLC systems
  • SCADA systems
  • DCS systems
  • RTUs
• Utility, EPC, or power delivery project experience.
• Previous lead technician or commissioning lead experience.

Desired Skills

• Electrical Testing & Commissioning
• Protection & Control Systems
• Relay Testing
• Calibration & Functional Testing
• SCADA / RTU Integration
• PLC Programming & Troubleshooting
• Startup & Operational Readiness
• Technical Documentation
• Problem Solving
• Leadership & Team Coordination
• Safety Compliance

Work Environment

This position is field-based and may require travel, extended work schedules, overtime, and work in industrial or utility environments. Candidates must be able to pass all client-required pre-employment screenings, including background checks, drug screening, and other project-specific onboarding requirements.

VantagePoint Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.