Job Description
SOLV Energy seeks a Commissioning Project Manager to oversee the commissioning phase of utility-scale solar, battery energy storage, and high-voltage electrical substation projects across the United States. This remote position, based in North Dakota, requires regional travel throughout the Midwest. You will lead cross-functional teams through pre-commissioning, testing, and operational handoff, ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and industry standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop project-specific commissioning plans, procedures, and integrated schedules aligned with contractual requirements
- Host and lead commissioning coordination and daily plan-of-day meetings with internal teams, Owner representatives, OEM advisors, testing providers, and utility representatives
- Direct the site commissioning team, providing technical guidance and support throughout the commissioning phase
- Conduct and oversee pre-commissioning, commissioning, and performance testing of solar plant systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and high-voltage substation systems
- Ensure all testing activities are witnessed, data recorded, and documentation maintained per project requirements
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues identified during commissioning to optimize system performance
- Verify compliance with industry standards, safety protocols, environmental regulations, and NFPA/NEC requirements
- Prepare detailed commissioning reports documenting test results, issues, corrective actions, and project progress
- Develop and maintain commissioning resource plans and monitor project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation
- Support initial energization planning, switching procedures, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) programs, Permit to Work procedures, and System Under Test (SUT) protocols
- Facilitate mechanical and substantial completion documentation and commercial operation activities
- Conduct technical analysis and recommend corrective actions for issues identified during commissioning or initial operation
- Coordinate handoff to Operations and Maintenance teams, including training and procedure delivery
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to continuous refinement of commissioning methodologies and tools
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading complex project commissioning activities
- Minimum 3 years in a direct management or supervisory role
- Hands-on experience with technical, regulatory, and contractual requirements of utility-scale solar, BESS, SCADA, and high-voltage commissioning
- Working knowledge of utility-scale solar design and operation, battery energy storage systems, SCADA systems, and high-voltage substations
- Proficiency in interpreting detailed design drawings, interconnection documentation, and technical specifications
- Understanding of DC systems architecture and testing procedures
- Knowledge of underground and overhead distribution design, transmission systems, and single and three-phase electrical design
- Familiarity with fiber installation and testing
- Knowledge of NFPA/NEC standards and IEEE/IES/API standards applicable to utility-scale solar generation, including transformer testing, MV and LV cabling, grounding, and component-specific testing
- Understanding of NETA and IEEE standards for utility-scale solar generation
- Knowledge of commercial power plant performance assessment
- Understanding of electrical and communication system testing procedures
- Project management expertise including safety leadership, schedule logic, procurement, and construction means and methods
- Ability to manage project teams and coordinate with multiple internal and external stakeholders
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
- Familiarity with NERC guidelines and ISO/TSO organization requirements (preferred)
- Familiarity with DCS/SCADA control systems for utility-scale generation (preferred)
- Familiarity with mechanical and solid-state relay testing (preferred)
- Ability to work in outdoor environments with exposure to weather, variable site conditions, and noise
- Ability to perform frequent stooping, bending, crouching, reaching, and lifting 50+ lbs
- Ability to climb, work at heights, and operate near medium and high-voltage equipment
- Valid authorization to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Basic life and disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with company enrollment
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay
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