Assistant Commissioning Project Manager, BESS

SOLV Energy seeks an Assistant Commissioning Project Manager to support testing and commissioning activities across utility-scale solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and high-voltage substation projects. This hybrid role—based remotely in California with required onsite presence at job sites—involves coordinating commissioning teams, managing test schedules, and ensuring all systems meet safety standards and project requirements through pre-commissioning, cold, warm, and hot commissioning phases.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project-level commissioning teams, providing guidance and training during execution of testing activities
• Report daily commissioning status to the Commissioning Manager across assigned projects
• Review technical, contractual, and regulatory requirements; develop project-specific commissioning plans, procedures, and milestone/deliverables lists
• Coordinate with OEM suppliers on equipment-specific testing and commissioning activities
• Liaise across engineering, construction, and quality assurance teams to align commissioning efforts
• Assist in developing and maintaining integrated P6 testing and commissioning schedules, updated weekly
• Support development of commissioning resource plans
• Review initial energization procedures and assist with switching activities during facility hot commissioning
• Perform switching operations on MVAC collection circuits and auxiliary power circuits as required
• Develop switching plans and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Manage all pre-commissioning, cold, warm, and hot commissioning tests, including synchronization, functional testing, utility capability testing, and project acceptance testing for BESS, HV, and PV systems
• Identify technical issues during commissioning and initial operation; recommend and implement corrective actions
• Ensure commissioning compliance with industry standards, safety protocols, and environmental regulations
• Prepare detailed daily commissioning reports documenting test results, issues, and corrective actions
• Monitor project timelines and resource allocation for on-time delivery
• Establish and manage safety tagging, lockout/tagout, red rope, and work permit programs from cold commissioning through substantial completion
• Maintain lessons learned and equipment warranty tracking logs
• Contribute to continuous improvement of commissioning processes based on project feedback

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in testing and commissioning of utility-scale electrical systems
• Knowledge of utility-scale solar, battery storage, and high-voltage substation commissioning
• Knowledge and experience with HV and MV switching operations and equipment grounding
• Knowledge and experience with lockout/tagout (LOTO) safety program procedures and site-level safety management
• Knowledge of substation protection and control (P&C) systems
• Understanding of SCADA system testing and commissioning requirements
• Knowledge of DC systems architecture and testing requirements
• Knowledge of fiber installation and test requirements
• Familiarity with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electrical Code (NEC), IEEE, IES, and API standards
• Familiarity with NETA and IEEE standards for utility-scale solar generation, including transformers, MV and LV cabling, grounding, and component testing
• Working knowledge of NERC compliance standards and ISO/TSO testing and operational requirements (beneficial)
• Familiarity with DCS/SCADA control systems for utility-scale generation (beneficial)
• Knowledge of microprocessor protective relay testing (beneficial)
• Strong electrical power systems knowledge, including inverters, transformers, and electrical infrastructure
• Ability to lift 50 or more pounds regularly
• Ability to perform frequent stooping, bending, crouching, reaching, climbing, and carrying
• Ability to work at heights and in exposed or difficult-to-access locations
• Ability to work near medium and high-voltage equipment
• Ability to tolerate high noise levels and harsh outdoor conditions
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan enrollment
• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay

Salary: $92,091–$115,114 annually

Travel: Extended out-of-town stays expected as project needs dictate. Onsite presence required throughout testing and commissioning phases.