Lead Commissioning Engineer

ABOUT US EMERGE

At Emerge by POWERX Edge, as a transformative power delivery utility services team we have a clear mission: to keep people and infrastructure safe while delivering high-quality, reliable results. Our expertise spans protection and control field testing, commissioning of substation projects, and the engineering and coordination of power distribution system construction. We also provide precision wiring terminations on control panels and relay equipment within substations.

What sets us apart is more than our technical expertise. It’s our culture. Safety and people always come first, while excellence is the benchmark on every project. Backed by POWERX Edge, we bring the scale of a nationwide leader together with the care and focus of a specialized team.

At Emerge, we don’t just deliver projects, we create impact. Whether you’re an engineer designing distribution networks, a field specialist testing relays, or a project manager coordinating commissioning, your work protects people and strengthens communities.

Join a team that’s Powered by Excellence and take your career to the next level. Contact us today to learn more!

OUR EMERGE PERKS

• Competitive Pay
• Incentives for Certifications
• Referral Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD, Basic Life/AD&D, and other ancillary products
• 401k program with a company match
• Performance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• PTO including Wellness Days and Paid Holidays
• And much more!

Job Summary

The Lead Commissioning Engineer leads complex substation commissioning projects, overseeing all phases including planning, execution, testing, and documentation. This role ensures compliance with technical specifications, safety standards, and client requirements. The engineer supports multiple crews performing work across transmission and distribution substations, troubleshoots issues, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Oversees tasks associated with the following: Commissioning Engineer, Jr. Commissioning Engineer, Contract Relay Tech, Jr. Contract Relay Tech, Lead Substation Wireman.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Technical Oversight

• Perform engineering design and relay settings reviews and interpret design specifications.
• Review and evaluate drawings and submittals to ensure compliance with design specifications and project requirements.
• Provide technical feedback and recommendations based on the review of engineering documents.
• Submit applicable work requests where required

Commissioning and Validation

• Oversee all aspects of commissioning work on dedicated projects with electrical/mechanical crews.
• Assist and/or perform commission of new transmission and distribution substations, power equipment, relaying (electro-mechanical, solid state and micro-processor), pilot channel equipment (power line carrier, transfer trip, fiber optic, line tuners/traps, etc.), controls and communications equipment.
• Execute testing/routine maintenance of Transmission and Distribution substation equipment, relaying (electro-mechanical, solid state and micro-processor), pilot channel equipment (powerline carrier, transfer trip, fiber optic, line tuners, line traps, etc.) controls and communications equipment.
• Assist in documenting results and preparing project reports.

Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution

• Identify and resolve issues with electrical/mechanical systems and equipment during the commissioning process.
• Assist with resolving on-site commissioning issues in collaboration with senior engineers and client representatives.
• Lead reviews of mid-operations of safety incidents including developing and implementing mitigation actions to prevent recurrence.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of commissioning activities, including test results.
• Submit daily and final reports documenting on-site activities.

Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures while performing commissioning activities.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and client specifications.
• Support the safety culture and ensure safe working conditions.
• Maintain compliance with all customer requirements and with internal training

Collaboration and Communication

• Monitor the construction for all scope changes and report daily on impactful costs/schedules.
• Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to provide updates on commissioning activities.
• Monitor performance of vendors, contractors, and other third parties.

Additional responsibilities and tasks as required to support the organization's goals and adapt to evolving business needs.

Attributes/Abilities:

• Must have a satisfactory background/MVR check.
• Must pass a pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and/or random drug test.
• Understanding both company and client expectations as it relates to safety, quality, compliance and the documentation for projects.
• Intermediate to advance knowledge of electrical/mechanical systems, equipment, and testing procedures.
• Intermediate to advance understanding of switching or operational procedures for system energization and restoration efforts.
• Available to work on an as-needed basis, with potential short-notice assignments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills including an understanding and the application of mathematical concepts, such as engineering and complex variables.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of protections and control testing and commissioning practices, guidelines and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage time in a dynamic environment while maintaining flexibility under changing demands.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret electrical/mechanical blueprints and schematics.
• Capable of effectively presenting information and responding to questions from diverse groups with varying levels of technical expertise.

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive engineering experience or field experience.
• Experience with power utilities is preferred.
• Ability to obtain an OSHA 10 certification.
• Knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC) and OSHA Electrical Safe Work Practices is preferred.
• Knowledge of use, limitations, and maintenance of all Personal Protective Equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Combination of office and field work environment with frequent travel to project sites (throughout the state of Georgia with availability for short term assignments through the United States); must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and must be insurable.
• May require working in various environmental conditions, including construction sites, operational facilities, and energized equipment up to 500kV.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional overtime as needed.
• Ability to carry out substation switchyard operations.
• Potential low exposure to various conditions, including dirt, heat, fumes, smoke, water, noise, vibration, grease, oil, and dust.

EMERGE is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.