Commissioning Superintendent
Location: Travel Required (5:1 Rotation)
Reports To: VP of Commissioning & Testing
Position Summary
Vanguard Energy Partners is seeking an experienced Commissioning Superintendent to lead and oversee the commissioning activities for utility-scale solar and renewable energy projects. The Commissioning Superintendent will be responsible for planning, coordinating, executing, and documenting all commissioning and pre-commissioning activities to ensure systems are safely energized, tested, and turned over to the client in accordance with project specifications, contract requirements, and industry standards.
This position requires a strong electrical background, exceptional troubleshooting skills, and hands-on experience with utility-scale photovoltaic systems and associated electrical infrastructure.
Essential Responsibilities
- Lead all commissioning and start-up activities from mechanical completion through commercial operation.
- Coordinate commissioning schedules with Project Managers, Superintendents, Engineers, subcontractors, utility representatives, and equipment manufacturers.
- Support and oversee pre-commissioning testing activities including:
- Continuity testing
- Insulation resistance (Megger) testing
- Functional testing
- Equipment verification
- Perform and supervise commissioning of:
- Central Inverters
- SCADA Systems
- MET (Meteorological) Stations
- Solar Module Tracking Systems
- MV Collection Systems
- Transformers
- Switchgear
- Protective Relay Systems
- DAS (Data Acquisition Systems)
- Coordinate OEM representatives during equipment startup and acceptance testing.
- Verify all commissioning documentation is complete and accurately maintained.
- Develop and execute commissioning plans, checklists, procedures, and turnover packages.
- Support utility witness testing and coordinate energization activities.
- Troubleshoot electrical, controls, communication, and equipment issues during startup.
- Verify system performance meets design specifications and contractual performance requirements.
- Coordinate punch list completion prior to substantial completion and final turnover.
- Ensure all commissioning activities comply with OSHA, NFPA 70E, NEC, IEEE, NETA, and company safety standards.
- Maintain daily commissioning reports, testing records, and project documentation utilizing Procore or similar project management software.
- Support project closeout activities including as-built documentation, O&M manuals, training, and client turnover.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to field personnel throughout the commissioning process.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in utility-scale solar, renewable energy, industrial electrical construction, or power generation.
- Minimum 3+ years leading commissioning activities on utility-scale solar or renewable energy projects.
- Strong knowledge of electrical testing and commissioning procedures.
- Demonstrated experience commissioning:
- Central Inverters (Sungrow, SMA, TMEIC, or similar)
- SCADA Systems
- MET Stations
- Solar Tracker Systems (Gamechange, Nextracker, Array Technologies, or similar)
- Medium Voltage Collection Systems
- Switchgear and Transformers
- Experience assisting with and directing pre-commissioning testing activities.
- Ability to read and interpret:
- One-line diagrams
- Three-line drawings
- Protection and control schematics
- Construction drawings
- Equipment manuals
- Strong understanding of utility interconnection requirements.
- Working knowledge of communication protocols including Modbus, Ethernet/IP, fiber optics, and industrial networking.
- Experience working alongside utilities, third-party commissioning firms, and equipment manufacturers.
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
- Ability to travel extensively to project sites nationwide.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to climb ladders and work on uneven terrain.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb for extended periods.
- Ability to travel and work extended schedules as project demands require.
Why Vanguard Energy Partners
Vanguard Energy Partners is a leading Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor specializing in utility-scale solar and energy storage projects across the United States. We offer the opportunity to work on some of the nation's most complex renewable energy projects while building a career with an innovative, safety-focused, and growing organization.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Renewable Energy: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: On the road
