Job Title: Senior Commissioning Test Engineer
Job Description
This role supports the startup and commissioning of a new fuel fabrication facility by leading the planning, execution, and documentation of commissioning and startup testing across complex industrial systems. You will learn assigned systems in depth, develop detailed commissioning plans and test procedures, support vendor and factory testing, execute field commissioning activities, troubleshoot system issues, and help ensure systems are safely and reliably turned over from construction to operations. The position requires the discipline and mindset of a nuclear professional, including a strong questioning attitude, strict adherence to Conduct of Operations principles, and meticulous attention to detail in every test, measurement, and record.
Responsibilities
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Develop detailed commissioning procedures and test plans based on system requirements and overall commissioning strategies.
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Review system designs, operational requirements, engineering drawings, specifications, schematics, P&IDs, and system documentation to fully understand assigned systems.
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Prepare comprehensive commissioning documentation, including test procedures, checklists, and records, to support structured and traceable testing activities.
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Execute component-level, subsystem, and integrated system testing in accordance with approved procedures and work control processes.
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Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), vendor testing activities, equipment inspections, and startup activities to verify equipment performance prior to installation and operation.
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Analyze test data, document results, and validate system performance against defined acceptance criteria, identifying any deviations or deficiencies.
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Troubleshoot equipment and system issues identified during commissioning, using strong technical problem-solving skills to determine root causes and corrective actions.
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Coordinate closely with engineering, construction, operations, maintenance, quality assurance, and equipment vendors to resolve technical issues and align on testing outcomes.
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Participate in readiness reviews, punch-list development and resolution, and formal turnover activities to move systems from construction to commissioning and ultimately to operations.
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Maintain complete, accurate, and traceable commissioning documentation, including test records, as-built information, and turnover packages.
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Support the structured turnover of systems from construction through commissioning to operational acceptance, ensuring systems are installed, tested, and operating as designed.
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Ensure all commissioning and startup activities follow applicable safety requirements, work control processes, and Conduct of Operations principles.
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Demonstrate a strong questioning attitude and rigorous attention to detail in every test step, measurement, and record to uphold nuclear-professional standards.
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Work effectively in both office and field environments, including regular walking and activity throughout active industrial construction sites.
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Focus on one or more discipline areas—Instrumentation & Controls, Electrical Power Systems, HVAC Systems, or Mechanical Process and Piping Systems—and lead or support commissioning activities specific to those systems.
Essential Skills
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Typically 10+ years of relevant experience in commissioning, startup, operational testing, maintenance, or related engineering functions.
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At least 10 years of experience writing test plans and procedures for complex industrial systems.
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At least 10 years of experience performing commissioning tests and executing commissioning activities in industrial environments.
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At least 10 years of experience commissioning equipment, including component, subsystem, and integrated system testing.
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Extensive experience developing test procedures, commissioning plans, startup strategies, and operational test programs.
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Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving abilities applied to equipment and system issues discovered during commissioning.
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Experience working in procedurally controlled environments where strict adherence to approved procedures and work processes is required.
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Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, schematics, P&IDs, and system documentation.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear documentation and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
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Experience in highly regulated industries such as nuclear, power generation, chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or industrial manufacturing.
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Experience commissioning instrumentation, controls, automation, PLC, DCS, or industrial control systems for candidates focused on Instrumentation & Controls.
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Experience writing commissioning plans and test procedures for I&C equipment and integrated control systems for Instrumentation & Controls roles.
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Experience commissioning electrical power generation and distribution systems for candidates focused on Electrical Power Systems.
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Experience with substations, switchgear, transformers, generators, relays, motor control centers, and industrial power systems for Electrical Power Systems roles.
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Experience commissioning large industrial HVAC and ventilation systems for candidates focused on HVAC Systems.
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Experience in industrial environments such as manufacturing, power generation, pharmaceutical, or chemical processing for HVAC-focused roles.
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Experience commissioning process equipment and process piping systems for candidates focused on Mechanical Process and Piping Systems.
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Strong understanding of P&IDs and process system operation for Mechanical Process and Piping-focused roles.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred, including Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Nuclear, Controls, Instrumentation, or a related discipline.
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Candidates without a degree may be considered if they have significant directly related experience in commissioning, startup, testing, operations, maintenance, or engineering.
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Experience in nuclear or nuclear-adjacent environments is strongly preferred, particularly where Conduct of Operations principles are applied.
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Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with construction, operations, maintenance, engineering, QA, and vendors in complex industrial projects.
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Comfort operating in a structured, highly regulated environment with strong emphasis on safety, quality, and documentation.
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Strong organizational skills to manage multiple systems, tests, and documentation streams simultaneously.
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Motivation to work in a new fuel fabrication facility environment and contribute to the successful startup of a first-of-a-kind or advanced industrial facility.
Work Environment
The role begins with an office-based phase of approximately six months, during which you will review designs, develop test procedures, and prepare commissioning documentation in a professional office setting. After this initial period, the position transitions to an active construction site environment, where you will work in field offices or trailer offices and regularly move through industrial construction areas. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including construction, operations, maintenance, engineering, QA, and equipment vendors, and will interact with complex systems such as instrumentation and controls, electrical power systems, HVAC systems, and mechanical process and piping systems. The work environment emphasizes safety, formal work control processes, and Conduct of Operations principles, with a strong focus on accurate documentation and procedural compliance. The role offers a comprehensive paid time off structure, including 11 holidays and three weeks of PTO per 12 months, supporting work-life balance in a demanding industrial project setting
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Oak Ridge, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $80.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Oak Ridge,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
