Substation Commissioning Engineer

Job Title: Substation Commissioning Engineer Job Description This role focuses on the final testing, validation, and energization of substation systems across Colorado. The Substation Commissioning Engineer ensures that protection and control systems, relays, and three-phase electrical systems operate safely and reliably before energization. This position offers the opportunity to work on the highest-impact phase of substation projects, with clear pathways into leadership roles and strong growth tied to technical advancement. Responsibilities Support commissioning efforts for both greenfield and brownfield substations across Colorado. Perform detailed protection and controls testing to verify system performance and functionality. Conduct relay testing and logic verification to validate protection schemes prior to energization. Review, execute, and document relay testing procedures, including logic checks and setting verification. Apply a solid understanding of three-phase electrical systems to assess system readiness and functionality. Provide final sign-off on substations and associated equipment prior to energization, ensuring all systems are fully operational. Take ownership of final checks and commissioning documentation, maintaining high attention to detail and accountability. Work in live, high-impact environments during the final stages of energization while adhering to strict safety and operational procedures. Collaborate with project teams, field personnel, and stakeholders to resolve issues identified during commissioning. Support multiple substation sites, including a mix of local and travel assignments, typically up to two weeks at a time. Essential Skills At least 5+ years of field experience in substation protection and controls testing. Hands-on experience performing substation commissioning and final energization support. Strong background in protection and controls testing for substation systems. Proficiency in relay testing and understanding of relay logic to validate protection schemes. Solid understanding of three-phase electrical systems and their application in substation environments. Demonstrated ability to take ownership of final sign-off responsibilities before energization. High attention to detail and strong sense of accountability in high-impact environments. Comfort working in field environments, including live substation sites. Willingness and ability to travel across Colorado, including assignments up to approximately two weeks at a time. Additional Skills & Qualifications Electrical engineering degree preferred. Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred. Senior relay technicians with 10–15+ years of experience considered in lieu of a degree. Experience with relay setting development. Substation design experience. Exposure to project leadership, such as leading field efforts or supporting project management. Based in the Denver Metro or Colorado Springs area is preferred. Open to relocation; relocation and sign-on bonus available for strong candidates. Interest in growing into leadership roles such as project management, field service management, or operations. Work Environment This is a field-based role working primarily at substation sites across Colorado, with approximately 60% of work in the Denver Metro area and additional assignments throughout the state. The position involves a mix of local and travel-based work, typically with trips lasting up to two weeks at a time. You will operate in live, high-impact environments during the final stages of substation energization, working closely with complex protection and control systems and critical infrastructure. The role offers exposure to advanced technologies and systems used in modern substations, along with a clear path into leadership roles and strong compensation growth tied to technical advancement. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Amarillo, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr. 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 Amarillo,TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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.