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Excitation System Commissioning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

An ENR Top 500 Firm We have a Commissioning Engineer position available in our Biddeford, ME office ... Rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systems * SCADA, RTU, and DFR systems

An ENR Top 500 Firm We have a Commissioning Engineer position available in our Biddeford, ME office ... Rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systems * SCADA, RTU, and DFR systems

This position supports development and execution of all aspects related to system commissioning ... D in Mechanical, Electronics, Optical Engineering or equivalent fields. * At least 4 year of ...

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Saco, ME

$107K - $141K/yr

Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Lead Commissioning Engineer opportunity available ... Experience with rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systems * Experience ...

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Lead Commissioning Engineer opportunity available ... Experience with rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systems * Experience ...

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Excitation System Commissioning Engineer information

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How much do excitation system commissioning engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for excitation system commissioning engineer in the United States is $40.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.21 and $45.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by an Excitation System Commissioning Engineer during project startups?

Excitation System Commissioning Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams during system integration, troubleshooting unexpected field issues, and adapting to varying site conditions. They must ensure that the excitation systems interface seamlessly with generators and control systems, which can involve resolving compatibility or technical documentation gaps. Effective communication, flexibility, and a strong understanding of both hardware and software aspects are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a successful startup.

What is the difference between Excitation System Commissioning Engineer vs Power Plant Control Engineer?

AspectExcitation System Commissioning EngineerPower Plant Control Engineer
Primary FocusCommissioning and testing excitation systems for generatorsDesign, implementation, and optimization of power plant control systems
CertificationsElectrical engineering, specialized in power systemsElectrical or control systems engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentPower plants, testing sites, commissioning projectsPower plants, control room, engineering offices
Industry UsageCommonly involved during generator commissioning phasesInvolved throughout power plant operation and control system management

While both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and work within power plants, the Excitation System Commissioning Engineer specializes in testing and commissioning generator excitation systems, whereas the Power Plant Control Engineer focuses on overall control system design and operation. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the power industry.

What does an Excitation System Commissioning Engineer do?

An Excitation System Commissioning Engineer is responsible for installing, testing, and ensuring the proper operation of excitation systems in power plants or industrial facilities. These systems control the voltage and reactive power of generators, which are essential for stable and efficient electricity production. The engineer oversees the commissioning process, troubleshoots issues, configures system parameters, and ensures compliance with technical standards and safety regulations. Their work is critical to the reliable operation of power generation equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excitation System Commissioning Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excitation System Commissioning Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, experience with power generation systems, and familiarity with excitation control principles, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, and specialized excitation system software, as well as certifications like IEEE or vendor-specific training, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are vital soft skills for managing on-site challenges and collaborating with diverse teams. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient commissioning and reliable operation of complex excitation systems in power plants.
Infographic showing various Excitation System Commissioning Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,089 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Commissioning Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec

Saco, ME โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Services (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • A Top 5 Systems Integrator Giant
  • An ENR Top 500 Firmย 

We have a Commissioning Engineer position available in our Biddeford, ME office. This individual will be responsible for commissioning transmission and distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized correctly.

This individual will be responsible for commissioning transmission and distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized correctly. This role will serve as a safety net to ensure that any errors introduced by incorrectly engineered design packages, installation errors, or equipment failures, are corrected before the equipment is energized and released for service. Ultimately the Commissioning Engineer prevents errors from compromising the reliability of the T&D system and the safety of employees involved in operating the system. Senior Engineer is responsible for training new engineers/technicians in relay testing, equipment testing and substation commissioning.

Major Responsibilities

  • Review specification and engineering drawings to understand the purpose and functionality of substation
  • Schedule the installation and commissioning with subcontractors and customers
  • Provide safety analysis and proper equipment isolation procedure
  • Provide a day-to-day outage plan for customer
  • Develop detail test procedure and sign-off sheet for each piece of equipment
  • Monitor the construction and be available to address technical questions as they arise during construction, installation and testing
  • Identify and resolve design errors
  • Assist field crews and dispatch in developing, switching to properly sequence in equipment, making sure proper hold points for testing are incorporated
  • Directly witness or perform critical tests such as DC Functional Trip Testing prior to energization and in-service
  • Direct crews as necessary during critical work junctures. This typically occurs during final commission, just prior and through initial energization
  • Acknowledge substation modification is complete and functional and formally turns it over to Dispatch to be operated within its design limits
  • Senior Commissioning Engineer is expected to support several capital projects occurring at the same time. Accordingly they rotate amongst the jobs, keeping abreast of the construction activities, reviewing test results and monitoring the work so as to anticipate any problems and gauge their level of involvement from a technical support perspective
  • Near project completion, as the equipment is ready to have its control schemes functionally tested and the equipment energized is when a commissioning engineer will be required to work extended hours/days in a row at a particular job site
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers, demonstrates an awareness of customer needs, preferences, and time and financial constraints
  • Management of resources and services required to install electrical equipment
  • Proven customer service, sales ability, and ability to handle difficult situations with customers and gain satisfaction
  • Assists in the development of estimates for client proposals and further business development
  • Ability to understand AC and DC elementary diagrams, wiring diagrams and one-line drawings for the purpose of understanding system operation and developing testing requirements and procedures
  • Develop standard testing documentation, training procedures and maintain all project documentation including certifications and calibration records. Candidate should be able to obtain NICET certification or equivalent
  • The ideal candidate must have a diverse skill set with the ability to work independently. Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers/technicians

Minimum Requirements

Educationย Bachelor degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical or engineering technology) is preferred. Associate Degree is acceptable provided candidate has proven experience in the field.

Experience 3+ years with capabilities in below areas is preferred:

  • In-depth understanding of:
    • Three-phase power systems
    • Protection and control schemes and implementation
    • Equipment testing - circuit breakers, transformers, circuit switchers, MOABS, CTs, PTs, batteries and chargers, transfer switches, line tuners, wave traps, carrier relays, etc.
  • Experience in:
    • Testing, troubleshooting, evaluating, and servicing electrical distribution and control systems is highly desirable
    • Utilizing relay secondary injection test sets
    • PQ measurements
    • Leading crews to test and commission new and modified substations
    • Rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systems
    • SCADA, RTU, and DFR systems
    • AutoCAD is also desired

Travelย Work will be mostly onsite at clients primarily in Maine and Northern Massachusetts.

Driverโ€™s Licenseย Possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted driverโ€™s license.

Physical Demands of Positionย Seeing, color perception, hearing, listening, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling, warm and cold temperature conditions, sun exposure, moisture, potential exposure to hazardous materials and electrical voltages.

Working Environmentย On site environment could require work in various temperature conditions; in and/or around moisture, on slippery and/or uneven surfaces, in confined spaces, and at heights; will require frequent standing, driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and occasional bending, squatting, climbing, twisting, balancing, and reaching; will have exposure to noise, vibrations and chemicals. May require irregular or extended hours, subject to being on call and travel for project completion.

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits:ย Medical โ€ข Dental โ€ข Vision โ€ข Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D โ€ข Long Term Disability โ€ข Voluntary Short Term Disability โ€ข Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts โ€ข Health Savings Account โ€ข Paid Time Off (PTO) โ€ข Paid Holidays โ€ข Tuition Reimbursement โ€ข Referral Bonus Program โ€ข 401(k)/Profit Sharing โ€ข 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) โ€ข Employee Assistance Program โ€ข Will Preparation Resources โ€ข Worldwide Travel Assistanceย 

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