Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Tennessee

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Commissioning Lead to lead the energization, commissioning, and handover of critical electrical systems for xAI's high-performance data centers. In this senior hands-on leadership role, you will direct commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and turnover of medium/low voltage power distribution, backup power, and protection systems that support next-generation AI supercomputing infrastructure.

You will lead a team of electrical commissioning technicians while working closely with construction, engineering, operations, EPC contractors, and OEM vendors to deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality electrical systems. This is a full-time, onsite role with extensive travel to xAI data center construction sites across the United States.

• Lead and execute full electrical commissioning activities for medium and low voltage power distribution, switchgear, transformers, UPS systems, generators, PDUs, busway, ATS, and associated controls in hyperscale data center environments.
• Direct point-to-point verification, functional testing, relay calibration, protective device coordination, system integration, and integrated systems testing (IST).
• Oversee troubleshooting and resolution of complex electrical, controls, and power quality issues during pre-commissioning, commissioning, and startup phases.
• Develop, review, and approve detailed commissioning test procedures, scripts, checklists, and documentation in accordance with project specifications, NETA standards, and xAI requirements.
• Lead coordination with EPC contractors, OEM vendors, utility providers, and xAI engineers for safe system energization, startup sequences, and integrated system validation.
• Mentor, supervise, and provide technical direction to Electrical Commissioning Technicians and other field personnel; conduct performance feedback and support their development.
• Champion safety by enforcing strict adherence to LOTO, NFPA 70E, arc flash safety, and xAI protocols; lead daily safety briefings and job hazard analyses.
• Maintain comprehensive as-built documentation, test records, issue logs, and final commissioning reports; present system readiness reports to senior leadership.
• Support and deliver training programs for operations and maintenance teams on commissioned electrical systems.
• Participate in constructability reviews, design feedback sessions, and lessons-learned meetings to continuously improve installation quality and future projects.
• Manage electrical commissioning schedules, resources, and punch-list resolution to meet aggressive project timelines.

• 7+ years of progressive hands-on electrical commissioning experience in data centers, power plants, semiconductor facilities, or mission-critical environments, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Deep expertise in data center electrical infrastructure up to 480V (medium voltage experience strongly preferred), including switchgear, UPS, generators, PDUs, busway, and protective relaying.
• Strong working knowledge of commissioning test equipment (meggers, relay test sets, power quality analyzers, hi-pot, ductors, oscilloscopes, etc.).
• Thorough familiarity with relevant codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, NETA, ANSI, UL).
• Proven ability to read, interpret, and redline electrical drawings, one-lines, schematics, and coordination studies.
• Demonstrated leadership experience coordinating multi-discipline teams and managing contractors/vendors in fast-paced construction environments.
• Current OSHA 30 certification and strong safety leadership track record.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work extended hours, nights, and weekends during critical commissioning and startup windows.

• Prior leadership on multiple hyperscale data center or mission-critical commissioning projects (100+ MW scale preferred).
• NETA Certification (Level III or higher) or equivalent (Journeyman Electrician license, NICET, etc.).
• Experience with redundant power systems, paralleling switchgear, and mission-critical UPS/generator plants.
• Knowledge of PLC/SCADA controls troubleshooting and integration.
• Proficiency with commissioning management platforms (CxPro, Procore, PlanGrid, or similar).
• Technical degree or trade school certification in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field.
• Experience with arc flash studies, short circuit coordination, and ETAP/SKM modeling review.

• Ability to travel extensively to xAI construction sites and remain onsite for extended periods during peak commissioning phases.
• Capability to work in industrial environments, climb ladders/stairs, lift moderate loads (up to 50 lbs), and wear full PPE for long durations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet xAI's driver eligibility requirements.