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Lead Commissioning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Columbia, MD

$101K - $134K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Modesto, CA

$108K - $142K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Nashville, TN

$99K - $130K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Houston, TX

$99K - $130K/yr

Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Lead Commissioning Engineer opportunity available in Houston, TX. The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Roseville, CA

$107K - $141K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized ...

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Lead Commissioning Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead commissioning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead commissioning engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead commissioning engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Commissioning Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Competence in using commissioning management software, building automation systems, and relevant industry certifications such as LEED or CxA is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring that complex systems are installed, tested, and function according to project specifications and client needs.

What are some typical challenges faced by a lead commissioning engineer during the startup phase of a project?

During the startup phase, a Lead Commissioning Engineer often encounters challenges such as coordinating between multiple disciplines, managing tight project schedules, and ensuring all systems meet safety and quality standards. Unanticipated issues like equipment malfunctions or incomplete documentation can arise, requiring quick problem-solving and effective communication with contractors, project managers, and clients. Successfully navigating these challenges demands strong leadership skills and a proactive approach to risk management.

What is the difference between Lead Commissioning Engineer vs Commissioning Engineer?

AspectLead Commissioning EngineerCommissioning Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, certifications like CEM or LEED, and extensive experienceRequires similar engineering background and certifications, but less experience often suffices
Work EnvironmentLeads teams during project commissioning, oversees planning and executionPerforms commissioning tasks under supervision, focuses on specific systems
Industry UsageCommon in large-scale projects, infrastructure, and complex systemsFound in smaller projects or specific system commissioning

The main difference is that the Lead Commissioning Engineer manages the entire commissioning process and team, while the Commissioning Engineer executes specific tasks within that process. The lead role involves more coordination, planning, and oversight, whereas the commissioning engineer focuses on technical execution.

What is a lead commissioning engineer?

Lead Commissioning Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing the commissioning process of systems, equipment, or facilities to ensure they operate as intended. They coordinate testing, troubleshooting, and optimization, working closely with project teams to verify that installations meet specified standards and regulations. Their role often involves leading a team, managing documentation, and ensuring safety and quality compliance throughout the commissioning phase. Lead Commissioning Engineers are vital in industries such as construction, energy, and manufacturing, ensuring projects are delivered on time and function efficiently.
More about Lead Commissioning Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Commissioning Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Lead Commissioning Engineer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Commissioning Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Commissioning Engineer jobs are:
Lead Commissioning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Commissioning Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec

Roseville, CA • On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (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
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Lead Commissioning Engineer opportunity available in Roseville, CA. The Lead Commissioning/Testing Engineer will be responsible for testing/commissioning Transmission and Distribution substations additions or modifications are installed, function, and energized correctly. This position is responsible for leading the testing and commissioning of electrical equipment within and electrical substation or generator plant. Performing and directing all aspects of electrical testing including, but not limited to, protection relays, circuit breakers, transformers and other substation equipment. Lead Engineer is responsible for training new engineers/technicians in relay testing, equipment testing and substation commissioning.
Major Responsibilities
This position requires the Commissioning Engineer to provide testing and commissioning services along with engineering to the Utility Substation and Generation Stations. Responsibilities include:
  • Review specifications and engineering drawings to understand the purpose and functionality of substation. Identify and resolve design errors
  • Manage and schedule the installation and commissioning with subcontractors, personnel and customer in accordance with project requirements
  • Provide safety analysis and proper equipment isolation procedure
  • Provide a day-to-day outage plan for customers
  • Develop detailed test procedures 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
  • Demonstrate ability to service newly designed and experimental equipment, which has not been seen before, and instill confidence in the customer
  • 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.
  • Lead Commissioning Engineer is expected to support several capital projects occurring at the same time. As required, they rotate amongst the jobs, keeping abreast of the construction activities, reviewing test results and monitoring the work 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, commissioning engineer will likely be required to work extended hours/days in a row at a particular job site
  • Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with customers, demonstrates an awareness of customer needs, preferences, and time and financial constraints
  • Proven customer service, sales ability, and ability to handle difficult customers and meet their satisfaction
  • Supports 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
  • Knowledge of programming and testing protection relays from GE, SEL, ALSTOM, SCHNEIDER, SIEMENS, and ABB. Ability to develop programming macros for use in automated relay testing

Ideal Candidate Qualifications
  • Proven ability to motivate, mentor, and optimize in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
  • Goal oriented and focused
  • Strong drive, energy, enthusiasm, and proactive style
  • Experience managing technical projects of various sizes
  • Excellent communication (written and oral) & interpersonal skills
  • Excellent negotiation, influence, mediation & conflict management skills
  • Proven ability with problem solving and decision making
  • Strong organizational, multi-tasking, & time-management skills
  • Strong budget management skills
  • Diverse skill set with the ability to work independently. Will act as technical lead on projects and guide less experienced engineers/technicians. May also act as Commissioning Engineer on projects

Job Requirements
Education A Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical or engineering technology) from an accredited institution is preferred.
Experience A minimum of 8-20+ years testing & commissioning experience should include:
  • In-depth understanding of three-phase power systems
  • In-depth understating of protection and control schemes and implementation
  • In-depth experience utilizing relay test sets with various relay vendors including SEL, GE, Beckwith, ABB, Basler, etc. and various manufacturers of electromechanical relays
  • In-depth understanding of equipment testing - circuit breakers, transformers, circuit switchers, MOABS, CTs, PTs, batteries & chargers, transfer switches, line tuners, wave traps, carrier relays, etc.
  • In-depth experience executing in-service power measurements (load checks)
  • Experience leading crews to test and commission new and modified substations including equipment isolation/restoration and complex circuit cutovers being mindful to mitigate inadvertent operations
  • Experience with rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systems
  • Experience testing previously programmed RTUs locally and remotely to system operators
  • Experience with SCADA, RTU, and DFR systems

Travel Ability to travel a minimum of 50%.
Driver's License Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver's license.
Physical Demands of Position 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 Conditions Standard office work, work-from-home, and in the field leadership: 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: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance
Salary Range The expected salary range is $140,000 - $185,000 annually depending on qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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