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Pre-Commissioning Engineer

Job Description

This role serves as a pre-commissioning agent based out of the Amarillo area, managing substation protection and controls projects across greenfield and brownfield sites in various stages of energization. The pre-commissioning engineer coordinates construction-phase activities, ensures proper implementation of protection and control schemes, and supports the safe and reliable energization of high-voltage substations. High-performing individuals in this role may have the opportunity to transition into more technical and higher-paying commissioning positions.

Responsibilities

• Manage substation protection and controls projects from the pre-commissioning perspective, focusing on both greenfield and brownfield substations in various stages of energization.
• Coordinate and schedule multiple stakeholders involved in the construction phase of substation projects to ensure timely and efficient completion of work.
• Work on-site at substations up to five days per week for approximately 10 hours per day, often remaining at the same location for several months at a time.
• Interpret and work from schematics, wiring diagrams, and protection and control drawings to verify correct installation and readiness for commissioning.
• Oversee and verify substation wiring, particularly wiring that is #10 AWG and smaller, to ensure it meets design, safety, and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with relay technicians, engineers, and field crews to ensure proper implementation of relay, protection, and control equipment.
• Support relay testing, protection and control checks, and functional verification of substation systems as projects approach energization.
• Assist in identifying and resolving issues related to substation design, protection and control schemes, and field wiring during the pre-commissioning phase.
• Contribute to the preparation and organization of documentation related to substation protection and control systems, including test records and as-built information.
• Demonstrate strong safety awareness and adherence to procedures when working in high-voltage substation environments.
• Maintain clear communication with project teams, utilities, and other stakeholders regarding project status, scheduling, and technical issues.
• Pursue continuous improvement and professional development with the goal of progressing into more advanced commissioning roles.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of field experience in substation protection and controls.
• Hands-on experience with substation protection and control implementation in high-voltage environments.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and protection and control drawings.
• High-level substation wiring experience, particularly with wiring that is #10 AWG and smaller.
• Practical experience as a relay technician or in a similar relay-focused field role.
• Strong understanding of protection and control principles for transmission and substation systems.
• Experience working with relay equipment, relay testing, and associated protection schemes.
• Knowledge of substation design, switchgear, and high-voltage equipment.
• Familiarity with electric utility and transmission system operations.
• Ability to coordinate and schedule multiple stakeholders during substation construction and pre-commissioning.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site five days per week for long shifts (around 10 hours per day) at project locations.
• Capacity to work in greenfield and brownfield substations at different stages of energization.
• Strong safety mindset when working in high-voltage environments.
• Residence in, or willingness to regularly work within, the Texas / Oklahoma panhandle and southeastern New Mexico regions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Electrical engineering or related technical degree, which may be considered as part of the required years of experience.
• Experience with SCADA systems and their integration with substation protection and control schemes.
• Experience in substation design and protection and control engineering.
• Familiarity with utility and energy sector standards and practices.
• Experience with specialized testing tools and equipment, such as Omicron or similar relay testing platforms.
• Exposure to commissioning activities for substations and high-voltage installations.
• Ability to relocate or travel within the Texas / Oklahoma panhandle and southeastern New Mexico regions, with potential relocation support for highly qualified candidates.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with field crews, engineers, and utility personnel.

Work Environment

This position is field-based and requires regular on-site presence at high-voltage substations located throughout the Texas / Oklahoma panhandle and southeastern New Mexico. The role typically involves working five days per week for approximately 10-hour shifts, often at the same project location for several consecutive months. Work takes place in both greenfield and brownfield substations at various stages of construction and energization, involving exposure to outdoor conditions and high-voltage equipment. The environment is highly technical and safety-focused, with frequent interaction with relay technicians, engineers, construction crews, and utility personnel. Candidates should expect to work around substation equipment, relay and protection systems, switchgear, SCADA interfaces, and high-voltage transmission infrastructure, using specialized test equipment such as relay testing tools and related electrical instruments. Appropriate field attire and personal protective equipment are required to comply with safety standards in a substation setting.

This is a Permanent position based out of Plainview, TX.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Plainview,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.