1

Substation Commissioning Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Substation Commissioning information

See Texas salary details

$31.7K

$97.5K

$142.1K

How much do substation commissioning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation commissioning in Texas is $97,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $126,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a substation commissioning engineer do?

A substation commissioning engineer is responsible for testing, inspecting, and verifying the proper operation of electrical substation equipment before it is energized. They develop commissioning plans, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and technical standards during the startup process. The role often requires knowledge of electrical systems, control systems, and relevant certifications or standards.

What is substation commissioning?

Substation commissioning is the systematic process of testing and verifying all the components and systems within an electrical substation before it is put into regular service. This ensures that all equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, protection relays, and control systems, are installed correctly and functioning as intended. The process helps identify and resolve any issues to guarantee the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the power system. Commissioning is a critical step in preventing failures and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

What are some typical challenges faced during substation commissioning, and how can they be effectively managed?

Substation commissioning often involves coordinating multiple teams, dealing with tight project deadlines, and working in complex environments with high-voltage equipment. Common challenges include unexpected equipment issues, integration with existing systems, and ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed. Effective management relies on thorough planning, clear communication among engineers, technicians, and project managers, and strict adherence to testing and safety checklists. Being proactive in identifying potential issues and fostering a collaborative team environment can help ensure a smooth commissioning process.

Is substation commissioning a good career?

Substation commissioning is a specialized engineering role that involves testing and verifying electrical substations before they become operational. It offers opportunities for technical growth, requires knowledge of electrical systems and safety protocols, and often involves working in challenging environments with a focus on reliability and safety standards.

What is the difference between Substation Commissioning vs Substation Maintenance?

AspectSubstation CommissioningSubstation Maintenance
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in testing and commissioningTechnical certifications, electrical or mechanical maintenance training
Work EnvironmentProject-based, during new substation startup or upgradesOngoing, routine checks and repairs in operational substations
Industry UsageUsed during installation, testing, and startup phasesPerformed regularly to ensure reliability and safety of existing equipment

Substation commissioning involves testing and starting up new or upgraded substations to ensure they operate correctly, while substation maintenance focuses on routine inspections and repairs to keep the substation running efficiently. Both roles require technical skills but differ in timing and scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in substation commissioning?

To thrive in Substation Commissioning, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, knowledge of power systems, and relevant technical training or certification. Familiarity with protective relay testing, SCADA systems, and industry-standard test equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure the accurate and safe activation of substations, minimizing operational risks and ensuring reliable power delivery.
Infographic showing various Substation Commissioning job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,455 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Substation Commissioning Engineer

Actalent

Amarillo, TX

$60 - $80/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Title: Substation Commissioning EngineerJob 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 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.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

Social media