Lead Commissioning Engineer

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 historyENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firmRated as a top System Integrator GiantWe have a Lead Commissioning Engineer opportunity available in Columbia, MD. 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 errorsManage and schedule the installation and commissioning with subcontractors, personnel and customer in accordance with project requirementsProvide safety analysis and proper equipment isolation procedureProvide a day-to-day outage plan for customersDevelop detailed test procedures and sign-off sheet for each piece of equipmentMonitor the construction and be available to address technical questions as they arise during construction, installation and testingDemonstrate ability to service newly designed and experimental equipment, which has not been seen before, and instill confidence in the customerAssist 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-serviceDirect 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 perspectiveNear 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 siteDeveloping and maintaining strong working relationships with customers, demonstrates an awareness of customer needs, preferences, and time and financial constraintsProven customer service, sales ability, and ability to handle difficult customers and meet their satisfactionSupports the development of estimates for client proposals and further business developmentAbility 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 proceduresDevelop standard testing documentation, training procedures and maintain all project documentation including certifications and calibration records. Candidate should be able to obtain NICET certification or equivalentKnowledge of programming and testing protection relays from GE, SEL, ALSTOM, SCHNEIDER, SIEMENS, and ABB. Ability to develop programming macros for use in automated relay testingIdeal Candidate QualificationsProven ability to motivate, mentor, and optimize in a collaborative, team-oriented environmentGoal oriented and focusedStrong drive, energy, enthusiasm, and proactive styleExperience managing technical projects of various sizesExcellent communication (written and oral) & interpersonal skillsExcellent negotiation, influence, mediation & conflict management skillsProven ability with problem solving and decision makingStrong organizational, multi-tasking, & time-management skillsStrong budget management skillsDiverse 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 projectsJob RequirementsEducation 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 systemsIn-depth understating of protection and control schemes and implementationIn-depth experience utilizing relay test sets with various relay vendors including SEL, GE, Beckwith, ABB, Basler, etc. and various manufacturers of electromechanical relaysIn-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 operationsExperience with rotating machinery, including generators and excitation systemsExperience testing previously programmed RTUs locally and remotely to system operatorsExperience with SCADA, RTU, and DFR systemsTravel 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 AssistanceSalary Range The expected salary range is $140,000 - $185,000 annually depending on qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.