Electrical Field Engineer

Title: Electrical Field Engineer

Position Type: Contract

Location: South Dakota

Reports to: Project Manager

Key Project Requirements

- 5–10 years of hands-on experience in field engineering, testing, or commissioning of medium-voltage (208V–34.5kV) electrical systems.

- Proven expertise with switchgear, transformers, motors, generators, load banks, and VFDs.

- Experience programming and testing medium-voltage protection relays (SEL preferred).

- Proficiency developing and executing electrical test plans using Doble, Omicron, or similar test equipment.

Job Summary

NAES is seeking an experienced Electrical Field Engineer to support commissioning and start-up activities for medium-voltage electrical systems at a first-of-a-kind energy storage project in South Dakota. The Electrical Field Engineer will lead the installation, programming, testing, and energization of electrical and control equipment—including protection relays, switchgear, transformers, and motors—ensuring all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with design and regulatory standards. This role will collaborate closely with internal engineering, safety, and operations teams to validate system performance and ensure successful project turnover.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

- Lead on-site installation, programming, testing, and commissioning of MV electrical systems and associated protection and control equipment.

- Perform and document acceptance and functional testing using multimeters, insulation resistance testers, relay test sets, power quality analyzers, and other diagnostic instruments.

- Program and validate relay logic and settings (SEL or equivalent), ensuring proper protection coordination and operation.

- Develop and execute detailed test procedures and energization plans using Doble, Omicron, or equivalent testing platforms.

- Interface with and troubleshoot PLC/SCADA systems, including Ignition SCADA, SEL RTAC, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and HART communications.

- Support commissioning of industrial automation and digital substation systems (IEC 61850, SDN).

- Ensure compliance with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), NFPA 70E, OSHA electrical safety, and all site-specific safety procedures.

- Coordinate testing and commissioning activities with subcontractors, vendors, and client representatives

- Maintain complete and accurate field records, test reports, and redline documentation for turnover packages.

- Support punch list resolution, issue troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of commissioning processes.

Job Requirements

- Strong knowledge of medium-voltage distribution, protective relaying, grounding, and control system integration.

- Familiarity with digitalized grid systems (SDN, IEC 61850) and industrial automation controllers.

- Experience with Ignition SCADA and SEL RTAC preferred.

- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and commissioning/test documentation tools.

- Ability to work independently in a field environment and manage multiple priorities.

Education / Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline preferred.

- Minimum 5 years of field experience commissioning or testing MV electrical systems; renewable or industrial energy experience a plus.

- OSHA 30 and NFPA 70E certifications required (or ability to obtain).

- NETA Level II/III certification preferred.

- Familiarity with IEEE C57, ANSI C37, and IEC 61850 commissioning and test standards.