Solar Commissioning Manager

Commissioning Manager

United Renewable Energy, LLC (URE) specializes in the development, design, construction, and commissioning of solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems. Since 2008, URE has excelled as an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction firm. Our headquarters is strategically located in Cumming, GA with offices in Ashville, NC. Project sites span across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Renowned for our dynamic team and unwavering commitment to excellence, we uphold meticulous attention to detail and professionalism in every facet of construction and business communication.

Position Overview

The Commissioning Manager oversees and manages all commissioning activities for utility-scale solar PV projects from construction completion through final turnover to the owner or asset management team. This role ensures that all systems are installed, tested, and performing in accordance with design specifications, contractual obligations, and performance guarantees. The Commissioning Manager plays a critical role in project delivery, coordinating between construction, engineering, quality, and operations teams to achieve safe, timely, and successful energization and project acceptance.

- Reports To: Director of Construction

- Location: 75% Office / 25% Field

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Coordination

- Develop and implement comprehensive commissioning plans, procedures, and schedules aligned with project critical path schedules and milestones.

- Coordinate with project management, construction, engineering, and subcontractors to define commissioning scope, deliverables, and responsibilities.

- Lead commissioning kickoff meetings and ensure all stakeholders understand roles and expectations.

Execution & Supervision

- Manage on-site commissioning teams, including commissioning technicians, field engineers, and third-party specialists.

- Oversee initial startup and functional testing of PV systems, inverters, trackers, transformers, medium-voltage equipment, SCADA, and communications systems.

- Ensure safety protocols and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures are strictly followed during all commissioning and startup activities.

- Review and validate test results, troubleshoot system performance issues, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

- Prepare and maintain commissioning reports, test documentation, and turnover packages for client handover.

Stakeholder Communication

- Serve as the primary point of contact for commissioning-related issues with the client, utilities, and internal teams.

- Support utility coordination for witness testing, inspections, and energization activities.

- Provide regular progress updates and reports to project and executive leadership.

Continuous Improvement

- Evaluate and optimize commissioning processes to improve efficiency, safety, and quality across multiple projects.

- Support the development of standardized commissioning procedures, test scripts, and checklists for future projects.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related field (or equivalent experience).

- 5+ years of experience in commissioning of utility-scale solar, wind, or other power generation projects. - 3+ years of experience managing and leading commissioning teams on DG and Transmission level EPC projects.

Technical Skills

- Strong understanding of PV system components: modules, inverters, transformers, switchgear, SCADA, protections and controls, and communications.

- Intimate knowledge of electrical testing and commissioning procedures (e.g., IVCT, thermal imagery, inverter startup and commissioning, protective relays, capacity testing, etc.).

- Knowledge of NEC, IEEE, NFPA 70E, NETA, and other applicable standards.

- Proficient in MS Office, scheduling tools, and commissioning management software.

- Knowledge of site remote access and monitoring (e.g., VPN access, Port Forward setup, SEL AcSELerator and RTAC, etc.)

Soft Skills

- Strong leadership and communication skills.

- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

- Able to manage multiple projects and priorities under tight deadlines.

- Commitment to safety, quality, and operational integrity.

Travel Requirements

- Up to 25% travel to project sites.

- Must be able to work extended hours during critical commissioning and energization periods.

Preferred Certifications

- OSHA 30 or equivalent safety training

- NFPA 70e certification

- NETA, NICET, or similar testing/commissioning certification

- PMP or CxA certification (a plus)

Salary and Benefits:

- Salary commensurate with experience.

- Laptop, including necessary software.

- Cell phone reimbursement.

- Medical, dental, vision, and life coverage with employer contribution.

- FSA Option.

- 401k in accordance with company policy.

- Eight company paid holidays per year.

- Escalating accrual schedule for Paid Time Off.

- Paid sick and volunteer time off.

- Growth opportunities in a growing business and industry.

- Travel considerations include Per diem or travel reimbursement.

United Renewable Energy, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.