Solar Commissioning Technician

Position Overview

The Commissioning Technician supports start-up, testing, and turnover of utility-scale solar (PV) facilities. You’ll execute pre-functional checks, functional tests, and performance verification on DC/AC collection systems, inverters, MV equipment, controls/SCADA, and balance-of-plant—working closely with Construction, Engineering, QA/QC, OEM vendors, and the Owner to achieve safe, timely energization and a clean handover.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Energization (Build-Ready)

- Review one-lines, wiring diagrams, commissioning plans, and ITPs; flag discrepancies and redline as needed.

- Perform visual/mechanical inspections of PV arrays, trackers, combiner boxes, inverters, pad-mount transformers, MV switchgear, and communications panels.

- Execute electrical tests per project procedures and OEM specs:

- DC string checks (polarity, continuity, open-circuit voltage, insulation resistance/megger).

- Combiner/fuse verification, torque and termination checks.

- Grounding/bonding and ground-grid resistance testing.

- Inverter/pad-mount transformer pre-checks (tap settings, nameplate, oil level where applicable).

- Complete pre-functional checklists and punch lists; drive closure with field crews.

Energization & Functional Testing

- Support LOTO, switching, and energization sequences under the direction of qualified persons and the utility/owner.

- Conduct functional tests of inverters, reactive power/VAR control, protection relays (assist), tracker operation, weather stations, and DAS/SCADA points.

- Capture IV-curve traces, thermal images, and power-quality snapshots during staged energization.

- Troubleshoot alarms, nuisance trips, communications, and performance anomalies to root cause; implement/verify corrective actions.

Performance Verification & Turnover

- Validate system performance against design and acceptance criteria (availability, PR, clipping behavior, SCADA KPIs).

- Compile complete test records, as-builts, redlines, and O&M turnover documentation.

- Support owner training and walkdowns; resolve outstanding NCRs and punch items to achieve PAC/TOC milestones.

Quality, Safety & Coordination

- Adhere to NEC, NFPA 70E, site safe-work practices, and EPC quality procedures; participate in JSAs/JHAs and daily briefs.

- Maintain calibrated test equipment and tool control; keep tidy, labeled test records.

- Coordinate daily with Construction Superintendents, QA/QC, Start-Up Lead, OEM reps, and the Utility for outage windows and switching orders.

Minimum Education & Experience

- Technical certificate or associate degree in Electrical Technology or similar preferred.

- 2+ years in electrical commissioning, start-up, field service, or industrial electrical work (utility-scale solar, wind, substation, or power generation preferred).

- Experience working around MV systems (up to ~34.5 kV) under qualified supervision.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Working knowledge of PV plant components: modules/strings, combiners, trackers, inverters (central or string), pad-mount transformers, MV switchgear, communications/DAS/SCADA.

- Proficient with test equipment: digital multimeter, clamp meter, insulation resistance tester/megger, IV-curve tracer, ground resistance tester, thermal imager, basic power-quality analyzer.

- Able to read and interpret one-lines, three-lines, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and OEM manuals.

- Solid troubleshooting skills (DC collection, inverter trips, comms/SCADA, tracker faults).

- Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE/IEC guidance, and utility interconnection/testing practices.

- Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable producing clear, complete test records and turnover packages.

- Basic computer skills (Excel/Sheets, Bluebeam or PDF markup, CMMS or commissioning software).

Certifications & Licenses (Preferred)

- OSHA-10 (minimum) or OSHA-30; NFPA 70E electrical safety training.

- First Aid/CPR; valid driver’s license with clean record.

- NABCEP PV Associate/Professional, NETA Level 2, or manufacturer inverter training a plus.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

- Work primarily outdoors in heat, cold, wind, and dusty conditions; stand/walk for extended periods.

- Frequently bend, kneel, and climb ladders; work in and around energized equipment boundaries under strict procedures.

- Lift, carry, and handle tools/equipment up to 50 lbs. safely; fine motor tasks for terminations and instrumentation.

- Use of required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, FR/arc-rated clothing, gloves, hearing protection, harness as applicable).

- Ability to distinguish wire colors and audible alarms; normal field hearing/vision (corrective OK).

Work Schedule & Travel

- Project-site based; typical schedule 5-10s or 6-10s during peak commissioning phases.

EEOC Statement:

GIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Health insurance

- Opportunities for advancement

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Work Location: On the road