Senior Power Systems Commissioning Engineer

ITAC serves Process & Industrial clients with integrated engineering and construction services for complex capital projects. We also offer specialty services including power systems services and products, custom machine fabrication, and fall protection services and equipment. Founded in 1988 on a dream and a $5K loan, ITAC is a true success story. From humble beginnings to an ENR-Ranked Top Design Firm with a nationwide footprint and over 450 employees operating from 6 offices in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, we provide Fortune 500 companies with innovative design-build solutions. We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products, advanced manufacturing, and minerals & metals.

ITAC’s purpose is to make life better. For our employees, this means providing them with the resources and flexibility they need to have both a rewarding career and a fulfilling family life. ITAC is 100% employee-owned. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and Direct Stock Ownership, every team member has the unique opportunity to be an owner who shares in the company’s growth and earnings. We offer our team a comprehensive benefits package and numerous employee incentives. Rooted in love, we serve and care for our employees like family.

We hire passionate and motivated people with an innovative mindset and the desire to grow. If the thought of challenging, fast-paced projects excites you, then you’ve come to the right place. At ITAC, you’ll be part of a collaborative team that works hard to make life better. For more information, visit itac.us.com.

Job Description:
ITAC Power Systems is seeking an experienced Power Systems Commissioning Engineer with extensive hands-on field experience in testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting protection and control systems. This role is not a design or office-focused position—it requires a seasoned engineer who is highly competent working directly with power system hardware and software in the field, validating system performance, and ensuring safe, reliable operation of modern, complex electrical power systems.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in protective relaying theory, SCADA Systems, and distributed control systems, but more importantly, has direct, practical experience commissioning complex auto-transfer systems, generator paralleling switchgear, distributed generation systems, microgrids, and other advanced power system architectures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform field commissioning, start-up, testing, and validation of:
• Protective relays and protection schemes (Feeder, Transformer, Bus, Generator, Motor, Differential, Line, etc.)
• Generator paralleling switchgear and control systems and related technologies such as the Woodward Easygen Platform
• Distributed generation and microgrid control systems
• SCADA systems, RTUs, HMIs, and OT communication networks
• Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and power management systems (PMS)
• Execute functional testing, point-to-point verification, and end-to-end system testing.
• Develop and execute detailed commissioning plans, test procedures, and operations manuals.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, logic diagrams, relay settings, and control sequences.
• Perform field adjustments and tuning of protective relay settings, control logic, load sharing, synchronization, and system stability parameters.
• • Diagnose and resolve issues related to protection misoperations, control logic defects, wiring errors, communication failures, and equipment malfunction.
• • Coordinate with contractors, utilities, equipment vendors, and system operators during commissioning.
• • Ensure compliance with applicable standards, such as IEEE, NEC, NERC, NFPA, and utility interconnection requirements.
• • Prepare accurate commissioning reports, test records, and as-built documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of hands-on field experience commissioning power system protection and control equipment.
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Protective relay theory and application
• Power system protection schemes
• SCADA and communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC-61850, etc.)
• Generator control systems and synchronization
• Microgrid controllers, distributed generation systems, and DER integration
• Demonstrated proficiency commissioning equipment from major manufacturers (SEL, GE, ABB, Schneider, Basler, Woodward, DEIF, Emerson, etc.).
• Ability to work safely in energized substations, switchgear rooms, industrial facilities, and utility environments.
• Proficiency with common test equipment (Omicron, Doble, Megger, Fluke, etc.).
• Excellent computer skills and expert proficiency with common industry standard applications such as Schweitzer Engineering Labs AcSELerator Quickset, AcSELerator RTAC, Woodward Toolkit, and similar.
• Design experience is not required (this is not a design role) but familiarity with industry designs standards, drawing formats, and conventions is required.
• Managing dynamic schedules with multiple active projects and constantly evolving customer requirements.

Benefits

From internships to seasoned professionals, our growing company provides career opportunities for all levels of experience. We offer our team a comprehensive benefits package and numerous employee incentives. For life’s challenges, we also provide our employees and their immediate families with certified chaplains for around-the-clock encouragement and support. Rooted in love, we serve and care for our employees like family. ITAC provides benefits such as

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 401k & ESOP
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Sick Time Off
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development
• Wellness Program
• Mentorship Program
• Safety Incentive Program
• 24/7 Chaplain Care