Commissioning Engineer in Stoke-on-Trent

This role is responsible for overseeing, managing and executing the commissioning process of high voltage plant, apparatus and systems, ensuring that all installations meet design specifications, regulatory standards, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in verifying the functionality and performance of the HV systems prior to energisation. The successful candidate must have demonstrable experience in HV substations (Solar, BESS, ICP, DNO) with system voltages ranging from 11kV to 132kV, including maintenance and troubleshooting activities in these sectors. The ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, inspection and test plans (ITP’s), protection coordination studies is mandatory and a prerequisite for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Site Assessment: Evaluate the site for HV and plant apparatus, to ensure suitability for commissioning.
• Specification Design: Produce and execute commissioning plans, ITPs, to deliver the customer requirements.
• System Installation Oversight: Supervise the installation of the systems and equipment, ensuring compliance with specifications and standards.
• Testing and Validation: Conduct tests on Switchgears, LV/HV Cables, Battery Chargers within the substations, Transformers, Signal Panels, and GLVPs to verify their functionality, performance, and safety prior to being put into operation.
• Electrical Testing: AC, DC, HV, LV, communication systems SCADA; use switchgear, transformers, CTs, VTs, LV distribution boards; perform ductor testing, insulation resistance, AC Hipot, VLF, primary and secondary injection testing using tools like Omicron CMC 356 or equivalent.
• Fault Finding: Identify sheath or core to earth faults on LV/HV cables.
• Hands‑On Cable Work: Terminate and gland multicore/signal cables; perform continuity and verification checks on all cable types.
• System Optimisation: Program relays or make necessary logic modifications to make the system work as intended based on protection studies and drawings.
• Customer Service: Act as an ambassador for Switch On Power when interacting with external customers, including DNO and internal customers, to provide excellent service and deliver on expectations.
• Quality Assurance: Implement quality control measures to ensure all aspects of the commissioning process meet established guidelines and standards.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain detailed records and reports on commissioning activities, test results, and compliance with regulations.
• Communication and Collaboration: Liaise with project managers, engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders to ensure project goals are met within timelines and budgets.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure all commissioning activities adhere to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and industry standards.
• Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve issues or malfunctions that may arise during the commissioning phase.
• Training and Development: Provide training sessions for junior commissioning engineers on new systems, technologies and safety practices.
• Other Activities: Provide onsite support when required, directed by the Head of Programmes, Commissioning Manager or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Essential Person Specification:

• Qualified to HNC/Degree Level in Electrical Engineering.
• City & Guilds 17/18th BS7671 Wiring Regs.
• Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation.
• AP15/OP40 – Certified.

Experience

• Proven experience in testing and commissioning of HV switchgear: Switchgear functional checks, ductor testing, AC Hipot testing, VLF cable testing, DC pressure test, secondary injection to protection relays, current primary injection for CT ratio checks, CT analysing for knee point curve, fault finding core to earth/sheath to earth.

Transformer Testing

• Winding insulation resistance; winding ratio test; dissipation factor/power factor test/vector group test; DGPT2 relay/Buchholz relay functional checks; SFRA test.

Technical Skills

• Understand and interpret drawings and specifications.