Senior Manager, Commissioning

Blue Ridge Power (BRP) is seeking a Senior Manager, Commissioning to join our Commissioning team! The Senior Manager, Commissioning, will provide leadership in the functional area and is primarily engaged in management activities that establish the direction of a department, function, or project. This position requires the application of knowledge gained from experience and expertise to the job duties and responsibilities.

The Senior Manager, Commissioning, is responsible for managing large complex commissioning projects or overseeing multiple small and/or less complex projects, which may include utility-scale solar and BESS projects. This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position.

The Senior Manager, Commissioning, reports directly to the Director, Commissioning.

This position is 35-50% travel to our project sites. Site states include but are not limited to: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, etc.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa.

What You'll Do:

• Participate in providing a planned, documented, and managed approach to the commissioning, start-up, and turnover of facilities, systems, and equipment to the client.
• Act as the first line of contact for commissioning to the Client Project Manager by conducting regular meetings and maintaining close client relationships.
• Maintain relationships with all relevant stakeholders to ensure project success. Collaborate with all stakeholders to prepare energization documents.
• Develop, review, and/or revise as necessary pre-commissioning and commissioning procedures. Ensure the commissioning plan complies with the appropriate external regulatory bodies and off-takers requirements.
• Manage and coordinate the field execution of the commissioning process including review of pre-functional checklists, functional testing procedures, and actual functional testing to successfully commission all the company’s utility-scale solar and BESS projects.
• Establish system boundaries, scopes of work, and commissioning execution plans.
• Manage the Commissioning field execution interface to ensure safety & quality procedures are maintained.
• Prepare and manage the project commissioning schedule for each project, including resource management of personnel procedures and activities.
• Maintain a safe work environment by administering a proactive environmental, health, and safety program oriented towards zero accidents. This includes managing the energization process from initial energization up to full power export, before jurisdictional transfer to operations.
• Communicate commissioning roles and scope for members of design and construction teams; understand the commissioning test plans/protocols, and coordinate and/or attend design, construction, and operability reviews.
• Manage, monitor, and track project objectives including the scope of work, schedule, and budget. Conduct and document weekly progress meetings and other routine and special-purpose meetings as required.
• Manage 3rd party testing when necessary and provide technical support.
• Oversee commissioning activities to determine whether the work has been executed following contract documents, interconnection agreements, manufacturer requirements, applicable quality standards, and safety standards.
• Prepare commissioning progress reports for management, clients, or others as required.
• Develop and/or review written test procedures and coordinate, witness, and assure documentation of startup and functional tests.
• Collaborate with Engineering to ensure all Commissioning test documentation is reviewed before energization.
• Develop and/or collate lesson items and collaborate with the Commissioning Engineers to conduct lessons learned at project completion.
• Supports sales efforts by assisting in sales presentations, estimates, and proposals including negotiating commercial terms.
• Enhance skills, performance, and development of all employees by sponsoring and promoting training programs so that adherence to specifications, codes, and standards are ensured. 
• Provide mentorship and training and participate in the professional advancement of the Commissioning personnel assigned to the commissioning team, including on-the-job and formal training and development opportunities and, timely performance feedback.
• Continually improve personal technical, commercial, and organizational knowledge and skills.
• Provide requested support to the Commissioning leadership throughout the overall commissioning process.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Must-Haves:

• 8-12+ years of work-related experience related to the position. 
• 3+ years’ experience commissioning utility-scale solar projects.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in renewable or traditional energy development and transmission planning.
• Ability to develop and implement a detailed and integrated commissioning plan.
• Ability to communicate effectively with audiences including management, coworkers, clients, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in reading design documents such as utility-scale solar, BESS, substation design plans, and equipment specifications.
• A solid understanding of major electrical equipment such as switchgear, VAR systems, Inverters, reclosers, and MV transformers.
• Knowledge and expertise in PV solar equipment including PV modules, combiner boxes, solar trackers, inverters, DAS/SCADA equipment, communications hardware, meteorological sensors, etc.
• Knowledge and expertise in specific PV-specific testing and equipment:
  • IV curve tracing or another applicable testing mechanism.
  • VOC testing.
  • DC operating current checks.
  • Familiarity with handheld and drone thermal imaging.
• Knowledge of IEEE 1547, IEEE 2800-2022, and NFPA 70E.
• Required software: Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.

 Nice-to-Haves:

• Knowledge of ISO, PJM, and Utility interconnection processes.
• Preferred software: Procore, CMS.
• Demonstrated willingness to travel on short notice for short and long-term assignments.

 Education and Certifications:

• Associate's degree in electrical engineering or a related field of study is required.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field of study is preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license - required.

 Working Environment and Physical Demands:

• 35% to 50% travel to assigned project(s); field and on-site office-based work.
• Must be flexible when traveling to multiple states.
• Must comply with all company safety standards and procedures including OSHA requirements.
• Must follow organization policies and procedures.
• Individuals in this position work in an outdoor environment and must be able to tolerate all climates.
• Must be able to sit, stoop, kneel, bend, stand, or walk short to long distances for 8-10 hours daily.
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.