Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of commissioning for utility-scale solar projects, from construction completion through safe energisation, grid compliance and operational handover.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and maintain the commissioning, execution plan, programme, responsibilities, hold points and acceptance criteria for each project.
Define pre-commissioning, cold and hot commissioning scopes, including prerequisites, test boundaries, permits, safety controls, evidence and sign-off requirements.
Lead pre-energisation activities using temporary/backup generation where appropriate to test auxiliary and LV systems ahead of permanent grid connection.
Lead readiness reviews covering mechanical and electrical completion, commissioning, energisation, grid compliance, reliability testing and handover.
Review contractor and OEM commissioning procedures, ITPs, test sheets, switching schedules, protection settings and risk assessments.
Lead testing of communications, controls, alarms, plant power controllers, export limitation, reactive power control and DNO/G99 requirements.
Manage commissioning defects, punch lists, technical queries and concessions, ensuring critical issues are resolved or formally accepted before progression.
Ensure commissioning records, test certificates, settings, reports, as-built information and handover dossiers are complete and traceable.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Strong electrical engineering background with substantial practical LV/HV experience on utility-scale solar or comparable power infrastructure.
Proven experience leading commissioning from pre-commissioning through energisation and handover.
Strong knowledge of switchgear, transformers, protection, cable testing, earthing, auxiliary supplies, inverters, metering, SCADA, plant controllers and communications.
Experience developing commissioning plans, test procedures, ITPs, switching schedules, readiness reviews and handover documentation.
Practical understanding of temporary generation, generator changeover, earthing, protection coordination and temporary power distribution.
Ability to interpret single-line diagrams, schematics, protection studies/settings, cable schedules, cause-and-effect documents and manufacturer manuals.
Working knowledge of UK electrical safety legislation, relevant British/international standards and DNO/G99 requirements.
Qualifications & Professional Requirements
Essential:
HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in electrical/power engineering or a related discipline.
Strong practical LV/HV competence and relevant commissioning experience in power generation, renewables, substations or electrical infrastructure.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to project sites.
Desirable:
Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status, or progress towards professional registration.
HV authorisation/switching, protection testing and temporary generator experience.
Construction H&S qualification such as SMSTS or NEBOSH, plus relevant first-aid training
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