Commissioning Lead/Manager

Role Purpose

• 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.

• Coordinate commissioning interfaces across EPC contractors, ICPs, DNOs, equipment suppliers, commissioning specialists, Technical Authority, Electrical Duty Holder, Project and Operations teams.

• Oversee LV/HV testing covering cables, switchgear, transformers, earthing, protection, interlocks, metering, inverters and auxiliary systems.

• 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