Job Title
Commissioning Manager – Utility‑Scale Battery Energy Storage (REMOTE | Midwest‑Based)
Overview
This role serves as the Owner’s Representative for the commissioning and startup of utility‑scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. The Commissioning Manager oversees and verifies that electrical, controls, protection, and communications systems are installed correctly, tested properly, and operate safely in parallel with the utility grid.
This is a remote position when not traveling to project sites. Candidates must be based in the Midwest and able to travel to active project locations as required. This is not a hands‑on installation or relay testing role; the focus is leadership, oversight, verification, and technical coordination to ensure systems operate as designed prior to commercial operation.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the full commissioning process from system readiness through energization and grid‑parallel operation for utility‑scale BESS projects
- Act as the Owner’s Representative during commissioning, ensuring adherence to design intent, project objectives, and safety requirements
- Coordinate with EPC contractors, equipment vendors, third‑party testing firms, and utility representatives to plan and execute commissioning activities
- Develop, refine, and execute commissioning plans, procedures, and checklists covering electrical, controls, protection, and communications systems
- Verify proper installation, testing, and operation of grid synchronization functions for safe utility interconnection
- Confirm correct operation of import/export controls to manage power flow in compliance with project and utility requirements
- Verify anti‑islanding protection schemes, lockout logic, and recovery sequences under abnormal grid conditions
- Witness vendor and third‑party testing, review test results, and validate compliance with performance, safety, and interconnection standards
- Track commissioning issues, non‑conformances, and punch‑list items through resolution prior to utility approval
- Ensure all commissioning activities are aligned with applicable codes, standards, and utility interconnection requirements
- Produce detailed commissioning reports, test summaries, and turnover documentation for internal and external stakeholders
- Work closely with engineering teams to resolve technical issues related to power systems, protection, controls, and system performance
- Collaborate with construction teams regarding constructability, schedule, and cost considerations during commissioning
- Manage multiple projects or sites concurrently while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and execution
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of commissioning or startup experience on grid‑connected electrical systems such as BESS, substations, or renewable energy projects
- Strong foundation in power systems and electrical engineering principles applied to construction and commissioning
- Hands‑on experience supporting commissioning efforts in renewable energy environments, including BESS and/or solar projects
- Proven ability to lead commissioning activities on complex electrical infrastructure projects
- Experience coordinating with EPCs, vendors, testing firms, and utilities in an Owner’s Engineer or commissioning oversight role
- Demonstrated ability to address highly technical issues involving electrical design, protection, controls, and communications
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to track issues and produce clear, thorough documentation
- Self‑starter mindset with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and execution
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail
- Must be based in the Midwest and willing to travel to project sites as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working directly as an Owner’s Engineer or Owner’s Representative
- Background in electrical construction, substation construction, or construction management
- Familiarity with the full lifecycle of utility‑scale BESS, solar, and renewable energy projects
- Experience with electrical construction management and field coordination
- Engineering Background in electrical or power engineering supporting large‑scale energy projects
- Strong project management skills across multidisciplinary stakeholders
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
- Comfortable working in fast‑growing organizations with projects distributed across multiple regions
Work Environment
This role supports utility‑scale renewable energy projects across multiple regions. The position is remote when not traveling, with required travel to active construction sites, substations, and commissioning locations. Work includes a mix of field‑based oversight and remote coordination for planning, documentation, and reporting. Safety, compliance, and quality are central to daily responsibilities in a professional, fast‑paced environment focused on large‑scale energy infrastructure.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Indianapolis, IN.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Indianapolis,IN.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Apr 22, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
- Hiring diverse talent
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
- Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.