Commissioning Engineer

Job Description

Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading energy solutions provider dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and decarbonize to net zero in the global energy transition. We are a trusted, full-service partner to public sector and government entities, K-12 schools, higher education, utilities, and healthcare customers across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe.

At Ameresco, we show the way by developing, constructing and operating tailored smart energy efficiency solutions, distributed energy resources, and infrastructure upgrades that drive cost savings, resilience, decarbonization, and innovation. Our comprehensive portfolio is built to address the challenges of today and adapt the future, ensuring long-term sustainability and success for our customers.

Ameresco is seeking an experienced Commissioning Engineer with a strong electrical background and solid mechanical experience to support federal renewable energy projects across the Western U.S. Join us in driving sustainable innovation and managing high-impact construction teams that shape the future of clean energy. NOTE: This is a remote based position for candidates residing in (or willing to relocate to) Western US states.

Responsibilities

• Commissioning Planning: Lead commissioning (Cx) efforts for PV, BESS, and microgrid projects from planning through execution with minimal supervision; develop and manage commissioning plans (sequence, resources, timelines) and coordinate across internal and project teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Electrical System Testing and Verification: Conduct comprehensive testing of electrical systems, including PV arrays, inverters, BESS components, switchgear, and microgrid controllers, to ensure compliance with design specifications and performance standards.
• Mechanical Systems Testing (Supporting Role): Support commissioning and validation of mechanical components (e.g., HVAC for BESS enclosures, thermal management systems) to ensure full system integration and performance.
• Functional Testing: Perform functional tests to validate the operation of individual components and subsystems, such as PV panels, inverters, battery banks, switchgear, and protective relays, both independently and as part of the integrated system.
• Performance Evaluation: Assess the performance of PV systems, BESS, and microgrids under various operating conditions, analyzing data to identify potential issues and optimize system efficiency.
• Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Investigate and resolve MEP issues encountered during commissioning, utilizing diagnostic tools and techniques to identify root causes and implement corrective actions for inverters, switchgear, and other critical components.
• Interconnection Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and utility interconnection standards for PV systems and BESS, facilitating the approval process and coordinating with relevant authorities as necessary.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to strict safety protocols during commissioning activities, including lockout/tagout procedures, arc flash mitigation, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, to minimize risks to personnel and equipment.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of commissioning activities, test results, and equipment specifications for inverters, switchgear, and other critical components, and generate comprehensive reports to document findings and recommendations.
• Training and Support: Provide training and technical support to operations and maintenance personnel, imparting knowledge of system operation, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for inverters, switchgear, and other critical components.
• Integration and Optimization: Collaborate with design engineers and project managers to ensure seamless integration of PV, BESS, and microgrid components, including inverters, switchgear, and other critical electrical components, and participate in optimization efforts to enhance system performance and reliability.
• Quality Assurance: Implement quality assurance processes to verify that installations meet industry standards, manufacturer specifications, and project requirements for inverters, switchgear, and other critical electrical components, conducting inspections and audits as needed.
• Customer Liaison: Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders during commissioning activities, addressing inquiries, providing status updates, and resolving issues related to inverters, switchgear, and other critical electrical components to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Ability to travel as needed to support operations and perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of electrical engineering experience commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting electrical systems.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience specifically in commissioning PV systems, BESS, and microgrid projects preferred.
• Working knowledge of Mechanical, Plumbing, and Building Management Software
• Specific manufacturer certifications for equipment commonly used in PV, BESS, and microgrid installations preferred.
• Familiarity with inverters, switchgear, and other critical electrical components commonly used in renewable energy and microgrid applications.
• Proficiency in electrical testing and troubleshooting techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations related to electrical systems, renewable energy, and microgrids.
• Experience with commissioning software, data acquisition tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey technical information and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, interacting with clients, contractors, and stakeholders throughout the commissioning process.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify and resolve electrical issues encountered during commissioning activities.
• Capacity to think critically and adapt to changing project requirements and constraints.
• Commitment to adhering to strict safety protocols and ensuring compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations.
• Strong analytical skills to assess system performance data, identify trends, and make recommendations for optimization and improvement.
• Professional certifications such as PV Installation Professional (PVIP), PV Maintenance & Commissioning Specialist (PVMCS); Certified Electrical Safety Technician (CEST); Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), or similar credentials related to renewable energy and electrical systems preferred.
• Strong electrical technical leadership with the ability to operate across disciplines
• Field-oriented mindset with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to bridge electrical and mechanical scopes to ensure full system performance
• Clear communicator who can work effectively with clients, contractors, and internal teams
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Ability to review confidential US security information.
• Valid Drivers' License in good standing, issued by resident state required.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $97,400 - $169,250 (presented in good faith). In addition to base pay, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, and may be eligible for performance incentives, bonuses, commissions, or equity, depending on the role.

Actual pay will depend on factors such as internal equity, skills, experience, education, certifications, and location. This range supports our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws. Compensation may vary by work location, including remote arrangements.

We disclose salary ranges and benefits in all required external and internal postings and will provide further details upon request at any stage of the hiring process. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Ameresco challenges the brightest, most talented, and creative individuals in the industry by providing an environment that fosters initiative and achievement. We are proud of our comprehensive and competitive employee benefits, including people-oriented insurance, investment, and incentive plans.

All official communications from Ameresco will originate from an @ameresco.com email address. Any correspondence from other domains should be regarded as fraudulent. Please report any suspicious activity to the platform where the issue was encountered. For further inquiries or concerns, please contact us at 1-866-AMERESCO

Ameresco is an Equal Opportunity Employer.