Application Guide

How to Apply for Commissioning Engineer

at SOLV Energy

🏢 About SOLV Energy

SOLV Energy is a leader in utility-scale solar and energy storage, with a mission to accelerate the clean energy transition across North America. As a company that values innovation and sustainability, SOLV offers the opportunity to work on large-scale projects that directly impact the grid's reliability and decarbonization. The remote nature of this role provides flexibility while collaborating with top-tier industry experts.

About This Role

As a Commissioning Engineer at SOLV Energy, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe and successful energization of high-voltage substations, battery storage systems, and PV facilities. Your work directly bridges design and operations, making you critical to project delivery and long-term system performance. This role offers the chance to lead complex testing procedures and solve real-time technical challenges in the field.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual handoff from the night shift on a substation commissioning project, reviewing test data, and then leading a morning safety briefing with field technicians. You could spend the afternoon troubleshooting a relay coordination issue remotely, followed by updating energization procedures based on utility feedback. The role balances desk work (planning, documentation) with field support (onsite visits as needed).

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🎯 Who SOLV Energy Is Looking For

  • An electrical engineer with 8+ years of hands-on commissioning experience specifically in utility-scale HV substations and BESS, not just general electrical work.
  • Proven track record of developing and executing energization plans that comply with utility specifications and NERC standards.
  • Strong communicator who can interface confidently with project managers, utility representatives, and field crews to resolve technical issues.
  • Experience with protection relay testing, power quality analysis, and harmonic studies using tools like ETAP or SKM.

📝 Tips for Applying to SOLV Energy

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific HV substation and BESS commissioning projects, including voltage levels and MWh capacity.

2

Quantify your experience with switching operations (e.g., 'Performed 50+ high-voltage switching operations at 230kV substations').

3

Mention familiarity with SOLV Energy's project portfolio or similar EPC contractors in your cover letter.

4

Include any certifications like NETA or NICET in electrical testing, as they align with the technical demands.

5

Submit a concise technical writing sample (e.g., a commissioning plan excerpt) to demonstrate your ability to document procedures.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your hands-on experience with utility-scale commissioning and your ability to lead energization safely.', 'Highlight your technical expertise in protection and control systems, and how it ensures grid compliance.', 'Show your collaborative approach to working with diverse stakeholders (owners, utilities, OEMs).', "Express passion for renewable energy and SOLV's mission to pioneer cleaner power."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review SOLV Energy's recent press releases and case studies on their largest solar + storage projects (e.g., the 200MW/400MWh project in California).
  • → Understand their safety culture by reading their 'Safety First' policy or any published HSE reports.
  • → Check their LinkedIn for current commissioning team members and note their backgrounds.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the utility interconnection standards in the region you'd support (e.g., CAISO, ERCOT, PJM).

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you resolved a critical issue during substation energization; what was your troubleshooting process?
2 How do you ensure compliance with utility interconnection requirements during commissioning?
3 Walk us through your approach to developing a testing and commissioning plan for a 100MW BESS project.
4 How do you handle communication conflicts between project management and field teams?
5 Explain a complex protection scheme you've tested (e.g., differential, distance) and the challenges faced.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic resume; missing specifics about HV equipment (e.g., breakers, relays, transformers) or BESS commissioning will disqualify you.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of safety protocols; this role demands strict adherence to lockout/tagout and switching procedures.
  • Don't neglect to mention remote collaboration experience; SOLV is remote, so highlight your ability to work independently with virtual teams.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to SOLV Energy!

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