Job Title:
Commissioning Manager (Large Scale BESS)
Location:
Hybrid – Preferred location NYC or Washington DC – Travel Required
Reports to:
Sr. Director of O&M / Asset Management
About the Company
At Elevate, we are deploying reliable energy solutions that power the communities we serve. We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re enabling the future of energy, supporting massive digital and data center expansions and supporting a more resilient, electrified grid.
Elevate is where top talent meets real impact. We’re a lean, mission-driven team accelerating the clean energy transition through bold, meaningful projects. Here, you’ll work alongside some of the smartest people in the industry, have a seat at the table from day one, and help shape a company that’s building the future of power—fast. If you thrive in dynamic environments, value authenticity over fluff, and want your work to matter, Elevate is the place to be.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly technical and disciplined Commissioning Manager to lead the testing and energization of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This individual will serve as the bridge between Development, Construction, and Operations, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and fully compliant with utility and owner requirements.
You will act as the primary technical representative for the Owner, managing EPCs and 3rd-party testing agencies to enforce strict adherence to schedules and quality standards. Additionally, you will provide critical upstream input during the development phase regarding SCADA architecture and Utility design schema, ensuring a seamless transition from concept to Commercial Operation (COD) and final handoff to Asset Management and O&M.
Key Responsibilities
Commissioning & Schedule Management
- Owner’s Representation: Oversee the entire commissioning lifecycle from pre-energization through COD, acting as the primary point of contact for the Owner regarding schedule adherence and technical compliance.
- Vendor Management: Manage EPC contractors, BESS integrators, and third-party independent engineers (IE) to ensuring all testing protocols (SAT, FAT, commissioning scripts) are executed safely and accurately.
- Schedule Enforcement: Rigorously monitor commissioning timelines. Identify critical path risks early and drive mitigation strategies with EPCs to prevent liquidated damages or interconnection delays.
- On-Site Leadership: Travel to sites within NYISO, ISO-NE, and CAISO to witness critical milestones, including Witness Testing, Capacity Testing, and initial energization.
Technical Design & SCADA Integration
- Development Support: Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) during the project development phase, reviewing electrical one-lines and three-lines to ensure utility design schemas meet operational needs.
- SCADA Oversight: Review and approve SCADA design specifications, points lists, and communication architecture. Ensure the design supports robust data granularity required for Asset Management analytics and NERC compliance.
- Interconnection Compliance: Work with utility stakeholders to ensure design and testing procedures meet specific ISO requirements (e.g., NYISO Zone J requirements, CAISO metering standards).
Project Handoff & Operational Readiness
- O&M Handoff: Lead the formal transfer of assets from Construction to Asset Management and Operations & Maintenance (O&M).
- Turnover Packages: Review and approve the final turnover package, ensuring it includes all necessary as-builts, warranty certificates, O&M manuals, and software licenses.
- Training Coordination: Coordinate training sessions between the BESS OEM/Integrator and the O&M team to ensure site operators are fully cleared to operate the system post-COD.
- Punch List Management: Aggressively manage the post-COD punch list to ensure the EPC closes out all remaining non-critical items prior to final retainage release.
Candidate Profile
Required Experience
- 5-7+ years in renewable energy construction or operations, with a specific focus on BESS or Solar+Storage commissioning.
- Deep understanding of BESS architecture (DC blocks, inverters, HV transformers/switchgear).
- Strong familiarity with SCADA protocols (Modbus, DNP3) and network security basics.
- Knowledge of utility interconnection standards and testing procedures.
- Experience working within PJM, NYISO, ISO-NE, or CAISO market rules and interconnection procedures.
- Travel: Ability to travel significantly during peak commissioning windows (up to 50%) to project sites across the US.
Preferred
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent trade experience (Master Electrician/NETA Technician).
- Codes & Standards: Familiarity with NFPA 855, UL 9540A, and NERC CIP standards.
- Software: Proficiency in scheduling software (MS Project/Primavera P6) to review EPC schedules.
Traits
- Problem-Solving: Adaptable and flexible. Operates effectively in a fast-paced, small team environment, and can approach challenges with a creative, proactive mindset.
- Project Execution Management: Skilled in project management, risk mitigation, and vendor oversight. Ensures accountability across the project team and drives results.
- Communication Skills: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey clear understanding across different audiences, including internal/external presentations. Interpersonal savvy and a proven ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders will be critical in this role.
- Organizational Skill: Ability to manage complexity and juggle competing priorities, while focusing on continuously improving effectiveness and efficiency. Effortlessly aligns and utilizes organizational resources to see delegated projects through to completion.
- Integrity & Judgment: Consistently makes good, timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Demonstrates integrity, honesty, and authenticity.
Why Join Us?
- Make a Meaningful Impact: Play a direct role in accelerating the energy transition by contributing to transformative, utility-scale energy storage projects—especially on complex brownfield and urban-constrained sites where innovation drives real-world results.
- Thrive in a Mission-Driven Culture: Be part of a lean, agile team that values integrity, innovation, and decisive execution. We foster a collaborative environment where every team member has a voice and is empowered to make a difference.
- Grow with a Company on the Rise: Join at a pivotal moment as we scale from startup to growth stage. You’ll have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence outcomes, and grow professionally alongside a company backed by top-tier private equity and poised for significant expansion.
Compensation
The base compensation range for this role is $160,000 to $195,000 per year, which represents the Company’s good-faith estimate of the salary range for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the candidate selected.
Employees in this role are also eligible to participate in the Company’s annual discretionary bonus program, subject to the terms of the applicable plan.
Elevate is an Equal Opportunity employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome all applications regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or Veteran status.
