Commissioning Manager

POSITION SUMMARYThe Commissioning Manager plays a critical leadership role within the Engineering and Delivery team, responsible for managing all aspects of grid compliance, commissioning, and energisation across the Australian renewable-energy portfolio. This position ensures the successful and compliant transition of large-scale Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and hybrid plants from construction through to commercial operation. The role requires a deep understanding of NEM registration processes, AEMO and NSP requirements, electrical safety legislation, and system performance obligations. With a strong focus on technical excellence, collaboration, and stakeholder management, the Commissioning Manager acts as the key interface between project delivery, engineering, operations, and regulatory bodies to achieve reliable and timely grid connection outcomes.PURPOSE OF THE ROLETo lead, manage, and deliver grid-connection, compliance, and commissioning activities across renewable-energy projects, ensuring all technical, safety, and regulatory requirements are satisfied in alignment with the company's quality standards and contractual milestones.SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIESThe position covers end-to-end management of: - Grid compliance studies and registration (R1 > R2) - Site commissioning and energisation strategy - SCADA, control, and metering integration - Technical leadership of commissioning personnel - Interface coordination with AEMO, NSP, and other stakeholdersKEY RESPONSIBILITIESGrid Compliance and Connection• Lead the entire generator registration and compliance process (R1–R2) with AEMO and relevant NSPs.• Manage GPS obligations, consultant deliverables, and R1/R2 submission packages.• Review and validate dynamic models, reactive power testing, voltage control, and AGC performance.• Ensure all metering and SCADA systems comply with NER Chapter 7 and project-specific interface requirements.• Coordinate all correspondence and approvals with regulatory bodies until COD and registration completion.Commissioning and Energisation• Coordinate with project-specific stakeholders/ EPC contractors to develop and implement commissioning management, staging, and isolation plans.• Oversee the commissioning of HV, MV, and LV systems, including transformers, switchgear, inverters, and BESS units.• Oversee/ Manage the pre-commissioning, SAT, and performance testing aligned with contractual milestones.• Oversee the energisation activities under strict safety, LOTO, and HV switching protocols.• Ensure all commissioning documentation and test records are completed to company and regulatory standards.SCADA, Controls, and Communication Systems• Oversee PPC, EMS, RTU, and metering integration for standalone PV/ BESS, and seamless hybrid plant operations.• Oversee the validation of data integrity, AGC response, and telemetry in collaboration with EPC, AEMO and NSPs.• Support development of control logic, functional specifications, and communication network documentation.Performance and Compliance Testing• Lead R2 testing and witness coordination for reactive capability, ramp rate, and frequency/voltage response.• Review test results ensuring compliance with registered GPS and performance standards, and liaise with AEMO and NSP for approval.• Oversee post-COD performance and PQ monitoring before the handover of the plant to O&M.Leadership and Coordination• Provide technical and managerial leadership to commissioning and grid-engineering teams.• Liaise with EPCs, OEMs, Owner's Engineer, and regulatory bodies for alignment of commissioning deliverables.• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure schedule and compliance integrity.• Report technical progress, compliance status, and risks to senior management.KEY COMPETENCIES• Technical expertise in grid connection and commissioning of renewable assets (PV, BESS, or Hybrid Projects).• Strong stakeholder management and cross-disciplinary coordination.• Analytical, detail-oriented, and solution-driven mindset.• Demonstrated leadership under complex project environments.• Commitment to electrical safety, quality, and compliance.QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEEssential:• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Power, or Control Engineering.• Minimum 5 years' experience in grid compliance and commissioning of large-scale renewable projects.• In-depth understanding of AEMO and NSP grid-connection frameworks (R1/R2 testing, GPS, NER Chapter 5).• Demonstrated experience with HV electrical systems, SCADA integration, and control systems.• Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills.Desirable:• HV Switching or Authorised Person accreditation.• Experience with various inverter and BESS OEMs, and PPC/EMS systems.• Knowledge of control strategies for Standalone PV, Standalone BESS, Hybrid Configuration and FCAS participation.