OPT Commissioning Manager Jobs
Commissioning Manager jobs on OPT involve overseeing system testing, verification, and handover for construction, energy, or industrial projects. Your 12-month OPT window (up to 24 additional months on STEM OPT) covers full project cycles, making early employer engagement on H-1B visa sponsorship essential.
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Get Access To All JobsThis role is a remote position with high travel (up to 75%) with specific needs in the Dallas-Forth Worth Area
About Ampirical
At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive.
We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.
Why Ampirical?
Hourly Rate: $38/Hour - $59/Hour - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
Profit-Sharing Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting
PTO: Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
Flexible Work Schedule: Every other Friday off
Career Development: Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more
Your Role: Power Commissioning Engineer II - Substation Experience - Remote with Travel
What You’ll Do:
- Develop commissioning plans for substation projects, including physical design and protection & control (P&C) components.
- Create relay settings files for SEL, GE, and Basler relays using protection summaries and AC/DC schematics.
- Perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment such as circuit breakers, power transformers, CTs/PTs, switches, bus systems, and protective relays.
- Conduct electrical testing including insulation resistance, contact resistance, power factor (Doble), TTR, winding resistance, timing, SFRA, and GPS-based end-to-end relay testing.
- Test current transformers, relay panels, and verify full protective relay functionality.
- Support and perform SCADA and SCADA/RTU I/O verification, including automation testing.
- Adjust and verify the operation of group-operated switches.
- Troubleshoot relay misoperations, equipment failures, and protection logic issues.
- Interpret and verify one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, protection logic, and as-built drawings.
- Operate industry-standard test equipment including Megger, Doble, Vanguard, and Omicron.
- Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, relay settings, and redline/as-built drawings.
- Ensure compliance with NETA, NERC PRC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and utility safety standards.
- Collaborate with engineers, design teams, utilities, contractors, and field personnel.
- Travel regionally or nationally 100%, including overnight stays.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelors Degree from an ABET credited school and minimum 2 years (4 years for III or 6 years for Sr.) of experience in testing and commissioning OR
- Associate's degree in substation and relay technology or Electrical Technology/Power Systems and a minimum of 6 years (6 years for III or 8 years for Sr.) of experience testing and commissioning OR
- OR Military technical experience (Prime Power, Electrical, Instrumentation) and a minimum of 8 years (10 years for III or 12 years for Sr.) of experience in testing and commissioning substations
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass drug and background screenings
- No travel restrictions
- Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety-first mindset
- NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher
- Ability to obtain a TWIC card
Preferred Qualifications
- OSHA 10 or 30
- OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E (or ability to obtain)
- Experience in energized substations under utility safety rules
- Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers
- Knowledge of NETA ATS/ASTM, IEEE, NERC PRC, and NESC standards
-
Experience:
-
Detailed knowledge of relay systems and substation equipment
- Understanding of substation physical design and P&C
- Understanding of protection concepts around bus, transformer, transmission line, and distribution line protection
- Ability to work independently in energized substations
- Strong drawing/schematic interpretation skills
What Success Looks Like:
- Strong documentation discipline and accurate test reporting
- Effective communication with both field teams and customers
- Continuous growth in technical skills and industry certifications
- Reliability and professionalism while working in the field
Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
This role is a remote position with high travel (up to 75%) with specific needs in the Dallas-Forth Worth Area
About Ampirical
At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive.
We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.
Why Ampirical?
Hourly Rate: $38/Hour - $59/Hour - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
Profit-Sharing Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting
PTO: Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
Flexible Work Schedule: Every other Friday off
Career Development: Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more
Your Role: Power Commissioning Engineer II - Substation Experience - Remote with Travel
What You’ll Do:
- Develop commissioning plans for substation projects, including physical design and protection & control (P&C) components.
- Create relay settings files for SEL, GE, and Basler relays using protection summaries and AC/DC schematics.
- Perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment such as circuit breakers, power transformers, CTs/PTs, switches, bus systems, and protective relays.
- Conduct electrical testing including insulation resistance, contact resistance, power factor (Doble), TTR, winding resistance, timing, SFRA, and GPS-based end-to-end relay testing.
- Test current transformers, relay panels, and verify full protective relay functionality.
- Support and perform SCADA and SCADA/RTU I/O verification, including automation testing.
- Adjust and verify the operation of group-operated switches.
- Troubleshoot relay misoperations, equipment failures, and protection logic issues.
- Interpret and verify one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, protection logic, and as-built drawings.
- Operate industry-standard test equipment including Megger, Doble, Vanguard, and Omicron.
- Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, relay settings, and redline/as-built drawings.
- Ensure compliance with NETA, NERC PRC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and utility safety standards.
- Collaborate with engineers, design teams, utilities, contractors, and field personnel.
- Travel regionally or nationally 100%, including overnight stays.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelors Degree from an ABET credited school and minimum 2 years (4 years for III or 6 years for Sr.) of experience in testing and commissioning OR
- Associate's degree in substation and relay technology or Electrical Technology/Power Systems and a minimum of 6 years (6 years for III or 8 years for Sr.) of experience testing and commissioning OR
- OR Military technical experience (Prime Power, Electrical, Instrumentation) and a minimum of 8 years (10 years for III or 12 years for Sr.) of experience in testing and commissioning substations
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass drug and background screenings
- No travel restrictions
- Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety-first mindset
- NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher
- Ability to obtain a TWIC card
Preferred Qualifications
- OSHA 10 or 30
- OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E (or ability to obtain)
- Experience in energized substations under utility safety rules
- Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers
- Knowledge of NETA ATS/ASTM, IEEE, NERC PRC, and NESC standards
-
Experience:
-
Detailed knowledge of relay systems and substation equipment
- Understanding of substation physical design and P&C
- Understanding of protection concepts around bus, transformer, transmission line, and distribution line protection
- Ability to work independently in energized substations
- Strong drawing/schematic interpretation skills
What Success Looks Like:
- Strong documentation discipline and accurate test reporting
- Effective communication with both field teams and customers
- Continuous growth in technical skills and industry certifications
- Reliability and professionalism while working in the field
Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 152+ OPT Commissioning Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Commissioning Manager
Target engineering-heavy industries first
Oil and gas, renewable energy, and large-scale construction firms hire Commissioning Managers regularly and have established H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. These sectors are more accustomed to visa processes than smaller specialty contractors.
Leverage your STEM OPT extension
A degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That three-year total window covers two full H-1B lottery cycles, significantly improving your odds of securing long-term sponsorship.
Quantify commissioning experience concretely
Employers and USCIS both need to see specialty occupation evidence. Document the systems you commissioned, team sizes managed, and project values. Specific technical scope strengthens both your application and any future H-1B petition.
Engage the H-1B conversation before accepting offers
Ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas for engineering managers before. Companies with prior petitions on record have internal processes ready, reducing delays when your OPT authorization approaches its end date.
Pursue professional certifications strategically
Credentials like PMP, CIRO, or NCCER Commissioning certifications demonstrate specialty occupation standing beyond your degree. These strengthen your H-1B petition narrative and differentiate you from candidates without formal commissioning credentials.
Build relationships with project-side decision makers
Hiring decisions for Commissioning Managers often sit with project directors or engineering leads, not HR. Direct relationships with technical stakeholders improve sponsorship conversations because they understand the role's specialized nature firsthand.
Commissioning Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Commissioning Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Commissioning Manager roles typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in engineering, systems integration, or a related technical discipline. The role involves complex technical judgment, regulatory compliance, and cross-disciplinary coordination that supports the specialty occupation standard. Your employer's attorney will document this when filing the H-1B petition.
Can I work as a Commissioning Manager on OPT without a sponsoring employer immediately lined up?
Yes. OPT authorizes you to work in a role directly related to your field of study without employer sponsorship during the OPT period itself. You must secure employment within 90 days of your OPT start date to avoid accruing unemployment. Browse Commissioning Manager roles on Migrate Mate to find employers actively open to OPT candidates.
Which industries hire the most Commissioning Managers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Energy (oil, gas, and renewables), data center construction, industrial manufacturing, and large infrastructure firms are the most active hirers. These sectors run multi-year capital projects that require dedicated commissioning oversight, making them more willing to invest in visa sponsorship for qualified engineers who can manage full project handover cycles.
How does the 90-day unemployment rule affect Commissioning Managers on OPT between projects?
USCIS counts unemployment days cumulatively across your OPT period, not per employer. If you finish one commissioning project and spend time between contracts, those gaps count toward your 90-day limit. Contract or project-based roles are common in commissioning, so tracking your cumulative gap days carefully is essential to maintaining valid OPT status.
What should I look for in an employer to maximize my H-1B sponsorship chances as a Commissioning Manager?
Prioritize employers with prior H-1B filing history in engineering roles, internal legal or immigration teams, and long project timelines that extend beyond your OPT period. Mid-to-large engineering, energy, or EPC firms are better positioned to sponsor than small specialty contractors. Migrate Mate surfaces employers who have sponsored OPT and visa candidates before, making it easier to focus your search.