Commissioning Manager - Scale Bess - Hybrid in NYC, DC

Jan 16, 2026

Hybrid – Preferred location NYC or Washington DC – Travel Required

Sr. Director of O&M / Asset Management

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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/switch gear).
• Strong familiarity with SCADA protocols (Modbus, DNP3) and network security basics.
• Knowledg…