WAMS Commissioning Engineer

Role Overview:

The Wide Area Monitoring System (WAMS) Commissioning Engineer is responsible for the field deployment, testing, configuration, troubleshooting, and commissioning of PMU-based synchrophasor systems across transmission or substation environments. The role involves hands-on work with PMUs, PDCs, communication networks, GPS clocks, SCADA/EMS integration, and data validation to ensure reliable real-time grid monitoring.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Commissioning & On-site Activities

• Install, configure, and test PMUs, PDCs, GPS clocks, time synchronization systems, and network components.
• Perform site acceptance testing (SAT), end-to-end testing, and communication checks.
• Validate synchrophasor data quality, timestamps, and C37.118 compliance.
• Coordinate with substation teams, control centers, and OEM vendors during commissioning.

2. System Integration

• Integrate PMUs and PDCs with SCADA/EMS systems, WAMS servers, and analytics platforms.
• Configure communication interfaces such as IEC 61850, DNP3, ICCP, and IEEE C37.118.
• Work with control center engineers to ensure seamless data flow and low-latency performance.

3. Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution

• Diagnose issues related to network communication, time-sync failures (GPS/NTP/PTP), and device configuration.
• Perform root-cause analysis of data freeze, bad quality data, packet drops, or incorrect phasor measurements.
• Assist utility clients in resolving field issues and coordinating with OEM support.

4. Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare commissioning reports, test sheets, as-built documents, and configuration backups.
• Maintain detailed installation records, network diagrams, and configuration logs.
• Provide technical inputs for FAT/SAT checklists and commissioning procedures.

5. Compliance & Cybersecurity

• Ensure commissioning practices comply with cybersecurity standards (IEC 62443, IEC 62351, NERC CIP).
• Implement secure communication, VLAN segmentation, and role-based access for devices.
• Follow safety, regulatory, and utility-specific guidelines during fieldwork.

6. Training & Support

• Provide on-site and remote support to operations teams after commissioning.
• Conduct user training on PMU, PDC operation, troubleshooting, and WAMS dashboards.
• Support post-commissioning data validation and stabilization activities.

Required Skills & Experience:

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with PMUs, phasor data concentrators (PDCs), µPMUs, and GPS time-sync devices.
• Strong understanding of synchrophasor technology, phasor concepts, and dynamic grid behavior.
• Good knowledge of communication protocols:
• IEEE C37.118 , IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, ICCP/TASE.2
• Experience with network devices (switches/routers/firewalls) and industrial Ethernet.
• Familiarity with SCADA/EMS integration and real-time data acquisition systems.

Preferred Competencies:

• Experience with OEM devices (SEL, GE, Siemens, ABB, Arbiter).
• Ability to read electrical drawings, SLDs, wiring diagrams, and network architecture.
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts, DMZ zones, firewall rules, ACLs, VLANs.
• Knowledge of oscillography, event analysis, and power system disturbance interpretation.

Education

• B.E./B.Tech in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Instrumentation, Power Systems, or related fields.
• M.Tech in Power Systems (optional but preferred).

Key Attributes

• Strong communication and customer-handling skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work in substations, control centres, and remote field locations.
• Willingness to travel across regions for commissioning activities.