Airswift is looking for an E&I Commissioning Specialist to work with one of our clients in Alaska for initial 1-year assignment.
The Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Commissioning Specialist is responsible for overseeing and assuring the safe and effective commissioning, startup, testing, and turnover of electrical, instrumentation, control, automation, and safety systems on the Methanol and Diesel De-Sulfurization project to be located on Alaska’s North Slope. The role provides independent verification that contractor and vendor commissioning activities meet project requirements, regulatory standards, and the client’s operational expectations before facility acceptance and startup. This position reports to the client’s Commissioning Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review commissioning plans, procedures, system boundaries, and turnover packages.
- Participate in Mechanical Completion (MC), Ready-for-Commissioning (RFC), and Ready-for-Startup (RFSU) reviews.
- Verify completion of construction and quality documentation prior to commissioning.
- Support development of commissioning schedules and systemization strategies.
- Coordinate with Operations, Construction, Engineering, Construction Contractor and Commissioning Contractor.
Electrical Systems Commissioning
- Witness and verify commissioning of:
- Medium and low voltage power distribution systems
- Switchgear and motor control centers (MCCs)
- Transformers and substations
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- UPS and battery systems
- Heat trace systems
- Grounding and bonding systems
- Lighting and emergency power systems
- Review electrical testing records including insulation resistance, continuity, relay testing, and power quality verification.
- Ensure energization activities comply with approved procedures and isolation plans.
Instrumentation and Controls Commissioning
- Verify calibration and installation of field instruments.
- Witness loop checks, functional testing, and cause-and-effect testing.
- Confirm proper operation of:
- Pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments
Control valves and actuators
PLC systems- DCS systems
- SIS (Safety Instrumented Systems)
- Fire and Gas systems
- Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems
- Communications and telemetry system
Review instrument calibration records and commissioning dossiers.
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Ensure all control narratives and operating philosophies are validated during testing.
Startup and Operational Readiness
- Support integrated system testing and startup activities.
Participate in dynamic commissioning and operational performance verification.
Coordinate with Operations personnel during first energization and startup.- Validate alarms, interlocks, shutdown functions, and emergency response systems.
- Ensure systems achieve design intent and performance requirements before acceptance.
Quality Assurance and Documentation
- Review turnover documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Verify redlines, loop drawings, as-built documentation, and vendor records.
- Track punch list items and commissioning deficiencies.
- Ensure commissioning records meet Owner requirements.
- Support final system acceptance and handover to Operations.
Safety Responsibilities
- Promote a strong safety culture and compliance with Arctic operating procedures.
- Ensure commissioning activities comply with:
- OSHA regulations NFPA 70E
- NEC requirements
- ISA standards
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
- Energy isolation procedures
- Participate in Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), toolbox meetings, and risk assessments.
Identify commissioning mechanical/piping risks and implement mitigation measures.
Stop unsafe work when necessary.
Technical Knowledge:
- Electrical distribution systems up to 35 kV
- Protective relays and power system testing
- PLC, DCS, and SIS platforms
- Fire & Gas systems
- Instrument calibration and loop testing
- Control valve testing
- Cause-and-effect verification
- Functional checkout (FCO)
- Hazardous area installations (Class I Division 1 & 2)
- Mechanical Completion and Commissioning management systems
Education/Experience:
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline.
- Equivalent technical education and relevant industry experience will be considered.
- 10+ years of industrial electrical and instrumentation experience.
- 5+ years of commissioning/startup experience in oil & gas, petrochemical, or energy facilities.
- Experience working as an Owner’s Representative or commissioning authority preferred.
- Alaska North Slope or Arctic experience strongly preferred.
Preferred Certifications
- ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
- ISA CAP Certification
- NFPA 70E
- NETACertification
Key Competencies
- Commissioning leadership
- Technical troubleshooting
- Contractor oversight
- Startup planning and execution
- Quality assurance and turnover management
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Strong communication and reporting skills
- Ability to work in remote Arctic environments and rotational schedules.
Working Conditions
- Rotational assignment 14 days on/14 days off
- Remote work location in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
- Lodging accommodations and meals provided.
- Exposure to extreme Arctic weather conditions.
- Frequent field inspections and outdoor work.
- Travel by commercial aircraft, Anchorage to North Slope to Anchorage.
- Ability to climb ladders, access elevated structures, and work around active industrial equipment.