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.2Experience 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.