Manager - Testing & Commissioning - STATCOM Specialist

Testing & Commissioning Manager – (STATCOM Specialist) 

Position Overview 

This position is responsible for end-to-end commissioning and grid integration of STATCOM systems installed for dynamic voltage support and reactive power management in renewable plants and substations across projects. The role ensures that STATCOMs operate reliably under dynamic grid conditions and meet utility acceptance, power quality and stability requirements. 

Detailed Core Responsibilities 

A. Engineering Review 

• Review of STATCOM system documentation and provide input to engineering team based on experience: o Power circuit diagrams, control philosophy, protection settings 
  • Cooling, auxiliary power, and harmonic filter configuration 
  • Substation protection schemes 
  • PPC and SCADA systems 
• Participating in FAT and control validation exercises 

B. Installation & Pre-Commissioning 

• Verify installation quality of: o Voltage source converters (VSC) 
  • Cooling systems (air / liquid) 
  • Control and protection panels 
• Conduct pre-commissioning checks: o Documentation & Readiness 
  • Civil, Electrical, Mechanical completion verification 
  • Auxiliary Power checks 
  • Control & Protection System Readiness 
  • Communication & PPC & SCADA integration 
  • Safety & Interlock checks 
  • Insulation, grounding checks 
  • Grid interface readiness 

C. Energization & Functional Commissioning 

• Coordinate stepwise energization: o Control power → Auxiliary systems → Converter power 
• Validate STATCOM operating modes: o Voltage control 
  • Reactive power control 
  • PF control 
• Validate interlocks and protection functions. 

D. Grid Compliance & Performance Tests 

• Support and execution: o Dynamic reactive response tests 
  • Step response and voltage recovery tests 
  • Harmonic measurement and filtering verification 
• Interface with grid operator during acceptance testing. 
• Validate coordination with other reactive devices (inverters). 

E. Documentation & Handover 

• Prepare commissioning and performance test reports. 
• Support COD and reliability run. 
• Train O&M personnel on STATCOM operation and alarms. 

Testing, Commissioning & Troubleshooting 

• Responsible for commissioning, dynamic performance testing, and grid-compliance validation of STATCOM systems in accordance with IEC 61954, IEC 62477-1, IEC 61000 series, IEC 61850, any other relevant standards. 

Key Tests 

• Converter functional tests and gating checks 
• Protection system validation 
• Harmonic performance measurement 
• Cooling system performance under load 

Key Troubleshooting Scope

• Converter trips due to grid disturbances 
• Control instability or hunting 
• Cooling failures cause deration 
• Communication faults with PPC or SCADA 
• Harmonic limit exceedances 

Key Competencies & Skills 

• In-depth knowledge of FACTS and power electronics. 
• Understanding voltage stability and reactive power control. 
• Experience with dynamic grid testing. 
• Strong analytical and system-level troubleshooting ability. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree – Electrical / Power Engineering. 
• 12–15 years commissioning experience with STATCOM systems. 
• OEM commissioning experience is highly desirable.