Generator commissioning experience: beyond an engine start

An engine starting successfully is not the same as demonstrating the complete standby-power arrangement. Establish which mechanical auxiliaries, electrical interfaces and control functions were included in the candidate's assignment.

Vertiv describes start-up as one activity within commissioning, while ASHRAE distinguishes system functional testing from integrated testing. Use those distinctions when comparing apparently similar generator resumes.

The interview should trace a requirement to a result without turning into an operating procedure.

A candidate may understand the generating package but have limited responsibility for plant sequencing. Ask who wrote or reviewed the sequence and who could authorize changes.

For leadership roles, ask how the engineer managed prerequisites and communications across disciplines. Do not infer protection expertise, switching authority or competency on an unfamiliar plant from a generator manufacturer's name on a resume.