Job Summary:The P&C Lead Field Technician performs and leads advanced testing and commissioning of protection and control systems in high-voltage substations. This role ensures safe and reliable operation of critical infrastructure through rigorous testing, documentation, and collaboration. The Lead Technician provides technical guidance in the field, mentors junior technicians, and serves as a key liaison between the crew, project managers, and clients.
Supervisory Responsibilities:- P&C Field Service Technicians.
Duties/Responsibilities:Field Testing & Commissioning
- Perform advanced field testing including relay protection testing, breaker testing, power transformer testing, instrument transformer testing, and control circuit verifications.
- Execute end-to-end testing to validate relay logic, trip paths, and communication-aided tripping schemes (Doble/Omicron).
- Develop and implement detailed test plans, circuit isolation procedures, and pre-energization checklists.
- Conduct post-energization load checks to confirm system functionality.
- Strictly adhere to Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures and update Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) as site conditions evolve.
- Perform protection and control commissioning in both greenfield and brownfield substations (generation, transmission, distribution).
Leadership & Mentorship
- Lead crews on-site, ensuring tasks are completed safely, accurately, and efficiently.
- Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to junior technicians.
- Share lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of team practices.
Safety & Compliance
- Promote a strong safety culture through daily engagement and safe work practices.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, NETA, NERC CIP, and client-specific safety requirements.
- Support development and refinement of Protection & Control Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Collaboration & Customer Engagement
- Serve as a primary technical point of contact for clients during project execution.
- Work closely with project managers, engineers, contractors, and client representatives.
- Build strong working relationships that support repeat business.
- Provide clear and timely feedback on project status, issues, and improvements.
Attributes/Abilities:- Must have a satisfactory background/MVR check.
- Must pass a pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and/or random drug test.
- A positive attitude that inspires teamwork and productivity.
- Strong procedure writing: develop detailed test plans, procedures and energization checklists, define isolation boundaries, and align with NETA/IEEE and utility standards.
- Technical proficiency in reading wire schematics and basic electrical wiring techniques.
- Safety-first operator: rigorously apply LOTO, verify live-dead-live states, utilize HPI kits, and maintain/refresh daily JHAs as site conditions evolve.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- OSHA 10/30 certification.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Proficiency with Doble Protection Suite, Omicron Test Universe, SEL AcSELerator, and GE Enervista software.
Experience and Education:- Experience with transmission and distribution relays include SEL, GE, ABB, and Westinghouse.
- Experience with substation RTU's, communication processors, and telecom equipment for both brownfield and greenfield projects.
- Experienced with scoping, scheduling, and budgeting process for protection and control, RTU, and telecom projects for both internal and external entities.
- Experience with project management of protection and control teams working in HV substations for utility clients.
- Familiar with NERC CIP requirements.
- Associate's degree in electrical technology or a related field, Bachelor's in electrical engineering or electrical technology.
- Minimum five (5) years of experience in the high-voltage industry, specifically testing and commissioning protection and control schemes from 12.5kV to 500kV.
- Proven experience with SEL and GE microprocessor relays for protection applications including Line, Bus, Breaker, Breaker Failure, Transformer, and Feeder.
- Familiarity with Lock Out/Tag Out procedures and HV substation safety protocols.
- Solid understanding of Human Performance Improvement (HPI) principles to mitigate inadvertent operations.
- Experience with IEC 61850 communication protocols and substation automation.
- Proficiency in configuring communication processors and RTU-related devices.
- Hands-on experience testing power line carrier equipment such as line tuners, line traps, carrier units, and transfer trip systems.
Physical Requirements:- Ability to work safely around electrical and mechanical hazards.
- Potential exposure to various conditions, including dirt, heat, fumes, smoke, water, noise, vibration, grease, oil, and dust.
- Ability and willingness to work occasional overtime as needed.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- May require occasional travel.
