Electrical Test Technician 1 - Richmond, VA
About The Position
The Electrical Test Technician 1 inspects, tests, troubleshoots, maintains, repairs, and starts up low- and medium-voltage electrical distribution equipment, including breakers, transformers, switches, switchgear, relays, and motor control centers. Work is performed both in the field and in a shop environment, using complex electrical test equipment and an understanding of electrical distribution systems. The technician contributes to a safe working environment and supports successful project delivery. Local, regional, and national travel is required; international travel is preferred. The role coordinates and supports multiple onsite and in-house projects, performs electrical testing and commissioning-related work, maintains complete project documentation, and helps control material costs. It includes rotating emergency on-call duty and responding to customer emergencies when called. The position requires regular physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds, moving a 12-foot stepladder, and working at heights up to 60 feet.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of relevant electrical experience.
- High school diploma or GED.
- NETA or NICET certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in electrical testing.
- Strong understanding of ANSI, IEEE, NETA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA electrical safety standards.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
- Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting protective relays, circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment.
- Experience with test equipment such as Doble, Omicron, Megger, Vanguard, and Fluke meters.
- Understanding of insulation resistance, power factor, contact resistance, and high-potential (Hi-Pot) testing procedures.
- Knowledge of medium- and high-voltage systems up to 500 kV, including arc-flash hazard analysis.
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, including the ability to diagnose system failures.
- Willingness to travel as needed and work in industrial, data center, and utility environments.
- Ability to work safely under minimal supervision and follow industry best practices.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and follow proper lifting techniques and safety protocols.
- Ability to work at heights up to 60 feet and climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks, and ladders.
- Good vision, which may be corrected, ability to see in color, and ability to hear and communicate in English.
- Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong; apply general rules to specific problems; combine information to reach conclusions; see details at close range; and understand spoken information and ideas.
Nice To Haves
- NETA or NICET certification (if not met through the required equivalent hands-on experience).
- International travel availability.
- OEM-certified field service training program.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate, lead, and support multiple onsite and in-house projects using company software systems.
- Review and maintain job documentation, ensuring information is complete from receipt of order through invoicing.
- Test low- and medium-voltage cables, instrument and power transformers, switchgear, breakers, electromechanical and solid-state relays, and other electrical apparatus.
- Control material costs by eliminating wasteful practices and implementing appropriate control measures.
- Rotate emergency on-call duty and respond to customer emergencies in a timely manner when called.
- Promote continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Perform acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems in accordance with NETA standards.
- Test, calibrate, and program protective relays from various manufacturers.
- Test circuit breakers and switchgear, including timing and primary and secondary injection tests.
- Troubleshoot electrical faults and conduct root cause analysis of system failures.
- Test transformers, including turns ratio, insulation resistance, and power factor testing.
- Follow electrical safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures and PPE requirements.
- Maintain detailed test reports and documentation for compliance and client review.
- Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and clients to support efficient system commissioning and startup.
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior technicians as needed.
- Lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; relocate a 12-foot stepladder without assistance; and work at heights up to 60 feet.
- Perform routine and repetitive walking, climbing, lifting, squatting, crawling, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and overhead reaching.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
