Lead Relay Tech Protection and Control

Strata Careers•Durham, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Relay Technician (Protection and Control) leads the testing and commissioning of protection, control, and SCADA systems for new substations, from 34.5 kV collector substations through 345 kV transmission interconnections. The role is the on-site technical lead, directing contract test crews and junior technicians, coordinating with SCADA vendors and utility personnel, and ensuring systems are tested, documented, and ready for safe energization. This is a field-based position requiring travel of more than 75% to project sites, often for extended periods. The position performs and directs relay testing, reviews engineering drawings and settings, verifies instrument-transformer wiring and protection schemes, checks SCADA and communications integration, and supports energization and troubleshooting. The Lead Relay Technician prepares and reviews commissioning records and as-built documentation, enforces safe work practices, and maintains tools, test equipment, PPE, and company materials. Strata Clean Energy develops, builds, and services utility-scale solar and storage systems. The company describes its workplace as collaborative, creative, and focused on professional growth, and its mission as developing cost-efficient alternatives to traditional energy sources without long-term dependence on government subsidies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 5 years of experience in protective relay testing and substation commissioning.
Experience with protection schemes for 34.5 kV collector substations through 345 kV transmission interconnections, including feeder, transformer and bus differential, line differential, distance, and breaker failure schemes.
Hands-on experience testing and commissioning microprocessor-based relays from SEL, Siemens, and other manufacturers, using test equipment such as Doble and/or Omicron.
Working knowledge of substation SCADA and communications systems, including RTUs, DNP3, and fiber networks, and ability to perform point-to-point checkout and verify integration with protection systems.
NFPA 70E qualified electrical worker training and OSHA 10 certification.
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Field work involving travel to project sites more than 75% of the time, often for extended periods.
Ability to work extended hours, nights, and weekends as needed to support testing and energization schedules.
Ability to perform the listed physical duties, with or without reasonable accommodation, including walking and standing for extended periods, climbing, kneeling, crouching, stooping, reaching, and lifting and carrying up to 60 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and around noise, dust, moving equipment, energized electrical equipment, and high-voltage switchyard equipment, and to wear required PPE.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in electrical or electronics technology, or equivalent military training.
NETA Level III or IV certification.
Experience with IEC 61850 and coordinating with SCADA vendors during commissioning.
OSHA 30 certification.

Responsibilities

Lead protection and control testing and commissioning for substations from 34.5 kV collector substations through 345 kV transmission interconnections.
Perform and direct testing of microprocessor-based relays using Doble and/or Omicron test equipment.
Review relay settings, schematics, AC/DC elementaries, and wiring diagrams; identify discrepancies and maintain redlines.
Perform and oversee CT and PT testing, wiring verification, trip checks, and functional testing of protection schemes, including differential, distance, and breaker failure.
Perform point-to-point checkout of SCADA and communications systems and coordinate device commissioning with SCADA vendors.
Coordinate with utility relay engineers and personnel on end-to-end testing, interconnection requirements, and energization.
Direct the daily work of contract test crews and junior technicians, and review their test results for accuracy and completeness.
Prepare and review test reports, commissioning documentation, and as-built markups for project turnover.
Support energization activities and troubleshoot protection, control, and communications issues.
Follow and enforce safe work practices, including NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, and site safety requirements.
Maintain assigned tools, test equipment, PPE, and company-issued materials in good working condition.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.