TFS P&C Field Technologist Assoc- Michiana

American Electric Power•Michiana, MI

6d•$31 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

A P&C Field Technologist Associate is responsible for performing work associated with the programming, operation, testing and maintenance of fundamental protection and control devices and related equipment. P&C’s primary focus is understanding control circuitry and utilizing computer-based testing and analysis of devices and equipment that includes, but is not limited to, digital relays, electromechanical relays, intelligent electronic devices, Station Disturbance Recorders (SDR), Digital Fault Recorders (DFR), system event recorders, Remote Terminal Units (RTU’s) and station SCADA systems (dispatcher remote control systems), statistical load metering, telemetering and potential/current transducers. Additionally, will maintain and operate all power line carriers (PLC), tone, pilot wire, fiber and associated P&C communications over the power grid network. Within the discipline of P&C, will occasionally respond to emergency callouts at electrical substations and coordinate prompt restoration of service to customers as required. This list is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions. Employee may perform miscellaneous, related, and incidental work in addition to that specifically outlined below.

Requirements

Possesses technical to entry level knowledge acquired from a Bachelor’s Degree in an ABET accredited engineering technology program
Demonstrates the ability to perform with proper guidance special technical functions required in the relevant area of assignment
Gains familiarity with standards, codes, and regulations relevant to the area of assignment
Gains familiarity with pertinent equipment, materials, systems, and business processes
Assists higher level employees in handling well defined portions of routine problems
Maintains required records to support assignments and prepares special reports for tests, equipment performance, projects and other reports as assigned
Plans work in accordance with AEP standard planning practices
Prioritizes routine work to meet the demands of the company
Assists with providing input to annual budget, capital forecasts, five-year plan, and improvement requisitions
Participates in planning meetings covering scheduling, operations, and maintenance of equipment
Assists in the preparation of basic cost estimates using established guidelines
Seeks opportunity to work beyond routine assignments by solving problems of light complexity
Actively seeks out information to increase technical knowledge in area of responsibility
Applies technical knowledge in resolving basic problems encountered in assigned work
Uses initiative in looking for opportunities to increase job knowledge/technical skills
Develops an understanding of AEP’s organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual business unit
Develops a basic understanding of utility accounting and financing
Demonstrates an attitude, ability and desire to listen to and satisfy both internal and external customers who use and depend on our work
Develops decision-making skills under guidance of higher-level employees
Develops an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the local organizational unit
Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or Bachelor's degree in engineering technology in a program accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
Must be able to distinguish colors on a standard color blindness test.
Must demonstrate the ability to perform duties in an alert, safe, and business-like manner and the ability to deal with customers and other employees in a courteous and professional manner.
Ability to interpret, analyze and transmit facts graphically, orally, and in writing clearly and precisely.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license and must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
Working knowledge of current, potential, closing and trip circuits.
Working knowledge of material such as cable, lugs, and wire as applied to protective relay and control circuits.
Working knowledge of assembly, anchoring, and interchangeability of the various switchboard panel-support and through systems.
Must have the ability to read, understand, and correct electrical prints and diagrams and the ability to use hand tools.

Nice To Haves

Preferred degrees are in Electrical Engineering (EE) and Electrical Engineering Technology (EET).

Responsibilities

Test fundamental protection & control devices and equipment periodically and as required.
Calibrate fundamental protection & control devices and equipment on a pre-established schedule and as required.
Assist with switching at all voltage levels under the direction of the proper Dispatching Authority.
Maintain test equipment in good working order.
Maintain accurate records, reports and drawings as required.
Operate a computer device to test, calibrate, and retrieve data from protection & control devices.
Assist in the installation, maintenance, and operation of all relays, power line carrier sets, station SCADA, and associated communications equipment or cables as assigned.
Troubleshoot and repair fundamental electromechanical relays.
Troubleshoot and repair microprocessor-based relays at the card level, such as replacing power supplies, communications cards, I/O cards, etc.
Assist with the diagnosis of equipment failures, protection mis-operations, and assist with corrective action to perform repairs and prevent recurrence.
Ensure the circuitry, installation and operation of equipment is correct prior to placing equipment in service.
Read electrical schematics and determine that the physical installation at the site is electrically equivalent to the schematic.
Record test readings and results and determine they are within acceptable specifications and thus the physical installation will perform as per the design.
Basic fault analysis: obtain oscillography data to determine if the protective devices operated as per their issued relay settings.
Assisting a team in the installation, testing, and commissioning of new P&C systems for capital construction projects.
Assist the on-site technical lead with directing the activities of contract wireman and the activities of other P&C field personnel assigned to their project.