P&C Senior Test Engineer

POWERX Edge • Atlanta, GA

8h

About The Position

The P&C Senior Test Engineer independently executes testing, commissioning, and validation activities across transmission, distribution, and generation substations, working with minimal supervision on assigned scopes. The role applies system-level understanding of protection testing, contributes to the development of less experienced team members, and identifies and escalates anomalies before they become operational risks.

The position supports greenfield and brownfield commissioning projects involving relay protection systems, SCADA integration, breaker controls, transformer protection, and bus protection across substations up to 765kV. It is a developmental step toward Lead-level project ownership, building leadership habits, system-level awareness, and planning skills. Complex configurations and actual energization require Lead oversight.

The Senior Test Engineer also develops plans and procedures for assigned scopes, reviews drawing packages, maintains test records, and ensures compliance with utility standards, NETA practices, IEEE guidance, and client requirements. The role mentors junior team members, reinforces safe work practices, supports scope coordination, and promotes a safety-first culture in field environments.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in high-voltage Protection & Control testing and commissioning.
• Experience with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Westinghouse, or equivalent relay platforms.
• Satisfactory background and motor vehicle record check.
• Ability to pass pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and/or random drug testing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, reporting, and data tracking.
• Ability to work safely around energized electrical equipment and mechanical hazards and in operational substations and construction environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel as required and work overtime and outage schedules as necessary.
• Ability to maintain professional conduct and technical credibility in client-facing interactions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience commissioning substations from 12.5kV through 765kV.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Technology, or an Associate degree in Electrical Technology or related field experience.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and OSHA Electrical Safe Work Practices.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Familiarity with NERC CIP requirements.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute relay protection testing using Doble, Omicron, RTS, SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, and equivalent testing platforms.
• Test and validate line, transformer, bus, feeder, breaker failure, reclosing, and transfer trip protection schemes; obtain Lead oversight on complex configurations.
• Perform and validate CT/PT ratio, polarity, phasing, saturation characteristics, and single-point grounding tests.
• Execute relay input/output testing, analog-to-digital metering checks, and protection element pickup and timing tests, determining pass/fail results accurately.
• Interpret relay logic, phasors, event reports, and oscillography; identify abnormal conditions and communicate findings to the Lead.
• Apply power-system fundamentals and protection knowledge, including complex power calculations, symmetrical components, protection zones and coordination, instrument transformers, and overcurrent, differential, impedance, and breaker failure applications.
• Read and interpret one-line, three-line, schematic, wiring, logic, cable schedule, and panel layout drawings; identify station phasing and equipment orientation.
• Support switching activities and outage coordination independently, and prepare assigned projects through final pre-energization readiness with Lead oversight before actual energization.
• Develop test plans, isolation plans, energization plans, commissioning procedures, Human Performance mitigation plans, and job hazard analyses for assigned scopes.
• Review complete drawing packages before testing and escalate design inconsistencies, relay logic concerns, and drawing errors.
• Ensure testing complies with utility standards, NETA practices, IEEE guidance, and client-specific commissioning requirements.
• Maintain complete, accurate test records, redlines, and daily reports; support the Lead's review of results before client turnover.
• Study advanced protection schemes, SCADA integration, IEC 61850/GOOSE communications, and advanced relay platforms; seek project coordination, energization planning, and scope management experience under Lead mentorship.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Protection and Control procedures and field standards.
• Mentor Test Engineer II team members on protection testing, drawing interpretation, relay logic, and independent field judgment; mentor Test Engineers on foundational skills, test set operation, documentation, and safe work.
• Reinforce safe work practices, Human Performance tool use, and verification culture; provide constructive feedback and communicate development observations to the Lead.
• Support the Lead in monitoring scope changes and communicating field impacts.
• Maintain and promote a safety-first culture; follow LOTO procedures and switching boundaries, use HPI tools, verify live-dead-live conditions, and establish safe isolation boundaries.
• Lead daily safety discussions, JHA reviews, and pre-job briefs; maintain compliance with OSHA, NERC CIP, utility requirements, and internal standards.
• Support investigation and mitigation of operational or safety events when required.
• Perform additional responsibilities and tasks as needed to support organizational goals and evolving business needs.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Incentives for certifications
• Referral bonus program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD, Basic Life/AD&D, and other ancillary products
• 401(k) program with company match
• Performance program
• Paid parental leave
• PTO including wellness days and paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed