Relay Field Engineer 1 - Caroline County, VA

M.C. Dean, Inc•Caroline County , MD

About The Position

The Relay Field Engineer 1 leads and performs inspection, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and startup of low- and medium-voltage electrical distribution equipment in field and shop environments. Equipment includes breakers, transformers, switches, switchgear, relays, motor control centers, and other electrical apparatus. The role requires understanding electrical distribution systems and using complex electrical test equipment. The engineer supports safe work practices and project success, coordinates onsite and in-house projects, and may respond to customer emergencies while rotating through on-call duty. Local, regional, and national travel is required; international travel is preferred. The position involves commissioning and maintenance testing of electrical power systems, protective relays, breakers, switchgear, transformers, cables, and other apparatus. The engineer documents test results, collaborates with engineers, project managers, and clients, and may mentor junior technicians. Work takes place in industrial, data center, utility, field, and shop environments, including at heights and while handling materials and equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Minimum of 0+ years of relevant electrical experience.
Valid and active U.S. work authorization.
Strong understanding of ANSI, IEEE, NETA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA electrical safety standards.
Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
Proficiency operating and troubleshooting protective relays, circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment.
Experience with electrical 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 500kV, 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 follow safe lifting techniques and safety protocols.
Possess good vision, which may be corrected, ability to see colors, 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 form general rules or conclusions; see details at close range; and understand spoken information and ideas.

Nice To Haves

NETA or NICET certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in electrical testing.
International travel availability preferred.
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 order receipt 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 measures.
Rotate emergency on-call duty and respond to customer emergencies in a timely manner when called.
Promote continuous improvement and teamwork.
Install and/or maintain electronics on multiple systems.
Use architectural, electrical, mechanical, and civil trade drawings to identify potential design and installation problems.
Perform acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems for compliance 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.
Work at heights up to 60 feet and climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks, and ladders.
Perform routine and repetitive walking, climbing, lifting, squatting, crawling, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and overhead reaching.