Relay Technician 1 - Washington, DC

M.C. Dean, Inc•District of Columbia, DC

About The Position

Programs, installs, and maintains protective relaying and metering. Performs electrical testing and repairs to maintain and evaluate in-service relays, preventing and remedying abnormal operation or failure of transmission and distribution equipment. Analyzes test results and interprets electrical diagrams to locate defective equipment. The role performs acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems, relay testing and programming, and testing and troubleshooting of circuit breakers, switchgear, and transformers. Work takes place in energized electrical rooms, vaults, substations, and industrial, data center, and utility environments. The position includes emergency callouts and domestic and international travel of up to 25%–50% of the time.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and at least 5 years of relevant electrical experience, or an associate's degree in science and at least 2 years of relevant electrical experience.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%–50% of the time.
Valid, 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 Doble, Omicron, Megger, Vanguard, and Fluke meters or other test equipment.
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 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 regularly and follow proper lifting techniques and safety protocols.
Ability to relocate a 12-foot stepladder without assistance.
Ability to work at heights up to 60 feet and climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks, and ladders.
Ability to walk, climb, lift, squat, crawl, kneel, push, pull, and reach overhead routinely and repetitively.
Good vision, which may be corrected, ability to see color, and ability to hear and communicate in English.
Ability to use a standard ladder without exceeding its weight limit while carrying tools.
Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong; apply general rules to specific problems; combine information to form 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.
OEM-certified field service training program.

Responsibilities

Use hand and power tools, meters, and other test equipment to install, maintain, repair, and program protective relays and associated wiring and equipment.
Apply, read, understand, review, and correct schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, substation drawings, and inspections.
Program and operate test equipment and follow safe work practices outlined in the company safety handbook.
Commission new relay and metering installations.
Coordinate testing, troubleshooting, and repairs of relaying and other equipment with department personnel.
Maintain and test relays and associated equipment, including standby generators and display meters.
Troubleshoot, repair, and replace components involved in questionable operation and equipment failures.
Participate in emergency callouts.
Perform acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems in 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 personal protective equipment requirements.
Maintain detailed test reports and documentation for compliance and client review.
Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and clients on system commissioning and startup.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior technicians as needed.
Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects as assigned.