Relay Technician

Wabash Valley Power Alliance•Lafayette, IN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to perform maintenance, installation, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting on protective relay devices, control circuits, and related equipment needed in the operation of Wabash Valley Power Association’s electric transmission, substation, and mobile substation facilities.

Requirements

Knowledge of operation and theory of protective relaying systems and related equipment and their relationship to the overall operation of the transmission system.
Knowledge of AC and DC electrical systems.
Ability to comprehend and apply technical documentation, including but not limited to, substation instructions, electrical one-line diagrams, schematic and wiring diagrams, technical manuals, instruction books, construction drawings, electrical schematics, and LOTO.
Ability to read, interpret, and mark-up complex substation drawings, single-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and panel wiring.
Skilled in the use and application of various types of electronic equipment, including but not limited to relay test kits, multimeters, phase angle meters and personal computers to diagnose equipment problems and effect repairs, or to ensure proper performance of equipment.
Knowledge of Substation and Transmission occupational hazards, safety, and standard work procedures required.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to manage assigned work responsibilities in an independent manner.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with others, both inside and outside the organization.
Ability to think logically and independently to accomplish the goals of the organization.
Ability to meet Company driving standards, including ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Will be required to pass all required Safety/Compliance courses related to substation entry, LOTO, etc.
Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Technology, Electronics Technology, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. Equivalent military training, completion of a recognized electrical apprenticeship, or an equivalent level of directly related relay protection and control experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.
Five or more years of hands-on experience in electric utility environments, specifically with protective relaying, substation control, and transmission/distribution systems.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Technology, or Electronics Technology.
Direct experience calibrating and functionally testing both electromechanical and microprocessor-based relays.
The ability to develop test plans, interpret complex protection/control schematics, and troubleshoot distribution and transmission control circuits.
NETA certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Inspect, test, and maintain protective relays, control systems, and associated equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Install new protective relays and control devices in accordance with technical specifications, manufacturer's guidelines, and industry standards.
Perform routine and periodic testing of protective relays to validate their proper operation. Calibrate relays to ensure accurate fault detection and response.
Diagnose and troubleshoot relay malfunctions, control system issues, and related electrical faults. Identify and rectify problems to minimize downtime.
Maintain detailed records of relay maintenance, testing, and repairs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and documentation standards.
Adhere to safety protocols and best practices to protect oneself and others when working on live electrical equipment. Stay updated on safety regulations and guidelines.
Participate in emergency response activities during power outages, storms, or other critical situations, assisting in the quick restoration of electrical service.
Stay current with advancements in protective relay technology, control systems, and industry standards. Implement innovative solutions to enhance system reliability.
Collaborate with other utility personnel, including engineers, electricians, and system operators, to optimize system performance and respond to issues effectively.
Coordinates and monitors contractors’ activities when required.
Performs other duties as assigned.