Sr Traveling Substation Technician

Berkshire Hathaway Energy • Des Moines, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Traveling Substation Technician performs the most complex and specialized testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and maintenance of substation protection, metering, and control systems across BHE Renewables facilities. This role serves as a technical resource and mentor while remaining a hands‑on lead for substation testing, maintenance, and commissioning activities and may assist with contractor oversight project commissioning while emphasizing safety, Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools, and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Ten years experience in the relay and meter trade.
• High school diploma or GED; BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Successful completion of an electrical apprenticeship or equivalent program.
• Fundamental knowledge of electrical theory and substation equipment.
• Expert knowledge of substation equipment, protection schemes, metering systems, and SCADA.
• Advanced relay testing and commissioning expertise.
• Strong technical problem‑solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to provide technical leadership without formal supervisory authority.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work safely in energized environments, confined spaces, and at heights.
• Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, along with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Travel is required due to the geographic location of BHE Renewables assets.

Nice To Haves

• Journeyman electrician license preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced and complex testing and diagnosis of protective relays, programmable substation equipment, PLCs and automation controllers, meters, batteries, UPSes, control circuits, and associated substation apparatus.
• Diagnose and resolve highly complex system issues involving protective relays, control schemes, communications, and SCADA interfaces.
• Lead testing and commissioning activities for major substation projects and system upgrades.
• Provide technical guidance and on‑the‑job mentoring to less experienced technicians.
• Perform advanced analytical testing and verification of substation apparatus and protection schemes.
• Ensure work is executed in compliance with regulatory, safety, and operational requirements.
• May perform aerial infrared inspections using approved drone technology as qualified.
• Travel extensively to support outages, commissioning, and emergency response.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior