Substation Maintenance Specialist I

RWE•Goliad, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Substation Maintenance Specialist I assists with difficult transmission/substation engineering tasks that require extensive analysis of alternatives to reach decisions and make appropriate recommendations on technical issues. The role performs routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs on substation and collection system components.

Requirements

High School degree or equivalent required
Minimum 3 years’ work experience in Operations and/or Maintenance in power generation, transmission or distribution
Applies working knowledge of substation and collection system components (transformers, breakers, capacitors)
Uses basic to intermediate testing tools (IR cameras, battery testers) to support inspections and maintenance
Understands safety standards (NFPA 70E, lock-out/tag-out) and follows procedures precisely
Reads and applies one-line diagrams with guidance
Handles routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor troubleshooting
Identifies issues and escalates complex problems to senior staff
Works under direction from senior technicians
Communicates inspection results and progress clearly
Begins providing guidance to less experienced technicians
Completes assigned tasks independently with moderate oversight
Manages own work across single-site maintenance activities
Knowledge of and experience with the use of hand and power tools
Knowledge of environmental and safety policies and procedures
Ability to work within tight deadlines
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability and willingness to travel to and from job sites as assigned

Nice To Haves

2- or 4-year degree (preferred) from an accredited school, other than a correspondence or on-line in a technical hard science (Engineering, Physics, Power, or closely related field)
Current Journeyman or a Master Electrician license may substitute for 2 years of experience
Prior High Line worker, substation, and relaying skills are preferred
Working knowledge of major substation equipment, i.e. power transformers, breakers, capacitors, current and potential transformers, and battery systems is preferred

Responsibilities

Assures that all operations and maintenance activities are performed in a safe manner consistent with policies and procedures established for the electrical systems of the wind farms
Performs routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on substation and collection system equipment (e.g., transformers, breakers, capacitors)
Executes high-voltage switching and grounding under guidance, and follows established safety protocols (NFPA 70E, lock-out/tag-out)
Uses standard test equipment (e.g., battery testers, IR cameras) to collect readings and document results
Assists senior specialists in interpreting one-lines and basic schematics to complete assigned tasks
Maintains accurate records to support compliance programs, including NERC documentation
Begins mentoring newer hires and provides basic guidance on safe work practices
Maintains substation equipment, collection system and transmission lines; works with RWE employees as well as contractors to insure proper maintenance and or repairs are performed on the electrical equipment in a safe and timely manner
Performs high voltage switching and grounding of the electrical equipment, including writing switching orders, along with applying the appropriate lock and tag out needed for clearances
Works with Compliance Officers to maintain NERC compliance at all times
Reviews maintenance and repair test reports and propose follow-up actions as necessary
Ensures work performed is correctly documented and conforms with the scope being performed and meets regulatory requirements as set forth by RWE compliance department
Must be available for travel up to 30% of time; applicant must be available to travel to all RWE North American sites as the need arises
Technical Training will be ongoing i.e. IR training, battery testing and maintenance; it will be the employee’s responsibility to learn these core fundamentals