Transmission Relay Technician I or Learner Relay Technician

Duke Energy•Greensboro, NC

About The Position

Duke Energy is hiring for its Relay Technician career path, which supports safe, reliable electric operations through relay construction and maintenance, protective systems, controls, communications, and substation equipment. The hiring manager may fill the position at a higher level in the job hierarchy depending on the successful applicant’s qualifications. A Learner Relay Technician works under direct oversight alongside experienced technicians while developing technical knowledge and independence. The role involves learning relaying and protective schemes, controls, alarms, distribution SCADA, communications, isolation procedures, print reading, troubleshooting, reporting, compliance requirements, and equipment circuits. The Learner also maintains records, builds professional skills and working relationships, and participates in after-hours work and call-out rotation as required. A Transmission Relay Technician I performs more complex technical work with minimal oversight, assists higher-level technicians, guides lower-level technicians when appropriate, and leads small activities of low-to-moderate complexity. Work includes planning construction activities, isolating and testing relays, testing and troubleshooting protection and control circuits and related equipment, supporting installations, commissioning circuits, working with SCADA and communications equipment, documenting compliance test results, and serving as a lead in a call-out role. The position requires sound safety judgment, accurate recordkeeping, effective coordination and communication, and developing leadership skills. The position requires a valid state driver's license, the ability to pass applicable NERC/CIP/Nuclear background checks, and the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds for 100 feet. It also has a 275-pound weight restriction as an essential job function to ensure safe use of weight-rated equipment. Education and experience qualifications vary by level: Learners need an associate degree in Engineering Technology or equivalent, a high school diploma or equivalent plus two years of related relay/substation experience, or equivalent job-related and educational experience. Technician I candidates need an associate degree in Engineering Technology or equivalent plus one year of related relay/substation experience, or a high school diploma or equivalent plus three years of related relay/substation experience. The career path supports continued growth and increased responsibility. Promotion requires strong performance at the prior level, and progression up to and including Relay Technician II is based on current step-progression requirements. Travel is 5–15%. Relocation assistance is not provided. The position is not represented/union and is not visa-sponsored; employees must be able to work lawfully in the United States without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Requirements

Valid state driver's license.
Ability to pass any required background check for NERC/CIP/Nuclear compliance.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds for 100 feet.
Position has an essential-function weight restriction of 275 pounds for safe use of weight-rated equipment.
Learner level: Associate degree in Engineering Technology or equivalent; high school diploma or equivalent plus two years of related relay/substation experience; or equivalent job-related and educational experience.
Transmission Relay Technician I level: Associate degree in Engineering Technology or equivalent plus one year of related relay/substation experience; or high school diploma or equivalent plus three years of related relay/substation experience.
Ability to work lawfully in the United States without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Responsibilities

Follow safe work practices, apply Human Performance Tools, identify potential safety concerns, and help eliminate hazards.
Learn and apply knowledge of relaying, protective schemes, controls, alarms, distribution SCADA, communications, and substation equipment.
Write, review, and execute isolation procedures; read prints and identify how to isolate risk without jeopardizing protective schemes.
Develop familiarity with RTS, ASPEN, required reporting, NERC/SERC compliance requirements, and accurate, timely documentation.
Troubleshoot and test relays, protection and control circuits, CTs, VTs, CCVTs, and CVTs; identify and correct design errors that could affect scheme operation.
Organize construction activities, develop implementation plans, and lead small, low-risk projects involving differential, breaker-failure, line, and distance relaying.
Operate relay and other test equipment, including phase-angle meters, relay test sets, fiber-optic test sets, carrier test sets, ground detectors, and CT testers.
Support installation of portable or mobile substations, transformers, and other temporary equipment.
Query ASPEN and commission circuits with DCC; terminate and test fiber-optic cables.
Work with SCADA systems, modems, SEL2032s, UniOP, SEL2411s, and station annunciator and alarm packages.
Apply knowledge of carriers, tone equipment, traps, tuners, and Blocking Guidelines (CarWest).
Maintain accurate records and files, coordinate work effectively, and communicate clearly with coworkers.
Recognize limitations, avoid assumptions, and stop work to seek assistance when needed.
Assist higher-level technicians, guide lower-level technicians when appropriate, develop leadership skills, and provide leadership to lower-level technicians.
Participate in after-hours work and call-out rotation as required, including serving as a lead in a call-out role.
Represent the company positively and professionally and support company goals.
Continually strengthen technical and professional knowledge and demonstrate the ability to pass panel review by meeting or exceeding Learner Relay Technician requirements.