Utilities High Voltage Specialist

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the High Voltage Supervisor, the Utilities High Voltage Specialist maintains, supports, and assists with day-to-day operation and maintenance of Argonne National Laboratory’s electrical transmission and distribution system. The role responds to and resolves high-voltage electrical emergencies and outages by assessing faults, conducting diagnostic tests, and repairing or replacing equipment to restore service safely and efficiently. Work includes switching operations on transmissions from 480V to 138KV; operating, maintaining, or assisting with high- and low-voltage equipment; and working with overhead and underground systems, roadway lighting, interrupters, transformers, substation equipment, motor control centers, and switchgear breakers. The position may involve supervising or assisting contractors. The specialist coordinates response and repair efforts with engineers, supervisors, and other team members; documents troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment status; and participates in training and emergency-response drills, including Argonne internal qualified electrical worker certification. The work requires compliance with Laboratory and Division Environmental Safety and Health policies and safe-work practices. Work may occur in inclement weather, at elevated heights using bucket trucks, and during off-shift call-outs. The position may require irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and out-of-state travel for training until Argonne Qualified Electrical Worker training is completed. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience working with voltages up to 138K volts; utility or industrial experience is preferred.
Associate degree or technical school education with a certification, work qualification, or completed approved apprenticeship program qualifying the individual for work under OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.269.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship to comply with federal regulations and contract requirements.
Ability to follow protocols for isolating and de-energizing high-voltage equipment, including developing job-specific switching orders.
Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical faults and conducting root-cause analysis.
Knowledge of high-voltage equipment, including transformers, switchgear, relays, and protective devices.
Ability to interpret electrical schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Strong decision-making and task-prioritization skills in high-pressure situations.
Good knowledge and use of computer software and applications.
Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Ability to travel out of state for training until Argonne Qualified Electrical Worker training is completed.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years of experience.
Overhead electrical line experience.
Experience with predictive maintenance processes and methodologies.
Knowledge and experience in vegetation management, including tree trimming.
Class B commercial driver’s license with Air Brake Endorsement, or ability to obtain it within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

Maintain, support, and assist with operation and maintenance of the laboratory’s electrical transmission and distribution system.
Respond to electrical disturbances, outages, and emergencies involving high-voltage systems.
Assess electrical faults and failures on site, determine their cause and extent, and perform diagnostic tests using specialized equipment.
Perform switching operations on transmissions from 480V to 138KV and follow established procedures to isolate and de-energize equipment.
Implement temporary fixes and immediate corrective actions, and repair or replace damaged transformers, circuit breakers, switches, overhead lines, and other components.
Operate and maintain high- and low-voltage equipment, including overhead and underground systems, roadway lighting, interrupters, transformers, substation power equipment, motor control centers, and switchgear breakers.
Assist or supervise contractors as needed.
Coordinate with engineers, supervisors, and team members to prioritize and optimize response and repair efforts.
Document troubleshooting steps, work performed, repairs, and equipment status.
Participate in training sessions and emergency-response drills, including Argonne internal qualified electrical worker certification.
Comply with Laboratory and Division Environmental Safety and Health policies, work rules, and safe work practices.