Relay Electrical Test & Commissioning Specialist

Electrical Test & Commissioning Specialist

Location:

Richmond, VA (with National Travel)

Job Type: Long-Term Contract

Industry: Utilities / Transmission & Distribution / Substation Protection & Controls

ESPO is seeking an experienced Electrical Test & Commissioning Specialist for a long-term contract opportunity based in the Richmond, VA area, supporting nationwide project work. This role is responsible for the installation, commissioning, functional testing, troubleshooting, and documentation of protection & control systems, substation RTUs, telecom equipment, and related high-voltage utility systems.

The ideal candidate has strong hands‑on experience with protective relays, RTUs, communication processors, and telecom upgrades, along with a proven ability to interpret technical drawings and produce accurate test documentation for client and regulatory reporting.

• Installation, commissioning, testing, and maintenance of protective relay equipment, powerline carrier equipment, digital fault recorders (DFRs), remote terminal units (RTUs), communication processors
• Perform functional testing for protection and control circuitry associated with transmission lines, HV bus, transformers, circuit breakers, feeders, reactors, capacitor banks
• Support RTU and telecom upgrades for various utility and industrial clients
• Utilize extensive experience with SEL microprocessor relays (SEL-311C, 311L, 387, 411L, 421, 487B, 487E, 487V, 587, 587Z, and 787)
• Apply desired experience with GE microprocessor relays (C30, D60, F35, L90, T35, and T60)
• Work with RTUs and communication processors such as GE, Telvent, SEL, Cooper, and Novatech
• Review, document, and submit accurate test reports used for client reporting, compliance documentation, and regulatory purposes
• Interpret and troubleshoot using one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, communication configurations
• Identify discrepancies in design documentation and communicate issues clearly to project stakeholders
• Accurately complete time and expense reporting
• Maintain assigned company vehicle in good working condition and professional appearance

• One of the following minimum education and experience requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power & Controls, or equivalent, AND 6+ years of applicable electrical testing experience
  • Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power & Controls, or equivalent, AND 8+ years of applicable electrical testing experience
  • High School Diploma/GED and 9+ years of applicable electrical testing experience

• 5+ years of experience in the electrical testing industry with emphasis on protection & control equipment, RTUs, telecom systems
• Experience supporting high-voltage clients: utility companies, electric co‑ops, power generation, federal or municipal entities
• Background from BS in Engineering/Technology, technical school, or military electrical programs (Army Prime Power or Navy Nuclear strongly preferred)
• Experience with T&D relays: SEL, GE, ABB, Westinghouse
• Experience supporting brownfield and greenfield substation projects
• Exposure to scoping, scheduling, and budgeting for protection & control, RTU projects, telecom projects
• Project coordination or leadership experience managing protection & control teams in HV substations
• Familiarity with NERC CIP requirements

ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401(k) after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

ESPO Corporation:
Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.