Relay Technician - Washington, DC

Overview

Programs, installs and maintains protective relaying and metering. Performs electrical tests and repairs concerned with maintenance and performance evaluation of in-service relays to prevent and remedy abnormal behavior or failure of transmission and distribution equipment. Analyzes test results and interprets electrical diagrams to locate defective equipment.

• Proficiently uses hand, power tools, meters and other test equipment in energized electrical rooms, vaults, and substations to install, maintain, repair and program protective relays and associated wiring and equipment
• Applies, reads, understands, reviews and corrects schematic, wiring diagram blueprints and substation drawings and inspections
• Programs and operates various test equipment and exercises all safe work practices as outlined in the company safety handbook
• Commissions new relay and metering installations
• Coordinates testing, troubleshooting and repairs of relaying and other equipment with other department personnel
• Performs maintenance on and testing of relays and associated equipment such as standby generators and display meters
• Troubleshoots, repairs and replaces components involved in questionable operations and failures
• Participates in emergency callouts
• Performs other duties, tasks and special projects as assigned

• High school diploma or GED with minimum 8+ years of relevant electrical experience or 5+years relevant electrical experience with associate’s degree

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% - 50% of the time

• Possess a valid/active U.S. Work Authorization

Expectations of Expertise & Knowledge:

• NETA / NICET certification (preferred) or equivalent hands-on experience in electrical testing.
• Strong understanding of ANSI, IEEE, NETA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA electrical safety standards.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting protective relays, circuit breakers, transformers, switch gear, and other electrical equipment.
• Experience with test equipment such as Doble, Omicron, Megger, Vanguard, and Fluke meters.
• Understanding of insulation resistance, power factor, contact resistance, and high-potential (Hi-Pot) testing procedures.
• Knowledge of medium and high-voltage systems (up to 500kV), including arc flash hazard analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to diagnose system failures.
• Willingness to travel as needed and work in industrial, data center, and utility environments.
• Ability to work safely under minimal supervision and follow industry best practices.
• Perform acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems, ensuring compliance with NETA standards
• Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers.
• Perform circuit breaker and switch gear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection testing.
• Troubleshoot electrical faults and perform root cause analysis for system failures.
• Conduct transformer testing, including turns ratio, insulation resistance, and power factor testing.
• Ensure adherence to electrical safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and PPE compliance.
• Maintain detailed test reports and documentation for compliance and client review.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure efficient system commissioning and startup.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior technicians as needed.

Desired / Advantageous

Qualifications:

• OEM certified field service training program.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:

• A competitive salary

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• Paid time off

• Tuition reimbursement

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Military Reserve pay offset

• Paid maternity leave

Abilities:

• Lifts at least 100 pounds at one time and 60 pounds for an extended period of time.

• Relocates a 12-foot stepladder without assistance.

• Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.

• Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.

• Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.

• May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.

• Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

USD $40.00 - USD $55.00 /Hr.