Protection & Controls Technician

Blue Ridge Power (BRP) is seeking a Protection & Controls Technician to join our team! The Protection & Controls Technician performs electrical testing on relays in electrical power stations. As a Protection & Controls Technician, your duties involve using relay test sets to test different types of microprocessor relays inside the electrical substation. This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position.

This position is 50-70% travel and offers per diem while working on our project sites. Site states include but are not limited to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Oklahoma. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa.

What You'll Do:

• Perform installation, commissioning, testing, and maintenance of protective relaying equipment.
• Perform function testing of substation control circuits on relay panels, transformers & circuit breakers.
• Develop relay macros and testing routines with confirmation of proper protection and control design.
• Perform end-to-end relay testing using relay test software and analyze the operation of the relay based on the fault type run.
• Develop written standard commissioning, testing, and maintenance procedures for protective relaying.
• Set & Test Protective Relays (SEL, GE, ABB, etc.)
• Examine relay settings and logic equations for confirmation of system operation per the design.
• Develop isolation restoration procedures for a construction outage.
• Lead safety briefings on the job site.
• Develop written test procedures for transmission, generation, and distribution substation protection.
• Develop relay test plans necessary to test the relays per customer specifications.
• Lead investigations of electrical-related issues, including root cause analysis as needed.
• Calibrate & perform functional tests on both electromechanical and micro-processor-based protective relays for substations.
• Function as an on-site lead for the project, assign tasks, prioritize activities, and interface with customers and Interconnection utility.
• Read and fully understand protection and control schematic diagrams and wiring diagrams and catch mistakes and problems with the drawings and design when compared with accepted engineering and customer standards.
• Determine and interpret customer’s requirements and provide final deliverables including as-built prints and all test results meeting specified requirements.
• Understand manufacturers’ literature to facilitate testing.
• Review relay settings and determine whether the relay logic matches the design on the schematics as well as customer standards. This would include that the CT Ratios are correct as well as the trip outputs.
• Consult and comment on Substation Commissioning and Energization plans.
• Provides on-site and off-site support to Design Engineering, Substation Construction, and Transmission Service Center Managers engaged in the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Customer's transmission system as relates to design philosophy and providing field information/valid requirements.

Must-Haves:

• 2+ years’ experience in electrical equipment testing and inspection, including high voltage applications.
• 2+ years’ experience in relay testing.
• Knowledge of testing, commissioning, and maintenance of power equipment.
• Hands-on experience installing, maintaining, testing & repairing protective relays in transmission, generation, or distribution level substations.
• Capable of troubleshooting distribution and transmission control circuits.
• Knowledge of relay test software.
• Broad experience with various electrical apparatus used in the power industry, including transformers, breakers, and switchgear.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Utility-scale solar or renewables experience preferred.

Education and Certifications: 

• Must possess and maintain a current driver’s license required.
• High School Diploma required.
• Associate degree in electrical engineering preferred.

Working Environment and Physical Demand:

• 50% - 70% travel depending on project requirements and offers per diem while working on our project site(s). 
• Ability to receive and execute tasks delegated by a more senior technician, all while recognizing potential safety concerns and maintaining a good attitude.
• Must possess reliable transportation.
• Must comply with all company safety standards and procedures, including OSHA requirements.
• Complete OSHA training as required.
• Must follow organization policies and procedures.
• Individuals in this position work in an outdoor environment and must be able to tolerate all climates.
• Must be able to sit, stoop, kneel, bend, stand, or walk short to long distances for 8-10 hours daily.
• Ability to work overtime and travel out of town for periods.
• Ability to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, able to lift 70 lbs.
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.