Contract Test Engineer

Southern Staffing Group; Georgia (VT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Employee equity participation

401(k) with 3% company match

Vehicle stipend

Take-home company truck

PPE and safety equipment

Disability coverage

Per diem

Job summary

Southern Staffing Group seeks an experienced Contract Test Engineer to support transmission and distribution substation projects across Georgia. You may lead a two-person testing crew and join the client’s field staff as a long‑term contractor.

Regular travel throughout Georgia is required; candidates must reside in Georgia or nearby states. Compensation is $80–$90 per hour, all-inclusive, with an anticipated September 2026 start.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Technology or related field.
• Minimum five years of field experience in substation commissioning and relay work.
• Strong knowledge of three-phase power systems and protection schemes.
• Hands-on experience with relay test equipment and software.
• Willing to travel throughout Georgia per project requirements.
• Available for an anticipated September 2026 start.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing and maintenance on transmission and distribution substation equipment.
• Test electromechanical, solid-state, and microprocessor relays.
• Verify voltage and current inputs to protective relays and SCADA systems.
• Calibrate relays and perform local and SCADA trip testing.
• Plan, schedule, and complete testing with minimal service interruptions.
• Provide technical leadership to field technicians.

Skills

Substation testing

Relay calibration

SCADA testing

Three-phase power systems

Field travel

Education

B.S. in Electrical Technology

Tools

Relay test equipment

Test software

Field equipment

Job description

CONTRACT TEST ENGINEER -- SUBSTATION & RELAY TESTING

Location: Georgia | Statewide Field Assignments

Compensation: $80--$90 per hour, all-inclusive

Job Type: Long-Term Contract

Anticipated Start: September 2026

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client is seeking an experienced Contract Test Engineer to support transmission and distribution substation projects throughout Georgia. This individual will ideally lead a two-person testing crew and work as a fully dedicated member of the client's augmented field staff.

Candidates must currently live in Georgia or within reasonable proximity in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, or Tennessee. Regular travel throughout the Georgia service territory is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform testing and routine maintenance on transmission and distribution substation power equipment


• Test electromechanical, solid-state, and microprocessor-based protective relays


• Verify voltage and current inputs to protective relays


• Verify local and SCADA metering, alarms, trip functions, and control functions


• Calibrate relays and perform local and SCADA trip testing


• Troubleshoot and repair substation relaying and control equipment


• Commission new distribution substations, power equipment, relaying, controls, and communication systems


• Interpret wiring diagrams, elementary diagrams, schematics, and protection and control drawings


• Plan, schedule, and complete testing activities efficiently without unnecessary service interruptions


• Provide technical leadership and direction to supporting field technicians

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Electrical Technology degree in an appropriate discipline --- required


• Minimum five years of field experience involving substation commissioning, panel and equipment checkout, relay calibration, testing, and repair


• Strong understanding of three-phase power systems and protection and control schemes


• Hands-on experience with relay test equipment and associated software


• Ability to interpret wiring diagrams, elementary diagrams, and electrical schematics


• Ability to travel throughout Georgia based on project requirements


• Must be available for an anticipated September 2026 start

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Substation protection and control engineering or design


• Substation construction and commissioning


• SCADA, fault data, sequence-of-events recording, integration, or automation equipment


• Previous experience leading a relay testing or commissioning crew

?Benefits, Per Diem & Field Support

HIVOLT provides a strong total compensation and field-support package built around taking care of its people both at home and on the road.

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families


• Employee equity participation for all employees , providing an opportunity to share in the long-term growth and success of the company


• 401(k) with 3% company match


• Employer-paid basic life insurance


• Health Savings Account (HSA) option


• Short-term and long-term disability coverage options


• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance


• Per diem paid 7 days per week, regardless of days worked


• 4-day schedule: approximately $910/week


• 5-day schedule: approximately $1,155/week


• Per diem may be adjusted upward based on the cost of the project location


• Choice of a take-home company truck with fuel card or vehicle stipend


• Vehicle stipend is approximately $125/day worked


• Vehicle stipend is taxable


• Company-provided tools and field equipment


• Company-provided PPE, FR clothing, and required safety equipment


• Strong safety culture backed by leadership with direct field and utility experience