Electrical Substation Technician

Knoxville Utilities Board; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Knoxville Utilities Board in Knoxville, TN, seeks a System Operations Tech to maintain, test, troubleshoot, and repair electrical and mechanical equipment across substations and distribution systems (13kV–161kV).

You will perform high-voltage switching, analyze results, keep records, respond to outages, and train others while ensuring safe, reliable power for customers.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years experience or training in maintenance/operations of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems.
• Able to read schematics, diagrams, and operation manuals.
• Good written and oral communication, and teamwork skills.
• Valid Class A Tennessee Commercial Driver's License within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing, maintenance, inspections, and repairs on substation and distribution equipment.
• Conduct high-voltage switching and operate diagnostic/test equipment.
• Analyze test results, identify issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain equipment records and documentation.
• Respond to outages and system emergencies, assisting restoration.
• Work with transformers, breakers, relays, voltage regulators, and switchgear.
• Provide training on equipment operation, testing procedures, and safety.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or 3 years technical training

Tools

Electrical test equipment

Relay testing equipment

Diagnostic test equipment

Job description

Classification: System Operations Tech

Work Hours: 40+ hours/week: M - F

About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 520,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission-driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.

About the Role: Join a team that keeps the power flowing. In this hands-on role, you'll maintain, test, troubleshoot, and repair electrical and mechanical equipment throughout our substations and distribution system (13kV–161kV), helping ensure safe and reliable service to our customers. This role offers the opportunity to work with critical power infrastructure, develop specialized technical skills, and make a direct impact on electric system reliability and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform testing, maintenance, inspections, and repairs on substation and distribution equipment
• Conduct high-voltage switching and operate advanced diagnostic and test equipment
• Analyze test results, identify issues, and implement corrective actions
• Maintain equipment records and documentation
• Respond to outages and system emergencies, supporting troubleshooting and service restoration
• Work with transformers, breakers, relays, voltage regulators, reclosers, switchgear, and communication/control systems
• Provide training on equipment operation, testing procedures, repair methods, and safety practices

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to bend, stoop, lift and work where conditions are cramped, and head space is limited. Must be able to work on structures up to 60 feet high. Requires above normal visual and mental alertness quite frequently. Must be able to climb steps and work from ladders.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years experience or training in the maintenance and operations of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems
• Must possess a high degree of mechanical and problem-solving ability and working knowledge of equipment, tools, and instruments used to perform mechanical tasks
• Ability to read and utilize schematics, diagrams, and operations maintenance manuals
• Good written and oral communication, interpersonal, and team skills
• Good PC skills including word processing, database entry, and spreadsheet reporting
• Valid driver's license, ability to obtain (within twelve months of employment) and maintain a valid Class A Tennessee Commercial Driver's license

Please note that due to job responsibilities, KUB does not provide immigration sponsorship for and/or based on this position.

Preferred Requirements:

• Associate degree or three (3) years of technical training in electrical, electronics, mechanical, or related field
• Strong project management skills and ability to work effectively across multiple teams
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to support various operational areas while maintaining high performance standards
• Five (5) years of experience maintaining and repairing electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems; utility experience preferred
• Strong electrical aptitude, math skills, and proficiency with electrical tools, equipment, and testing instruments
• Advanced training in electronics or electrical engineering technology, including the ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Completion of TVPPA Substation Maintenance and Protective Relaying courses preferred; experience with high-voltage substations (13kV–161kV)
• Experience using electrical test equipment, including relay, power factor, insulation resistance, transformer turns ratio, contact resistance, and breaker analyzer testing equipment

*KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program*

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.

Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer