Electrical Substation Technician

Knoxville Utilities Board; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Knoxville Utilities Board is seeking a System Operations Tech to maintain, test, troubleshoot, and repair electrical and mechanical equipment across substations and distribution networks (13kV–161kV). You will play a direct role in system reliability and safety while handling critical power infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has at least two years of relevant experience, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to read schematics.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience or training in electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read schematics and operation manuals.
• Good written and oral communication and PC skills.

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 assist in service restoration.
• Work with transformers, breakers, relays, voltage regulators, reclosers, switchgear, and control systems.
• Provide training on equipment operation, testing procedures, repair methods, and safety practices.

Skills

Project management

Electrical troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or 3 years technical training

Tools

Relay test equipment

Power factor tester

Insulation resistance tester

Transformer turns ratio tester

Breaker analyzer

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

Qualifications

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

Selection Process

About the Selection Process

• Phase 2 – Experience, training, and education evaluation
• Phase 3 – Interview with department representatives
• Phase 4 – Written, performance, and behavioral exercises
• Phase 5 – Background Investigation
• Phase 6 – Physical assessment and/or drug screen*

*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