Electrical Test Technician 1 - Richmond, VA

M.C. Dean, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

M.C. Dean, Inc. is seeking a Field Service Technician based in Richmond, Virginia. In this role, you will conduct inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting of low and medium voltage electrical equipment. Responsibilities include leading projects and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of electrical experience, a High School Diploma, and proficiency with various test equipment. This position requires local and national travel, and familiarity with industry practices is essential.

Qualifications

• Must have 2+ years of relevant electrical experience.
• NETA/NICET certification preferred.
• Ability to work safely with electrical equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead testing and maintenance of electrical distribution equipment.
• Coordinate various projects onsite and in-house.
• Respond to customer emergencies promptly.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Testing and maintenance of electrical systems

Understanding of safety standards

Ability to interpret electrical schematics

Proficiency with test equipment

Strong analytical skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

2+ years of relevant electrical experience

Tools

Doble

Fluke meters

Megger

Omicron

Vanguard

Job description

Overview

In this role as a Field Service Technician you will lead and perform inspection, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and start-up of low and medium voltage electrical distribution equipment, including breakers, transformers, switches, switchgear, relays, and motor control centers, as well as other electrical apparatus in both the field and a shop environment. An understanding of sophisticated electrical distribution systems and the use of complex electrical test equipment is required. You will contribute to a safe working environment for co‑workers and customers and help ensure the overall success of projects. Local, regional, and national travel is required; international travel is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, lead, and support multiple projects both onsite and in‑house utilizing various company software systems, review and maintain job documentation, ensuring completeness of information from receipt of order to invoice.
• Perform testing of low and medium voltage cables, instrument and power transformers, switchgear, breakers, electro‑mechanical and solid‑state relays, and other electrical apparatus.
• Contain material costs by eliminating wasteful practices and implementing appropriate control measures.
• Rotate emergency on‑call duty and, when called, respond to customer emergencies in a timely manner.
• Promote an attitude of continuous improvement and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a minimum of 2+ years of relevant electrical experience with a High School Diploma or GED.

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, switchgear, 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 500 kV), 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 switchgear testing, including timing tests and 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.

Abilities

• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Demonstrate physical strength and stamina for tasks such as loading, unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Follow proper lifting techniques and safety protocols.
• Relocate a 12‑foot stepladder without assistance.
• Work at heights up to 60 feet, climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks, and all types of ladders.
• Walk, climb, lift, squat, crawl, kneel, push, pull, and reach overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
• Possess good vision (may be corrected), ability to see in color, and ability to hear and communicate in English.
• Use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
• Recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, without solving the problem.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce meaningful answers.
• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
• 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.