Field Lead Protection & Control Technician - Substations

Strata Clean Energy; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

PTO

401K with company matching

Job summary

Strata Clean Energy is seeking a Lead Relay Technician (Protection and Control) to lead testing and commissioning of protection, control, and SCADA systems for substations from 34.5 kV to 345 kV. You will direct contract crews on-site and coordinate with SCADA vendors and utility personnel.

The role requires travel >75% to project sites, with NFPA 70E and OSHA certifications preferred. You will document results, ensure energization readiness, and uphold safety standards in a dynamic field

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in protective relay testing and substation commissioning.
• Hands-on experience testing and commissioning microprocessor-based relays from SEL, Siemens, and other manufacturers, using test equipment such as Doble and/or Omicron.
• Experience with protection schemes for 34.5 kV collector substations through 345 kV transmission interconnections, including feeder, transformer, and bus differential, line differential, distance, and breaker failure schemes.
• Working knowledge of substation SCADA and communications systems, including RTUs, DNP3, and fiber networks, with the ability to perform point-to-point checkout and verify integration with protection systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead protection and control testing and commissioning for 34.5 kV collector substations through 345 kV transmission interconnections.
• Perform and direct testing of microprocessor-based relays from SEL, Siemens, and other manufacturers using Doble and/or Omicron test equipment.
• Review relay settings, schematics, AC/DC elementaries, and wiring diagrams; identify discrepancies and maintain redlines.
• Perform and oversee CT and PT testing, wiring verification, trip checks, and functional testing of protection schemes, including differential, distance, and breaker failure.
• Perform point-to-point checkout of SCADA and communications systems and coordinate with SCADA vendors during device commissioning.
• Coordinate with utility relay engineers and personnel for end-to-end testing, interconnection requirements, and energization.
• Direct the daily work of contract test crews and junior technicians, and review their test results for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and review test reports, commissioning documentation, and as-built markups for project turnover.
• Support energization activities and troubleshoot protection, control, and communications issues.
• Follow and enforce safe work practices, including NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, and site safety requirements.
• Maintain assigned tools, test equipment, PPE, and company-issued materials in good working condition.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Skills

Protection relay testing

Substation commissioning

Field leadership

SCADA testing

Doble/Omicron testing

Education

Associate's degree in electrical or electronics technology

NETA Level III or IV certification

NFPA 70E qualified electrical worker

OSHA 10 certification

OSHA 30 certification

Tools

Doble

Omicron

SCADA systems

DNP3

IEC 61850

Job description

Strata Clean Energy is seeking a Lead Relay Technician (Protection and Control) to lead testing and commissioning of protection, control, and SCADA systems for substations from 34.5 kV to 345 kV. You will direct contract crews on-site and coordinate with SCADA vendors and utility personnel.

The role requires travel >75% to project sites, with NFPA 70E and OSHA certifications preferred. You will document results, ensure energization readiness, and uphold safety standards in a dynamic field