Lead Protection and Control Technician

Qualus; Cincinnati (OH); Remote; USD 55,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualus is seeking a Lead Protection and Control Technician in Cincinnati, OH to lead commissioning, testing, and maintenance of protective relays and associated systems for electric substations and SCADA networks.

The role requires 5+ years of field experience, strong knowledge of protection schemes, substation drawings, and the ability to mentor junior technicians. Travel and driving are required; OSHA safety practices apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years field experience in commissioning, panel checkout, relay calibration, testing and repairing substation relaying and control schemes.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with clients and teams.
• Valid Driver's license with clean record and ability to operate company vehicles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal skills and management ability.

Responsibilities

• Plan commissioning, resource scheduling, and lead test activities with safety protocols.
• Interpret substation drawings (single line, schematics, wiring diagrams).
• Develop procedures and test plans for maintenance and construction activities.
• Perform testing of relays, metering, SCADA, and alarms; troubleshoot protection systems.
• Lead and mentor junior field personnel and provide technical support to field service teams.
• Serve as SME in protective relaying and act as technical lead for small projects.

Skills

Field experience

English communication

MS Office

Driver's license

Interpersonal skills

Tools

SCADA software

Test equipment

Job description

Position Overview

Power your future with Qualus in our Field Engineering department as a Lead Protection and Control Technician. The Lead Protection and Control Technician calibrates, installs, maintains, and repairs protective relays and associated equipment to ensure the efficient, safe, reliable operation of the electric grid. They will be required to maintain, install, repair, and troubleshoot complex control systems, protective relay systems (microprocessor and electro-mechanical); substation and electric utility protection systems; station automation and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Responsibilities

• Interprets project-level scope of work and effectively plans commissioning and resource scheduling and provides team leadership for completing test activities efficiently, on time and without service interruptions, adhering to all established safety protocol.
• Interprets substation drawings (e.g., single line drawings, AC and DC schematics, panel wiring diagrams, and panel layout drawings).
• Writing procedures and/or test plans in support of maintenance and construction activities including development of isolation plans and functional guidelines.
• Testing, including (without limitation): reading/verifying all voltage and current inputs to relays; verifying all metering (local and SCADA); calibrating all relays; trip testing (local and SCADA); verifying all alarms (local and SCADA); verifying all alarms (local and SCADA); verifying all function switches, etc.
• Leading and performing routine troubleshooting and repair of substation relaying and control equipment. Commission new substations, power equipment, relaying (electro-mechanical, solid state and microprocessor), pilot channel equipment (power line carrier, pilot wire, transfer, transfer trip, fiber optic, CVT's, line tuners, line traps, etc.), controls and communications equipment.
• Providing Project Technical Support to Field Service personnel.
• Providing technical mentorship to junior level field service personnel.
• Is considered a subject matter expert in the area of protective relaying in the field.
• Serve as a technical lead for small project teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of field experience in commissioning, panel and equipment checkout, relay calibration, testing and repairing substation relaying and control schemes
• Experience is desirable in any of the following related areas: substation design (including protection & control engineering); substation construction; substation commissioning; SCADA/Fault Data/SER/Integration-Automation equipment installation and testing.
• 3 phase power systems; power system protection & control schemes; test equipment; test equipment software
• Test equipment and toll/wiring usage; interpretation of wiring and elementary diagrams; basic test skills to perform duties listed above; basic PC skills.
• Quickly learn and apply test procedures for various types of substation equipment; communicate effectively with diverse groups, tailoring communication for audience and situation.
• Learn and apply client's switching procedures and safety measures as required.
• Reference and complete assignments as described in applicable specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (inclusive of reading and writing) due to the nature of safety-related materials, documentation, and interactions with clients.
• Perform regular field work both indoors and outdoors.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, business acumen, management ability
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Valid Driver's license and good driving record

Benefits & Compensation

Qualus offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, Retirement Savings Plans (including employer matching where applicable), Flexible Spending and/or Health Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and Company Holidays. Benefits offerings may vary based on position, work location, and eligibility requirements.

The compensation range for this position is provided in accordance with applicable laws and market practices. The final base salary offered may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, internal equity, performance, and business needs. Compensation ranges are subject to change at the Company's discretion and as permitted by applicable law.

Company Overview

Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, energy efficiency and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 2,000 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.

We are committed to a secure and transparent hiring process. We do not request payment or sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, during the application process. Please use caution and verify opportunities through our official channels.

Job Locations US-OH-Cincinnati

Position Type Regular Full Time

Remote Yes

Salary Range $40.00 - $85.00/per hour.