Lead Relay Tech Protection and Control

Power Generation Solutions; 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

The Lead Relay Technician (Protection and Control) leads the testing and commissioning of protection, control, and SCADA systems for new substations, from 34.5 kV collector substations through 345 kV transmission interconnections. This role serves as the on-site technical lead, directing contract test crews and junior technicians, coordinating with SCADA vendors and utility personnel, and ensuring systems are tested, documented, and ready for safe energization. This is a field-based position requiring travel of more than 75% to project sites, often for extended periods.

Summary

We’re leading the industry in sustainable energy careers. We understand that our employees are the lifeblood of the company. We strive to align company goals with those of our employees. We're constantly innovating to make a difference for our customers, our employees, and our planet. Our mission is to make a difference by developing cost-efficient alternatives to traditional energy sources, without long-term dependence on government subsidies. We’re leading the industry in sustainable energy careers. We hope you’ll join us.

Essential Duties and 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

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in protective relay testing and substation commissioning
• 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
• Hands-on experience testing and commissioning microprocessor-based relays from SEL, Siemens, and other manufacturers, using test equipment such as Doble and/or Omicron
• 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
• NFPA 70E qualified electrical worker training and OSHA 10 certification
• PGS provides additional safety and technical training on an as-needed basis
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record
• Associate's degree in electrical or electronics technology, or equivalent military training
• NETA Level III or IV certification
• Experience with IEC 61850 and coordinating with SCADA vendors during commissioning
• OSHA 30 certification

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

This role requires the following, with or without reasonable accommodation:

Field

• Works outdoors at project sites, with exposure to weather elements, including heat, cold, rain, and wind
• Walks and stands for extended periods on uneven terrain
• Climbs, kneels, crouches, stoops, and reaches
• Lifts and carries up to 60 pounds
• Works around noise, dust, moving equipment, and energized electrical equipment
• Wears required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and safety-toe boots
• Travels between project sites, which may include operating a vehicle
• Works extended hours, nights, and weekends as needed to support testing and energization schedules
• Works in substation control enclosures and around high-voltage switchyard equipment

Perks and Benefits

we offer medical/dental/vision insurance plans, PTO, and 401K with a company matching portion.

About Us

Strata Clean Energy is a leading developer, EPC, and service provider for utility-scale solar and storage systems in the United States. We control and self-perform all processes from our nationwide solar and storage developments, to construction, O&M, and Asset Management.

Our employees are empowered to drive our business in a collaborative, creative, and passion-driven environment that fosters long-term professional growth. There is a lot to learn at Strata, but we’re here to help you give your best and have a good time doing it.

At Strata, you’re part of something big. We’re leading the industry in sustainable energy careers. We are driving innovation to make a difference for our customers, our employees, and our planet. Join us in powering the future.

Strata Solar is anequal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Strata Solar is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.

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Equal Opportunity Employer
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