Relay Technician 1 - Washington, DC

U.S. Electrical Testing; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

401k Plan

Military Reserve Pay Offset

Paid maternity leave

Job summary

U.S. Electrical Testing is seeking experienced technicians to install, test, and maintain protective relaying and metering systems across substations and data centers. The role involves interpreting electrical diagrams, commissioning new installations, and performing routine maintenance with emphasis on safety and compliance.

Must have 5+ years of relevant electrical experience or 2+ years with an associate degree, and the ability to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally. U.S.

Qualifications

• Requires 5+ years electrical experience or 2+ years with an associate degree.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25–50%.
• Valid/active U.S. work authorization is required.

Responsibilities

• Proficiently uses hand and test tools in energized rooms, vaults, and substations to install, repair and program protective relays.
• Interprets schematics, wiring diagrams, and substation drawings for testing and repair work.
• Operates test equipment and follows safety procedures per the company handbook.
• Commissions new relay and metering installations and coordinates testing with other departments.
• Maintains test reports and documentation for client review and compliance.

Skills

Electrical testing

Travel readiness

Schematic interpretation

Safety compliance

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in science

Tools

Doble

Omicron

Megger

Vanguard

Fluke meters

Job description

Overview

Programs, installs and maintains protective relaying and metering. Performs electrical tests and repairs concerned with maintenance and performance evaluation of in-service relays to prevent and remedy abnormal behavior or failure of transmission and distribution equipment. Analyzes test results and interprets electrical diagrams to locate defective equipment.

Overview

Programs, installs and maintains protective relaying and metering. Performs electrical tests and repairs concerned with maintenance and performance evaluation of in-service relays to prevent and remedy abnormal behavior or failure of transmission and distribution equipment. Analyzes test results and interprets electrical diagrams to locate defective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Proficiently uses hand, power tools, meters and other test equipment in energized electrical rooms, vaults, and substations to install, maintain, repair and program protective relays and associated wiring and equipment
• Applies, reads, understands, reviews and corrects schematic, wiring diagram blueprints and substation drawings and inspections
• Programs and operates various test equipment and exercises all safe work practices as outlined in the company safety handbook
• Commissions new relay and metering installations
• Coordinates testing, troubleshooting and repairs of relaying and other equipment with other department personnel
• Performs maintenance on and testing of relays and associated equipment such as standby generators and display meters
• Troubleshoots, repairs and replaces components involved in questionable operations and failures
• Participates in emergency callouts
• Performs other duties, tasks and special projects as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with minimum 5+ years of relevant electrical experience or associate's degree in science with minimum 2+ years of relevant electrical experience
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% - 50% of the time
• Possess a valid/active U.S. Work Authorization

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 500kV), 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, 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.

We Offer An Excellent Benefits Package Including

• A competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Military Reserve pay offset
• Paid maternity leave

Abilities

• The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
• Relocates a 12-foot stepladder without assistance.
• Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
• Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
• Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
• May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
• Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• 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.

Pay Range

USD $38.43 - USD $48.69 /Hr.