Senior Relay Technician - Utility & High-Voltage Protection - Union

Asplundh Electrical Testing; El Centro (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plan

Company-provided life insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Asplundh Electrical Testing is seeking a qualified candidate in El Centro, California, to lead protective relay testing and calibration on medium- and high-voltage systems. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience, strong knowledge of relay protection schemes, and excellent skills in mentoring technicians. This role involves regular regional travel, providing a company vehicle, and offering competitive benefits starting on day one, including medical coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in protective relaying for utility substations.
• Demonstrated experience testing medium- to high-voltage protection systems.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving history.

Responsibilities

• Lead job briefings and safety tailboards.
• Perform protective relay testing and calibration.
• Mentor onsite technicians and coordinate work execution.

Skills

Protective relay testing

Calibration and troubleshooting

Mentoring technicians

Interpretation of protection diagrams

Knowledge of utility safety rules

Education

NETA Level III or IV Certification

Technical degree or military electrical training

Tools

Modern relay test platforms

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Lead job briefings and safety tailboards, reinforcing a “Safety First, Always” field culture
• Perform protective relay testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and commissioning on medium‑ and high‑voltage systems
• Test and validate transmission and distribution protection schemes, including:
  • Distance, differential, overcurrent, breaker failure, and bus protection
• Verify control and protection circuits for:
  • Power transformers
  • Medium‑ and high‑voltage circuit breakers
  • Feeder relays
  • Capacitor banks and reactors
• Support outage planning, switching coordination, energization, and restoration activities
• Perform event analysis, relay target review, and disturbance investigations
• Lead and mentor onsite technicians; coordinate work execution with project managers, system operators, and utility customers
• Create and maintain accurate test reports, as‑left settings, and field documentation
• Participate in job walks, project estimating, and customer technical discussions
• Serve as a technical resource and trainer for developing relay technicians

Travel Requirements

Work is performed at customer sites throughout the assigned region. Regular regional travel is required, with opportunities for extended assignments outside the region as needed.

Company vehicle provided for regional work-related travel.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in protective relaying for utility substations
• Demonstrated experience testing medium- to high-voltage (5kV–500kV) protection systems
• Strong working knowledge of microprocessor-based relays
• Experience with modern relay test platforms
• Solid understanding of utility safety rules, energized work practices, and lockout/tagout procedures
• Ability to interpret:
  • Protection diagrams
  • AC/DC schematics
  • Wiring and logic drawings
• Valid driver’s license; ability to work outdoors, travel, and lift up to 70 lbs

Education & Credentials

• NETA Level III or IV Certification preferred for Senior roles (Candidates at other NETA levels are encouraged to apply for opportunities across the organization)
• Experience with:
  • Circuit breakers
  • Power transformers
  • Switchgear
  • RTUs and substation communications
• Technical degree, apprenticeship, or military electrical training
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving history

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plan to help you secure your future
• Company-provided life insurance for added peace of mind
• Supplemental life insurance options, including spouse and child coverage
• A variety of voluntary Aflac supplemental insurance programs
• Long-term disability coverage
• Pre-paid legal plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support personal and professional well-being
• Paid time off to recharge and refresh
• Paid holidays
• Access to employee discount programs and helpful resources
• Benefits listed above are available to eligible employees. Eligibility requirements and plan provisions apply