Sr. Relay Technician

Electric Power Systems; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Health Savings Account and Flexible FS

Life and AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is seeking a Senior Relay Technician to lead protection and control testing, commissioning, and project execution for substation and C&I systems across North America. The role emphasizes customer interaction, safety leadership, and technical mentorship.

Responsibilities include analyzing protection schemes, performing testing with relay panels, and delivering comprehensive reports while ensuring safety and reliability in mission-critical environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or associate degree in electrical field preferred.
• NETA I/II/IV certification preferred.
• 5+ years relevant industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead protection and control testing and commissioning.
• Coordinate field teams and safety.
• Prepare test reports and commissioning documentation.
• Interface with customers and utilities.

Skills

Protection analysis

Field leadership

Project execution

Troubleshooting

Team mentoring

Education

Electrical tech degree

Military exp.

Engineering degree

Tools

Relay test software

Relay test equipment

Job description

About The Company

Ele ct ric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA -accredited independent ele ct rical testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing, commissioning, and maintenance for clients across Data Centers, Utility, Ge neration, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North America. We are committed to safety, technical expertise, and setting the standard of excellence in the power industry.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Covera ge
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Competitive Pay
• Talent Development – Instru ct or-Led Technical Courses and Online Learning
• Incentives for Professional Certifications
• Tuition Reimbursement

Perks

• Competitive Pay
• Talent Development – Instru ct or-Led Technical Courses and Online Learning
• Career Path Planning
• Incentives for Professional Certifications
• Competitive Per Diem for Travel
• Referral Bonuses
• Tuition Reimbursement

Position Summary

The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems, responsible for advanced testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and full project execution. This role requires deep expertise in analyzing protection schemes, managing complex projects, and leading field teams while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substation and industrial (C&I) systems. The position also emphasizes customer interaction, team development, and technical leadership.

Safety Leadership

• Lead job site safety briefings, proactively identifying, eliminating, or mitigating hazards.
• Enforce company safety policies and champion a strong safety culture across all field activities.
• Utilize Human Performance Error Reduction (HPE) tools to improve reliability and reduce risk.

Technical Expertise & Execution

• Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components, including transmission, distribution, and industrial systems.
• Perform installation, commissioning, testing, and functional testing of substation control circuits on relay panels, transformer change-outs, and circuit breaker replacements.
• Execute advanced end-to-end and functional testing using automated relay test equipment and software.
• Read, interpret, and validate protection and control schematics, logic diagrams, and system configurations.
• Ensure proper calibration and performance of electromechanical and microprocessor-based relays.

Troubleshooting & Analysis

• Perform complex troubleshooting of protection, control, and communication systems across a wide range of applications.
• Analyze event records, oscillography, and system data to make informed deductions and determine system performance or misoperations.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for relay trips, failures, and system disturbances.

Project Leadership & Planning

• Develop project execution plans, commissioning procedures, outage sequences, and energization plans.
• Project manage large-scale and complex commissioning, retrofit, and maintenance projects.
• Coordinate resources, schedules, and field activities to ensure successful project completion.

Reporting & Deliverables

• Develop, review, and finalize comprehensive reports, including test results, relay settings verification, and system performance.
• Ensure completion of all project deliverables, including as-built drawings, relay settings validation, and commissioning documentation.
• Ensure all documentation meets customer and industry standards.

Team Development & Customer Interface

• Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, and junior engineers in protection and control practices.
• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to field personnel.
• Interface directly with customers, utilities, and project stakeholders to communicate status, resolve issues, and meet expectations.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities

• Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen due to this being a safety sensitive position.
• Complete a satisfactory criminal background check.
• Able to work overtime and travel out of town for periods of time.
• Must have a valid driver's license and currently have and be able to maintain a safe driving record.
• Hands on experience installing, maintaining , testing & repairing protective relays in transmission, generation, or distribution level substations.
• Capable of trouble shooting distribution and transmission controls circuits.
• Knowledge of relay test software.

Preferred Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience installing , maintaining , testing, or repairing circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, or similar equipment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's or ass ociate degree in electr ical /Electronic technology, Military Experience, or 4-year Engineering Degree, preferred
• 5+ Years of Relevant Industry Experience
• NETA I II /IV Certified, preferred

Physical Requirements

• Able to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, able to lift 70 lbs.

EPS is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex (including pregnancy, ge nder identity and sexual orientation), political affiliation, military service, national origin, a ge or any other chara ct eristics prote ct ed by state or federal laws.