Substation Electrician I

Qcells EPC; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp, headquartered in Irvine, CA, seeks a Substation Electrician I for field-based work with extensive travel. This entry-level role trains on installing, testing, and troubleshooting substation equipment, while ensuring safety compliance and regulatory adherence across multiple project sites.

The role reports to the General Foreman and emphasizes hands-on learning in transformers, breakers, switches, relays, and related components.

Qualifications

• 2 years of recent electrician experience as a Substation helper or equivalent.
• Diploma/certificate from High School, GED, or Line School.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
• Safety certifications (e.g., flagger training, OSHA certifications) are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Safety Compliance and Program Participation: concentrate on learning safety procedures and participate in safety training.
• Installation and Maintenance: learn installation and maintenance for HV/LV equipment within substations.
• Machinery Operation and Site Preparation: assist in excavation, backfilling, and site prep; maintain vehicles and tools.
• Job Site Management and Communication: keep site clean, report deficiencies, and coordinate with crew; follow safety around energized equipment.

Skills

Substation experience

Electrician

Education

High School Diploma

GED/Line School

Job description

Description

Title: Substation Electrician I, Department: T&D/C, Location: Field-Based, Supervisor: Substation Superintendent, FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Position Status: Full-Time, Work Status: Field-based, Travel Required

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN I

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

Summary

The Substation Electrician I will report directly to the General Foreman and will play an integral role in supporting the construction, maintenance, and repair of substation systems and equipment. This is an entry-level position designed to provide hands‑on training and the opportunity to learn all aspects of substation operations. The role will involve assisting with the installation, testing, and troubleshooting of electrical equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. As part of the on‑the‑job training, the Substation Electrician I ,will develop skills in working with transformers, circuit breakers, switches, relays, and other substation components. The position is ideal for individuals seeking to gain experience and advance their careers in the electrical power industry.

This position requires full‑time on‑site presence and 100% travel. Any remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours shall be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

• Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
  • Ability to concentrate on learning safety procedures.
  • Participate in safety‑related processes, programs, and training.
  • Engage with the work team to ensure zero injuries and report all safety hazards, accidents, or near misses.
• Installation and Maintenance:
  • Learn the installation process and proper maintenance techniques for HV and LV equipment within substations. Examples:
    • Breakers
    • Switches
    • Bus
    • Transformers
    • Capacitor Banks
  • Learn the necessary skills of reading and interpreting schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams and construction drawings.
• Machinery Operation and Site Preparation:
  • Assist in excavation, backfilling, and site preparation for substations.
  • Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order.
• Job Site Management and Communication:
  • Maintain cleanliness of the job site and equipment.
  • Report deficiencies or issues to supervisory staff promptly.
  • Work effectively with other crew members to ensure smooth operations on‑site.
  • Follow all safety procedures when working around energized equipment.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of recent electrician experience as a Substation helper or equivalent.
• Diploma/certificate from High School, GED, or Line School.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
• Safety certifications (e.g., flagger training, OSHA certifications) are a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This role involves heavy physical work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds regularly.
• The job requires standing, walking, using tools, and climbing or balancing as part of the daily tasks.
• Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions
• Travel is required up to 95% of the time to different job sites.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, and fire‑retardant clothing.

CLIMATIC/ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS AT JOB SITE

• Predominately outdoor climate
• May be exposed to extreme hot or cold weather
• Excessive humidity, rain, etc.
• Various noise levels caused by tools, machinery, equipment, etc.
• Potential exposure to chemical substances
• Work performed around hazardous equipment.

EXAMPLES OF MOBILITY BARRIERS ACCESS TO JOB SITE

• Uneven ground level
• Obstructed pathways
• Work performed at low and/or high elevations
• Work performed in confined areas

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at‑will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided byQcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at [e-mail].

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at‑will employment opportunity.