Utilities High Voltage Specialist

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL, seeks a High Voltage Electrician 3 to maintain and support the laboratory’s 138 kV transmission and distribution system. The role provides 24/7 coverage for outages and emergencies, requiring strong diagnostic skills and the ability to work under pressure.

You will perform repairs, switch operations, and equipment maintenance, coordinating with engineers and safety teams. Applicants must meet OSHA/DOE standards and be prepared for irregular hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years with voltages up to 138 kV, in utility/industrial setting.
• Associates degree or technical cert with OSHA 1910.269 qualification.
• US citizenship proof required by federal law and contract.
• Overhead line experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to and resolve high voltage emergencies and outages.
• Diagnose, repair, and restore power safely and efficiently.
• Switching operations and isolation of high voltage equipment.
• Supervise contractors and coordinate with engineers.
• Document troubleshooting steps, repairs, and equipment status.
• Participate in training and obtain Argonne internal electrical worker certification.
• Work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

High voltage

Troubleshooting

Emergency response

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree or technical certificate

Tools

Electrical testing tools

Job description

Under general supervision of the High Voltage Supervisor, maintain, support, and assist in the day to day operation and maintenance of the Argonne National Laboratory electrical transmission and distribution system. Although most maintenance personnel work the day shift some off shift coverage may be required.

Specific Duties

• As a High Voltage Specialist, you will be responsible for responding to and resolving electrical emergencies and outages related to high voltage systems.
• You will conduct diagnostic assessments, perform repairs, and implement solutions to restore power safely and efficiently.
• This may involve locating, switching operations on transmissions from 480V to 138KV, assisting or supervising contractors, operation of electrical equipment such as high or low voltage items overhead or underground, maintenance of lab wide roadway lighting, interrupters, transformers (oil and air cooled), substation power equipment, motor control centers, and switchgear breakers.
• This role requires a strong understanding of high voltage electrical systems and the ability to work effectively under pressure in dynamic situations.
• Work safely in varying conditions, such as inclement weather, off shift call outs 24/7, and elevated work from bucket trucks.
• Respond promptly to reports of high voltage electrical disturbances, outages, and emergencies.
• Conduct on-site assessments to identify the cause and extent of electrical faults and failures in high voltage systems.
• Implement temporary fixes and immediate corrective actions to restore power while permanent repairs are planned and executed.
• Coordinate with engineers, supervisors, and other team members to prioritize tasks and optimize response efforts.
• Perform diagnostic tests using specialized equipment to pinpoint the location and nature of electrical problems.
• Repair or replace damaged components, such as transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and overhead lines, to restore service.
• Document work performed, including troubleshooting steps, repairs made, and equipment status, for record-keeping and analysis purposes.
• Participate in training sessions and drills to enhance skills and preparedness for emergency response scenarios, including Argonne internal qualified electrical worker certification.
• Comply with all Laboratory and Division Environmental Safety and Health (ES&H) policies, work rules, and safe work practices.
• This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• 5+ experience working with voltages up to 138K volts, preferably in a utility or industrial environment.
• Preferred 10+ years of experience.
• Associates degree or technical school with a certification, work qualification, or completed an approved apprenticeship program that qualifies the individual to perform work associated with OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.269 Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution.
• To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
• Candidate with overhead electrical line experience preferred.
• Ability to follow established protocols and procedures for isolating and de-energizing high voltage equipment to ensure safety including the development of switching orders on a job by job basis.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical faults and conducting root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of high voltage equipment, including transformers, switchgear, relays, and protective devices.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in high-pressure situations.
• Good knowledge and use of a computer software and applications.
• Experience in predictive maintenance processes and methodologies is desired.
• Knowledge and experience in vegetation management including tree trimming is desired.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Out of state travel for training is required until Argonne Qualified Electrical Worker training has been completed.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Preferred Qualification CDL Driver’s License with a Class B and Air Brake Endorsement or the ability to obtain within one year of hire.

Job Family Support Technical (ST) Job Profile High Voltage Electrician 3 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $35.73 - $55.74. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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