Variable Frequency Drive Technician

Phase2 Technology; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 67,500 - 82,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health benefits

Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance

Generous paid vacation and sick time

Tuition assistance

Employee discount program

Job summary

Phase2 Technology is looking for a Variable Frequency Drive Technician in Austin, TX. The role involves installation, commissioning, and maintenance of variable frequency drives in compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have at least five years of journey-level experience in an industrial or utility setting, with a focus on electrical systems.

The position offers competitive health benefits and supports professional development through tuition assistance and access to various resources. Immediate start is available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years journey-level experience in an industrial or utility environment.
• Experience with programming and preventive maintenance of low and medium voltage drives.
• Strong understanding of National Electrical Code and electrical safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Install and program variable frequency drives and other electrical equipment.
• Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and repair on electrical systems.
• Maintain records of equipment repairs and spare parts inventory.

Skills

Installation of variable frequency drives

Troubleshooting electrical controls

Knowledge of 3-phase power systems

Adherence to safety standards

Education

High school graduation or GED

Job description

Position Overview

Title: Variable Frequency Drive Technician

Department: Utilities and Energy Management (UEM)

Location: UT Main Campus

Hours: 40 hours per week. Work Schedule: Monday‑Thursday 06:00 AM‑03:30 PM and every other Friday 06:00 AM‑02:30 PM

Start Date: Immediately

Responsibilities

• Perform installation, commissioning, retrofit, and programming of variable frequency drives, electronic motor starters, and other electrical and controls equipment. May lead internal projects.
• Maintain compliance with NEC and document equipment data, as‑built drawings, and settings files.
• Conduct testing, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance on variable frequency drives, electronic motor starters, and related equipment following NFPA 70B standards.
• Execute journey‑level installation, retrofit, modification, inspection, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance of electrical and controls systems in a utility generation and distribution environment.
• Inform appropriate personnel of unusual conditions, problems, or deficiencies and take corrective action, staying current on procedural changes.
• Procure, receive, and maintain inventory of relevant components, supplies, and tools, completing purchase orders and work orders using automated systems.
• Read, interpret, and update equipment and system drawings; review and update manuals, check sheets, procedures, and preventive maintenance instructions; demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Follow all University and UEM safety policies and procedures, complete required safety training, identify and report hazards, and perform work tasks safely with appropriate PPE.
• Operate bridge‑cranes, hoists, forklifts, and other equipment as required; perform elevated work on scaffolding, platforms, and personnel lifts; work in confined spaces, tunnels, and man‑holes; wear protection for high temperatures, chemicals, and loud environments.
• Maintain records of equipment repairs and spare‑parts inventory; collaborate with other trades and craft personnel in support of campus power, chill water, and production systems.
• Adhere to UEM’s core values: Safety, Respect, Integrity, Reliability, Teamwork, and Excellence; work remotely or on campus, drive university vehicle or cart, maintain acceptable driver rating, and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Participate in staff meetings, safety training, plant operation and maintenance training courses, and a rotating on‑call program; may be required to report to work at locations beyond the main campus.

Required Qualifications

High school graduation or GED; five years of journey‑level experience in an industrial or utility environment with primary experience in the installation, commissioning, retrofit, programming, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of low and medium voltage variable frequency drives and related equipment. Strong understanding of 3‑phase power systems, variable frequency drives, electrical safety standards, and National Electrical Code. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Variable frequency drive certified technician.
• Journeyman Electrician or Master Electrician license.
• Class "C" driver’s license, with a current three‑year driving record. Non‑Texas residents must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident.

Salary

$75,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Uniform or personal protective equipment.
• All weather conditions; extreme temperatures; chemical fumes; electrical/mechanical hazards.
• Standard office environment.
• Manual dexterity required; climbing stairs and ladders; lifting and moving heavy objects.
• Work in confined spaces, manholes, tunnels, and elevated work; extended shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Operate forklifts, personnel lifts, bridge cranes, and other equipment; participate in an on‑call program.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%).
• Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (defined benefit retirement plan with employer matching).
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: Tax‑Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Deferred Compensation program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning and professional conference opportunities.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee discount program including athletic tickets.
• Free access to UT Austin libraries and museums with staff ID card.
• Free rides on all UT shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complying with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, education, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Employees with access to compensation information as part of essential job functions cannot disclose pay information to individuals who do not have such access, unless in response to a formal complaint, investigation, or statutory requirement.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position. The applicant must also clear a physical assessment, meet specified lifting, pulling, and confined‑space requirements, and pass drug and alcohol testing if required.