Variable Frequency Drive Technician

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Variable Frequency Drive Technician responsible for installation, programming, and preventive maintenance of electrical and controls equipment. This role requires five years of experience in industrial settings and knowledge of electrical safety standards.

Work involves troubleshooting and compliance with NEC regulations in a utility generation environment. A commitment to safety and teamwork is essential, alongside maintaining a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Five years of related journey-level experience in industrial or utility settings.
• Strong understanding of variable frequency drives.
• Variable frequency drive certified technician preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, commission, retrofit, and program variable frequency drives.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical systems.
• Maintain compliance with safety and electrical codes.
• Keep records of equipment repairs and inventory.

Skills

3-phase power systems

Electrical safety standards

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Programming

Installation

Education

High school graduation or GED

Tools

Variable frequency drives

Electrical and controls equipment

Job description

Variable Frequency Drive Technician

Hiring Department: Utilities and Energy Management

Location: UT Main Campus

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Salary: $75,000 + depending on qualifications

Work Shift: 40 hours a week, 9‑80: Monday‑Thursday 06:00 AM – 03:30 PM and every other Friday 06:00 AM – 02:30 PM

Purpose: Under the Supervisor of Utilities, responsible for the installation, commissioning, retrofit, programming, testing, troubleshooting, repair, preventive maintenance, and documentation related to variable frequency drives and other electronic motor starters in a utility generation and distribution environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform installation, commissioning, retrofit, and programming of variable frequency drives, electronic motor starters, and other electrical and controls related equipment. May be assigned to lead internal projects. Maintain compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). Document and maintain equipment data, installation as‑built drawings, and settings files.
• Perform testing, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance on variable frequency drives, electronic motor starters, and other electrical and controls related equipment. Follow NFPA 70B maintenance standards.
• Perform journey‑level installation, retrofit, modification, inspection, and preventive and corrective maintenance of electrical and controls systems. Notify appropriate personnel of unusual conditions, problems, or deficiencies and take appropriate action. Keep current on all changes to operating and maintenance procedures.
• Procure, receive, and maintain inventory of relevant components, supplies, and tools. Complete purchase order requests and work orders using automated systems.
• Read, interpret, and update equipment and system drawings. Proficient use of a personal computer (Word, Excel, etc.). 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, take required safety training, and identify and report safety hazards. Comply with standards of workmanship and safety in the workplace. Perform work tasks in a safe manner, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and report near misses and incidents. Identify, report, and correct safety hazards. Work around hazardous materials, high temperatures, and loud environments. Perform elevated work on scaffolding, platforms, and personnel lifts. Work in confined spaces, including tunnels and man‑holes. Operate bridge‑cranes, hoists, forklifts, and other equipment as required. Perform all electrical work adhering to NFPA 70E.
• Cleans and maintains all equipment, work areas, and vehicles. Maintain records of equipment repair, and inventory of spare parts and other materials. Work in conjunction with other trades and craft personnel in support of systems within a power and chill water production environment, utility tunnels, and campus buildings.
• Abide by Utilities and Energy Management's core values: Safety, Respect, Integrity, Reliability, Teamwork, and Excellence. Work effectively from a remote office or on campus. Drive university vehicle or cart. Maintain acceptable driver rating as established in policy. Perform other related functions as assigned.
• Participate in the Career Progression Program, attend staff meetings, safety training or meetings, plant operation and maintenance training courses, carry the provided cell phone, and participate in the rotating on‑call program. Report to locations other than main campus if required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• Five years of related 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 other electrical and controls related equipment.
• Strong understanding of 3‑phase power systems, variable frequency drives, electrical safety standards, and National Electrical Code.

Preferred Qualifications

• Variable frequency drive certified technician.
• Journeyman Electrician or Master Electrician license.

Driving Required

This job requires a class “C” operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three‑year driving record from the current state of residence. If not a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions

• Uniform or personal protective equipment (PPE)
• All weather conditions
• Extreme temperatures
• Chemical fumes
• Standard office environment
• Biohazards/chemicals
• Electrical/mechanical hazards
• Keyboard use
• Manual dexterity required
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Lifting and moving
• May be required to work in confined spaces, man‑holes, tunnels, elevated work, extended shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Required to perform elevated work from ladders and/or scaffolds
• Required to operate forklifts, personnel lifts, bridge cranes, and other job‑related equipment
• Participate in an on‑call program

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies 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, educational programs and activities, and admissions.