Goodnight Wind Farm, powered by Vestas V136 turbine technology, stands as a leading example of efficient wind energy in both ERCOT and Texas. Its cutting-edge turbines ensure consistent and sustainable energy production, contributing significantly to the state's renewable energy goals.
Opportunity Summary
The High-Voltage Electrical Technician at the Goodnight Wind Farm ensures the safe and reliable operation of medium- and high-voltage systems up to 345 kV, including switchyard, substation, and Balance of Plant (BOP) assets. The role performs high-voltage switching; executes preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance; and conducts testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of transformers, switchgear, protective relays, DC systems, control circuits, and turbine auxiliary and mechanical components. This position supports outages and emergency response activities while utilizing advanced diagnostic tools to maintain safe operations and dependable renewable energy production.
Your scope of responsibility as HV Electrical Technician includes the following primary functions:
- Perform high-voltage switching, energizing and de-energizing circuits, and troubleshooting of BOP electrical systems, including switchyard equipment, transformers, and turbine auxiliary circuits, to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Design, install, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain high-voltage electrical circuits, motors, transformers, switchgear, and Balance of Plant (BOP) systems supporting wind farm operations.
- Test and inspect high-voltage apparatus such as current and potential transformers, insulators, disconnects, solenoids, and protective relays using specialized tools such as meggers and insulation testers.
- Calibrate and commission sensors, transmitters, and control devices (temperature, pressure, level) that monitor wind farm electrical and auxiliary systems, including substations and transformers.
- Execute corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance on medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment rated up to 345 kV, including switchyard and substation assets.
- Maintain and troubleshoot DC emergency battery backup systems for turbine auxiliary and substation systems, including batteries, chargers, buses, disconnect switches, and locating DC grounds.
- Diagnose and repair control circuits and interlocks for auxiliary systems, including turbine start/stop, load shedding, grounding, and safety trip systems.
- Perform QA/QC inspections on wind turbine mechanical systems, including rotor, gearbox, pitch, yaw, braking, and hydraulic components, to ensure safe and reliable turbine operation.
- Safely climb turbines and access nacelles, elevated platforms, and towers to perform inspections at varying heights using fall-protection equipment.
- Utilize condition-monitoring tools and diagnostic techniques to detect and address mechanical and electrical issues, supporting preventive maintenance, outage activities, and overall wind farm reliability.
- Support planned outages by performing inspections, testing, repairs, and system restoration activities on high-voltage, BOP, and turbine equipment.
- Provide guidance and training to plant personnel on electrical and mechanical safety practices, including isolating and locking out electrical systems in accordance with industry and manufacturer standards, to ensure safe and reliable wind farm operations.
- Follow all site safety procedures and comply with environmental permits, ensuring safe and reliable wind farm operations.
- Document maintenance activities, equipment status, and performance data, and prepare accurate sketches and diagrams to support installation, commissioning, and operations, ensuring accurate records for safe and reliable wind farm performance.
- Respond promptly to emergency situations, regardless of time or shift, to restore electrical system functionality and maintain reliable energy production.
- Communicate equipment conditions, operational issues, and recommendations for improvement to supervisors and team members.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure uninterrupted wind farm operations.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
Working Relationships
The HV Electrical Technician reports directly to the Wind Site Manager. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods; climbing stairs, ladders, and vertical fixed ladders; and working on elevated platforms and turbine nacelles at heights exceeding 300 feet, including full tower ascents. Personnel must be able to safely perform duties at elevation using fall-protection systems. Employees may be required to lift up to 50 pounds and access confined or restricted spaces during maintenance and inspections.
Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation, with potential exposure to high winds at elevation, noise, electrical hazards, and other operating equipment.
Some duties require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, flame-resistant clothing, high-voltage gloves, fall-protection equipment, and respiratory protection, with fit testing for respirators as required. Strict safety and environmental policies, including smoking restrictions, are enforced throughout the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The HV Electrical Technician works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $40 to $50 per hour.
Core Qualifications and Skills
We are seeking an Electrical Technician with hands-on experience in high-voltage electrical systems and BOP operations. The ideal candidate demonstrates technical expertise, a commitment to safety, and the ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and support reliable wind farm performance.
- Associate degree, technical training program, or certification in electrical technology, wind energy electrical systems, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent industry or military electrical experience will be considered.
- Previous experience as a Journeyman Electrician, substation technician, wind turbine technician, or relevant military background, preferably in power generation, utility-scale renewable energy, or heavy industrial settings.
- Extensive hands-on experience with high-voltage electrical systems up to 345 kV, including HV switching, installation, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of switchyard, transformer, motors, generators, switchgear, turbine auxiliary circuits, and other BOP equipment.
- Experience performing inspections, maintenance, and repairs on wind turbine mechanical systems, including rotor, gearbox, pitch, yaw, braking, and hydraulic components.
- Skilled in commissioning, calibrating, and testing sensors, transmitters, control devices, and advanced electrical circuits, using specialized diagnostic tools such as meggers, insulation testers, and other testing equipment.
- Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical safety practices, including isolating high-voltage systems, working at heights with fall-protection equipment.
- Proficient in documenting maintenance activities, equipment status, and performance data in CMMS, as well as using personal computers for communication and analysis related to plant operations.
- Ability to understand and follow site-specific procedures, maintain organized records, and work effectively outdoors at utility-scale wind farms under varying weather and operational conditions.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
Preferred
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We are seeking an Electrical Technician with hands-on experience in high-voltage electrical systems and BOP operations. The ideal candidate demonstrates technical expertise, a commitment to safety, and the ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and support reliable wind farm performance.
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Associate degree, technical training program, or certification in electrical technology, wind energy electrical systems, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent industry or military electrical experience will be considered.
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Previous experience as a Journeyman Electrician, substation technician, wind turbine technician, or relevant military background, preferably in power generation, utility-scale renewable energy, or heavy industrial settings.
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Extensive hands-on experience with high-voltage electrical systems up to 345 kV, including HV switching, installation, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of switchyard, transformer, motors, generators, switchgear, turbine auxiliary circuits, and other BOP equipment.
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Experience performing inspections, maintenance, and repairs on wind turbine mechanical systems, including rotor, gearbox, pitch, yaw, braking, and hydraulic components.
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Skilled in commissioning, calibrating, and testing sensors, transmitters, control devices, and advanced electrical circuits, using specialized diagnostic tools such as meggers, insulation testers, and other testing equipment.
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Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical safety practices, including isolating high-voltage systems, working at heights with fall-protection equipment.
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Proficient in documenting maintenance activities, equipment status, and performance data in CMMS, as well as using personal computers for communication and analysis related to plant operations.
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Ability to understand and follow site-specific procedures, maintain organized records, and work effectively outdoors at utility-scale wind farms under varying weather and operational conditions.
Required
Preferred
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Associates or better in Electronics Technology or related field
Required
Preferred
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Safety Program Development and Maintenance
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Safety Policies and Procedures Management
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Safety & Compliance Standards (OSHA/NFPA/EPA)
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Wind Turbine O&M
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High Voltage
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Electrical Safety and Hazard Awareness
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Electrical Schematics - Read & Interpret
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Electrical Systems and Equipment
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Electrical Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
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Switchgear O&M
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Transformers
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Power Generation
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Power Distribution and Transmission
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Predictive Maintenance
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Preventive Maintenance
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Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
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Verbal and Written Communications
Preferred
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Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
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Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
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Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
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Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
