POSITION SUMMARY
The Lead Relay Technician is an advanced-level technical position responsible for leading and performing the testing, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and commissioning of protective relaying systems and associated control equipment with minimal supervision. This role serves as the designated crew leader on assigned projects and is responsible for ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all customers, industry, and company standards. Lead Relay Technician is encouraged to recommend measures to improve field service operations, technical execution, crew productivity, and customer service. The Lead Relay Technician may be assigned work individually or as part of a larger electrical substation, transmission, distribution, generation, or industrial power project.
Lead Relay Technician reports directly to the Relay Operations Manager and works closely with engineers, project managers, customers, and field personnel. This position provides direct oversight, coordination, and mentorship to Relay Technician I, II, III and Senior personnel assigned to the project.
Effective communication with Relay Operations Manager and Relay Supervisor is required throughout active projects and when awaiting assignment and/or standby time.
Often requires extensive travel and non-standard schedules at field locations with exposure to varying environmental conditions.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lead the testing, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and commissioning of protective relaying systems, including but not limited to:
- Transmission and distribution line protection schemes
- Transformer differential and restricted earth fault protection
- Bus differential schemes
- Breaker failure and transfer trip schemes
- Generator and motor protection systems
- Reclosing, synchronizing, and transfer schemes
- Microprocessor-based relays and networked protection systems
- Serve as the on-site lead responsible for crew safety, daily work planning, and execution of assigned scope of work.
- Perform and oversee:
- End-to-end relay testing
- Primary and secondary injection testing
- Functional and logic verification
- Trip and close circuit validation
- DC system testing and verification
- Point-to-point wiring checks
- Troubleshooting and root cause analysis of relay mis-operations
- Review project drawings, relay settings files, and scope of work prior to and during execution.
- Coordinate daily activities with project management, engineering, other trades, and customer representatives.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to Relay Technician I, II, III and Senior personnel.
- Review and ensure accuracy of field reports, commissioning documentation, and as-built redlines.
- Interface directly with utility engineers, project managers, and customers as the primary on-site technical representative.
- Conduct and participate in job briefings, tailboard meetings, and hazard assessments.
- Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, utility safety rules, and applicable OSHA requirements.
- Maintain test equipment, tools, vehicles, and job site organization in a clean and serviceable condition.
- Monitor project progress and communicate schedule impacts, technical concerns, safety issues, or resource needs to Relay Operations Manager, Supervisor and/or Project Manager.
- Travel to job sites as required, including overnight travel and extended assignments.
- Communicate clearly and professionally (written and/or verbal) regarding safety, technical issues, incidents, safety violations, or near misses.
- Responsible for completed time, expense, and field service job reports using online/administrative tools or software.
- Perform duties in accordance with customer, industry, and corporate laws, regulations, and standards.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by Relay Operations Manager or Supervisor.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology or related field preferred.
- 7+ years of experience in relay testing, commissioning, or substation protection and control work.
- Demonstrated experience leading field crews and managing relay projects
- Strong understanding of AC/DC theory and power system protection fundamentals.
- Advanced understanding of power system protection and coordination principle
- Ability to read, interpret, and redline protection and control drawings.
- Knowledge of industry standards including NETA, IEEE, ANSI, and NFPA 70E.
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage crews, schedules, and technical scope with minimal supervision.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- CPR/First Aid certification required or will be provided.
Technical Skills and Tools
- Prior experience working in electrical construction, maintenance, or testing environments required.
- Advanced proficiency with industry-standard relay test equipment and diagnostic tools
- Familiarity with substations, control houses, and high-voltage environments preferred.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
- Ability to manage scheduling, documentation, and project coordination responsibilities.
- Strong working knowledge of microprocessor relays, communication protocols, and networked protection systems.
- Good electro-mechanical skills including the ability to operate hand tools, multi-meters, test sets, laptops, and PPE.
- Familiarity with IEC 61850 configuration and testing preferred.
- Proficiency with relay test equipment (e.g., Omicron, Doble, Megger or equivalent test sets).
- Experience with relay settings software for major relay manufacturers.
- Advanced experience with microprocessor relays and digital protection schemes.
- Experience with SCADA integration and control system troubleshooting.
- Competency in Microsoft Office and Windows-based software platforms.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and field tasks efficiently.
Work Environment
Field-based work with exposure to varying environmental conditions.
Extensive travel and flexible scheduling required.
NOTE: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, working conditions, physical demands, and activities may change or new ones many be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Service Electric Company provides Equal Employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $123.00 - $1,234.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Relay Technician: 5 years (Required)
- Protection and Controls Technician: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: On the road
