Lead Protection & Control Relay Technician Union NJ

Position Overview

The Lead Protection & Control (P&C) Relay Technician performs senior-level installation testing commissioning maintenance and troubleshooting of protection control and automation systems within electric utility substations and related facilities. This role supports the safe and reliable operation of transmission and distribution systems by ensuring relays control circuits SCADA/RTU systems and associated equipment perform according to engineering design utility standards and regulatory requirements.

This position may also provide technical guidance field leadership quality review and coordination support to junior technicians construction crews engineers system operators and utility personnel.

Work assignments responsibilities and task complexity may vary depending on classification including Technician Journeyman Cable Splicer or other IBEW Local 102 designations as outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Key Responsibilities

Protection & Control Testing & Commissioning

• Perform functional and acceptance testing of protective relays control circuits and substation devices.
• Conduct end-to-end testing including CT/PT verification polarity and phasing checks trip testing interlock verification and system integration checks.
• Support commissioning of new or upgraded protection schemes such as feeder transformer bus line breaker failure differential and other protective functions.
• Validate protective relay settings logic wiring and control functions in accordance with engineering documentation.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform scheduled and corrective maintenance on protective relays SCADA systems RTUs switchgear control circuits and associated equipment.
• Investigate system events alarms and misoperations and assist in retrieving and interpreting relay event records and oscillography.
• Diagnose issues involving AC/DC control circuits communications links power equipment and automation systems.

Installation & Field Support

• Install route terminate and verify control wiring grounding conductors relay panels and control devices.
• Assist with substation upgrades relay replacements panel retrofits and modernization initiatives.
• Collaborate with construction crews engineers and utility personnel to ensure installations meet safety and design requirements.
• SCADA Communications & Integration
• Assist with SCADA RTU and IED communication testing including point-to-point verification with control centers.
• Support configurations involving protocols such as DNP3 Modbus and IEC 61850 including GOOSE/MMS depending on system requirements.
• Validate status analog signals and control functions for remote monitoring and automation systems.

Documentation & Quality Control

• Maintain accurate documentation including test reports redlines as-found/as-left conditions and commissioning records.
• Review and interpret drawings such as one-lines three-lines AC/DC schematics wiring diagrams and panel layouts.
• Ensure configuration files relay settings and system records are updated and retained per company and regulatory requirements.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Work in accordance with all safety rules procedures PPE requirements and lockout/tagout protocols associated with high-voltage environments.
• Follow established switching procedures and hazard controls for energized and de-energized work.
• Support compliance activities associated with internal standards and applicable reliability requirements including NERC PRC testing intervals when applicable.

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with system operators engineers construction teams and other field crews to execute work safely and efficiently.
• Communicate job status site conditions and system readiness clearly and professionally.
• Provide technical guidance and field support to junior technicians when needed.
• Participate in ongoing training and development in accordance with IBEW Local 102 standards and employer requirements.

Qualifications

• Completion of IBEW apprenticeship accredited electrical program cable splicer training or demonstrated equivalent field experience.
• Experience with relay testing equipment such as Omicron Doble Megger or similar tools is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of electrical protection principles substation equipment SCADA/RTU systems and AC/DC control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings one-lines three-lines schematics wiring diagrams relay settings panel layouts and commissioning documentation.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a commitment to detail safety and high-quality work.
• Prior experience supporting electric utility substation transmission distribution or protection and control projects preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Valid drivers license.
• Ability to lift equipment climb bend and work in field substation conditions.
• Willingness to work overtime shifts call-outs and travel based on project and operational needs.
• Ability to work in accordance with union requirements utility standards and applicable safety procedures.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in utility substations control houses switchyards and other field locations.
• Exposure to weather energized equipment loud noise and industrial conditions requiring appropriate PPE.
• Work hours may vary based on system outages commissioning schedules or emergency response needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sparus Holdings is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

EEO Statement

Sparus Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex race color religion national origin age marital status political affiliation sexual orientation gender identity genetic information disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests

Sparus Holdings is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment please email . We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Know Your Rights Poster

The law requires Sparus Holdings to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections please click on the following link:Know Your Rights

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

Sparus Holdings will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about discussed or disclosed their own pay. Please see thePay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provisionfor more information.