Protection & Control Relay Technician

The Protection & Control (P&C) Relay Technician performs 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 and associated equipment perform according to engineering design utility standards and regulatory requirements.

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

• Perform functional and acceptance testing of protective relays control circuits and substation devices.
• Conduct endtoend 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.
• Assist in validating protective relay settings logic wiring and control functions in accordance with engineering documentation.

• 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.

• 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.

• Assist with SCADA RTU and IED communication testing including pointtopoint verification with control centers.
• Support configurations involving protocols such as DNP3 Modbus and IEC 61850 (GOOSE/MMS) depending on system requirements.
• Validate status analog signals and control functions for remote monitoring and automation systems.

• Maintain accurate documentation including test reports redlines asfound/asleft conditions and commissioning records.
• Review and interpret drawings such as onelines threelines 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.

• Work in accordance with all safety rules procedures PPE requirements and lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols associated with highvoltage environments.
• Follow established switching procedures and hazard controls for energized and deenergized work.
• Support compliance activities associated with internal standards and applicable reliability requirements (e.g. NERC PRC testing intervals when applicable).

• 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.
• Participate in ongoing training and development in accordance with IBEW Local 102 standards and employer requirements.

Note: Specific experience or certification expectations may vary by Local 102 classification or employer requirements.

• Completion of IBEW apprenticeship accredited electrical program cable splicer training or demonstrated equivalent field experience.
• Experience with relay testing equipment (e.g. Omicron Doble Megger) is preferred but not required for all classifications.
• Familiarity with electrical protection principles substation equipment and AC/DC control systems.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and technical documents.
• Understanding of electrical theory instrument transformers protective relays and control circuits.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills; commitment to detail and highquality work.
• Ability to work safely in outdoor and energized environments.

• Valid drivers license.
• Ability to lift equipment climb bend and work in field substation conditions.
• Willingness to work overtime shifts callouts and travel based on project and operational needs.

• 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.