Sr. Relay Technician

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Relay Technician is directly responsible for executing facility maintenance, testing, and commissioning activities in high-voltage transmission substations. The role emphasizes Protection & Control (P&C) and protective relaying testing; however, extensive substation apparatus experience is also preferred.  Technicians will perform system equipment repair, provide technical assistance, respond to system events, oversee contractors, and help train junior employees.

This position reports to the Field Supervisor and is based in the Big Spring, TX area, supporting work in the Midland, Big Spring, Dickens, and Gail areas.

DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform or oversee installation, maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, adjusting, wiring, repairs, and switching of relay and substation equipment.
• Perform SCADA checkouts and troubleshoot issues.
• Lead internal and contract crews in testing and commissioning activities.
• Conduct diagnostic testing and analyze results for protection and control systems and substation equipment.
• Occasionally operate equipment such as bucket trucks, aerial lifts, skid steers, and forklifts.
• Maintain company vehicles, tools, and test equipment.
• Prepare and verify routine reports.
• Champion compliance with WETT safety, reliability compliance, and environmental policies.
• Interface professionally with contractors, engineers, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in scheduling and planning routine and restorative work.
• Lead efforts to document work and compliance obligations in the work order program/asset database.
• Participate in an on-call rotation.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:     
  • High School Diploma required. Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology is preferred but not required.
• Skills and Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years work experience in substation protection and control maintenance required.
  • Candidate must be familiar with ERCOT nodal protocols and operating guides.
  • Experience with NERC compliance reporting and documentation requirements.
  • Experience with substation equipment (i.e. breakers, transformers, switches).
  • Extensive Experience with protection and control equipment (i.e. SEL/GE relays, RTUs).
  • Knowledge of industry standard maintenance practices, applicable codes, and safety regulations.
  • Experience in commissioning activities/construction of high-voltage stations.
  • Experience overseeing contractors and ensuring proper reporting and archiving.
  • Ability to ensure OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory compliance.
  • Experience with large power transformers and reactors.
  • Experience performing complex station switching.
  • Ability to take oil samples for DGA analysis and interpret results.
  • Curious attitude with a focus on safety.
  • Proficient in reading electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and relay logic.
  • Extensive knowledge of SEL and GE relay equipment, logic and software.
  • Proficiency with SCADA protocols such as SEL Fast Message, MODBUS and DNP3.
• Certificates & Licenses:
  • Thermography Level I or II preferred.
  • Coursework or relevant training is preferred (examples include OSHA 30, NESC, NETA, SEL University, etc.).
• Computer Skills:
  • Proficiency with test software (e.g., Doble RTS, Protection Suite, Omicron Test Universe).
  • Microsoft Office (MS Project, Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook).
• Competencies:
  • Understanding of NERC CIP, PRC, and FAC standards.
  • Good communication using email, presentation, and verbal methods.
  • Organization of information, tasks, communications, and data.
  • Documentation and tracking of critical information.
  • Work and resource planning / scheduling.
  • Electrical schematic and control/protection circuit interpretation.
  • Understanding of AC/DC diagrams.
  • Understanding of various protective relaying schemes and their applications.
  • Solid understanding of GE and SEL relay logic.
  • Understanding of RTU and SCADA systems.
  • Knowledge in test software such as Doble RTS and Protection Suite.
  • Understand DNP3, SEL Fast Message, Modbus protocols.
    
  • Ability to interpret equipment tests and results.
  • Ability to understand one-line, three-line, AC/DC schemes, and connection diagrams.
  • Ability to use prints, manuals, test data to quickly and safely resolve system issues.
  • Ability to troubleshoot fiberoptic communication networks.
  • Understanding of instrument transformers.
  • Must be familiar with current, potential, and trip circuits.
  • Must demonstrate understating of relay setting logic and relay setting troubleshooting.
  • Working knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, ICEA, NESC, and NETA standards.
  • Ability to evaluate situations and apply proper PPE.
  • Ability to conduct all activities in safe manor and champion WETT’s safety culture by demonstrating and encouraging safe behavior.
  • Ability to ensure OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory compliance.

JOB PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Job progression opportunities include an expanding field team and overseeing future, additional staff, overseeing augmented staff, bolstering external and internal stakeholder coordination efforts (i.e. key vendors, internal staff). Progression will be reviewed with supervisor based on department needs, growth, and the individual’s performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces. Capable of lifting and moving heavy objects up to 50 pounds.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Exposure to various weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods, sometimes in harsh weather environments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Exposure to loud noise levels, vibrations, and potentially hazardous materials. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods, sometimes in harsh weather environments.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Schedule: This position may require working irregular hours, including weekends, and holidays, especially during emergency repairs.

Travel: Frequent travel within the service area.  Occasional overnight travel for training or planning may be required.

Why Work at Wind Energy Transmission Texas (WETT)?

At WETT, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a company that plays a critical role in powering Texas with reliable, clean, and renewable energy. We take pride in fostering a workplace where innovation, integrity, and collaboration drive our success—and where every employee has a meaningful impact.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Annual Salary based on experience and professional credentials
• Robust Paid Time Off including PTO, sabbatical, holidays, and floating holidays
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits , including parental leave
• Employer-Matching 401(k) to support your long-term financial goals
• A Collaborative, Team-Focused Culture built on respect, partnership, and shared success

Only applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered.