Laboratory Technician

Job Title

Lab Technician / Advanced Lab Technician – CAET Asset Operations

Company

FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

About the Opportunity

Open position in the Asset Operations group located at the Center for Advanced Energy Technology (CAET) in Akron, Ohio. The primary mission is to support the cyber security testing of new assets before deployment in FirstEnergy transmission substations, ensuring compliance with NERC CIP Standards for operational technology assets.

Responsibilities

• Work with Transmission & Substation Services to refine relay test routines and protocols to verify cyber security capabilities.
• Assist in modifying maintenance practices to address changing technology, equipment, and regulatory changes.
• Develop and maintain cyber security baselines for FirstEnergy’s transmission operational technology assets.
• Verify and document that new cyber assets meet the applicable security baseline before deployment.
• Verify authenticity and integrity of software and firmware installed on OT devices and ensure certified copies are stored in the Secure Software Repository.
• Ensure sensitive information is removed from decommissioned assets and that they are logged, decommissioned, or destroyed per NIST‑800‑88.
• Provide support in CAET Development and Training labs.
• Monitor industry trends and standards related to cyber security of protective relays and other substation OT.
• Track spare equipment inventory and support replacement requests.
• Assist in forensic, apparent cause, and root cause analyses as requested.
• Educate others on technical subjects and improve technical programs and process effectiveness.
• Conduct technical research and analyze complex data.
• Review technical reports, papers, procedures, and provide feedback.
• Develop process improvements to increase efficiency.
• Maintain a safe workplace and adhere to safety regulations.
• Provide high level customer service and proactive technical support to leadership and peers.
• Coordinate with Cascade, Maintenance Compliance, Warehousing, and IT as needed.
• Support FEU personnel on information and reports related to substation assets.
• Seek ways to add value and deliver results.
• Provide advice, education, and encouragement to others.
• Assist during emergencies and storm related activities.

Qualifications

• Education and experience: Minimum 2 years of electrical/electronics experience and 7 years total experience, or an associate degree in Applied Science in Electrical or Electronics Engineering Technology (ABET accredited) with 5 years experience, or a bachelor of science in the same field with 2 years experience.
• Understanding of substations, substation equipment, devices, and maintenance practices preferred.
• Technical knowledge of digital assets and electronic devices; ability to analyze electronic circuits.
• Familiarity with microprocessor-based protection and control equipment.
• Commitment to FirstEnergy’s Safety Policies and Accident Prevention Handbook.
• Ability to read and understand substation electrical design prints and bills of material.
• Experience with Doble/Enoserve RTS, Doble ProSuite, Doble/Manta Relay Test Sets, SEL Compass, SEL AcSELerator applications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and general computer skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work overtime/off-shifts; willingness to work in various locations.
• Desirable: Knowledge of Identity and Access Management (IAM), Security Information & Event Monitoring, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems, Data Diodes, Operational Technology environments, IoT, and industrial control systems (SCADA, DMS, EMS, DCS, PI historian, RTU, PLC, relay). Understanding of NERC CIP, ISA 99, NIST CSF, C2M2 standards.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA preferred.

Additional Requirements

Advanced Lab Technician level expects independent performance of all listed responsibilities with additional duties as needed.