Substation Services Technician - (Remote / Travel)

Job Description

Job Description

About NovaSource

NovaSource Power Services is the world’s #1-ranked solar operations and maintenance (O&M) provider and insight-driven total asset optimization partner for renewables asset owners ready to fuel smart growth. With over 20 years of operating experience and a presence on 5 continents, NovaSource has the global reach and strategic capabilities to achieve our clients’ renewables goals around the world. 

NovaSource’s comprehensive approach to total asset optimization in addition to O&M services includes value engineering, performance analysis, strategic supply chain management, and advanced monitoring systems. The company operates in key global markets managing over 30GW of solar power plants. NovaSource’s expertise extends beyond solar and includes battery energy storage systems (BESS), offering a complete suite of services for the evolving renewable energy landscape.

Position Summary

The Substation Services Technician performs specialized testing, diagnostics, maintenance, installation, and commissioning support on medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment supporting utility-scale renewable energy facilities and substations.

This position is responsible for executing advanced electrical testing, performing preventative and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting equipment issues, supporting planned and emergency outages, and providing technical recommendations to improve asset reliability and performance.

The ideal candidate has experience with substation equipment, transformer diagnostics, electrical testing, and utility work practices. Experience with Doble testing equipment, protective relays, and substation commissioning is highly desirable.

This position requires travel throughout North America (approximately 75–80%) in support of customer projects.

Primary Responsibilities

Electrical Testing & Diagnostics

Perform diagnostic testing and condition assessments of substation equipment including:

• Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR) 
• Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) 
• Excitation Current Testing 
• Capacitance Testing 
• Power Factor / Dissipation Factor Testing 
• Bushing Capacitance & Power Factor Testing 
• Insulation Resistance (Megger) Testing 
• Contact Resistance (Ductor) Testing 
• Medium-Voltage Cable Insulation Testing 
• Transformer Condition Assessments 
• Diagnostic Test Analysis & Interpretation 

Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

• Conduct mechanical inspections 
• Torque verification 
• Equipment removal and installation 
• Equipment replacement 
• Electrical troubleshooting 
• Failure investigations 
• Lead and support planned outage
• Emergency response 

• Perform maintenance activities on:

• Generator Step-Up (GSU) Transformers 
• Medium-Voltage Transformers 
• Disconnect & Hook Switches 
• Capacitor Bank Switchers 
• Bushings 
• Medium-Voltage Cable Systems 
• Electrical Connections & Terminations 

Field Operations

• Coordinate subcontractors and specialty vendors 
• Support commissioning and return-to-service activities 
• Develop detailed field reports 
• Document test results and maintenance findings 
• Provide technical recommendations for repair or replacement 

Safety & Compliance

• Perform all work in accordance with OSHA 1910.269, NFPA 70E, NESC, and company safety procedures. 
• Conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and support a strong electrical safety culture. 
• Follow Lockout/Tagout, grounding, and switching procedures. 
• Maintain company quality and documentation standards. 

Minimum Qualifications  

Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years of medium- and high-voltage electrical experience 
• 3+ years performing substation, utility, industrial, or renewable energy maintenance 
• 2+ years of experience testing and maintaining transformers, disconnect switches, and substation equipment 
• Experience interpreting electrical test results and equipment condition 

Preferred:

• Formal technical education such as Journeyman Electrician or Electrical Technician certification or military electrical training 
• Transformer Testing Training 
• Protective Relay Test Sets NETA certification 
• SEL, ABB, GE, Siemens, or Schweitzer relay training 
• Utility and/or renewable energy substation experience 
• Independent electrical testing company experience 
• Commissioning experience 

Technical Knowledge

Working knowledge of:

• Utility substations 
• Transformer diagnostics 
• Transformer maintenance 
• Protective devices 
• Medium-voltage cable systems 
• Grounding systems 
• Electrical switching 
• Lockout/Tagout 
• Arc Flash Safety 
• NETA testing practices 
• Transformer oil sampling 
• Electrical drawings and schematics 

Test Equipment Experience

Experience operating or familiarity with:

• Doble M4100 / M7100 
• Megger Insulation Resistance Testers 
• Transformer Turns Ratio Test Equipment 
• Digital Low Resistance Ohmmeters (DLRO / Ductor) 
• Process Calibrators 

Preferred Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Electrical troubleshooting 
• Transformer diagnostics 
• Technical report writing 
• Root cause analysis 
• Reading electrical drawings 
• Customer communication 
• Team leadership 
• Project coordination 
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office & CMMS) 

Physical Requirements

• Work in outdoor environments for extended periods 
• Lift up to 50 pounds 
• Climb ladders and structures 
• Work from manlifts and telehandlers 
• Wear required PPE 
• Walk on uneven terrain 
• Travel up to 80% 

Future Growth Opportunities

As the Substation Services group expands, technicians will have opportunities to develop expertise in:

• Protective Relay Testing 
• Circuit Breaker Testing 
• CT/PT Testing 
• Transformer Commissioning 
• Acceptance Testing 
• Advanced Doble Diagnostics 
• NETA-based Testing Programs

US: Diversity Statement – Equal Employment Opportunity

It is NovaSource’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees. NovaSource disapproves of, and will not tolerate, unlawful discrimination against any applicant or employee because of race, color, national origin or ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, age, religion, disability, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal laws.