Position Title: Level 3 Protection & Control Relay Technician
Job ID: 2026-R91
Location: New Jersey - Remote
Posting Type: Full time
About the RoleThe Level 3 P&C Relay Technician serves as a senior field lead responsible for
testing, commissioning, maintaining, and troubleshooting protection and control systems for
transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution substations. This role executes complex test plans, validates protection settings, ensures correct SCADA integration, leads field teams and contractors, and coaches junior technicians. The Level 3 technician is expected to work independently, make sound decisions under time pressure, and uphold safety, quality, and compliance standards.
What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)- Commissioning & Testing
- Lead end-to-end commissioning of new or upgraded protection schemes (bus, line, transformer, feeder, capacitor bank, differential, distance, overcurrent, reclosing, sync check, breaker failure, transfer trip).
- Perform and document functional testing of electromechanical, solid state, and microprocessor-based relays (e.g., SEL/Schweitzer, GE Multilin, ABB/Hitachi, Siemens).
- Execute end-to-end scheme checks: CT/PT/verifications, polarity/phasing, wiring checks, trip testing, interlocking, point-to-point SCADA/RTU/IED proving, time sync (IRIG-B/PTP/NTP), and event capture validation.
- Use power system test sets (e.g., Omicron, Doble, Megger) to perform relay testing, including state-sequencing, playback, and dynamic tests.
- Protection Settings & Event Analysis
- Interpret and validate relay settings/logic against protection design, one-lines/three-lines, schematics, and protection coordination studies.
- Capture and analyze fault records and event reports; perform oscillography review to identify root cause and recommend corrective actions.
- Validate CT/VT ratios, burdens, saturation limits, and accuracy classes relative to protection functions.
- SCADA & Integration
- Commission and troubleshoot RTU/IED communications (DNP3/IEC 61850/Modbus), substation gateways, HMI, and remote alarming.
- Perform point-to-point testing with the control center; validate status/analog mapping, tagging, interlocks, and control permissives.
- Drawings, Documentation & Quality
- Read and redline one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable schedules.
- Develop and execute Method of Procedure (MOP)/Energization Plans, test forms, and as-found/as-left documentation.
- Maintain meticulous test records, configuration backups, relay settings files, and turnover packages.
- Leadership & Mentorship
- Act as field lead: plan work, assign tasks, interface with engineering, operations, construction, and vendors.
- Mentor and train Level 1-2 technicians, fostering safety, quality, and technical rigor.
- Safety & Compliance
- Enforce LOTO, arc-flash boundaries, energized work permits, and applicable OSHA/utility safety practices.
- Adhere to NERC CIP handling of cyber assets and secure configuration practices when applicable.
- Support NERC/FERC, PRC standards testing intervals and documentation as required by the business.
Minimum Qualifications- 7+ years experience in P&C relay testing/commissioning in utility, EPC, or industrial power systems (or equivalent combination of education/experience).
- Strong working knowledge of transmission and distribution protection schemes, substation equipment, and AC/DC control circuits.
- Proficiency with relay test sets (Omicron/Doble/Megger) and vendor software tools (e.g., SEL AcSELerator/QuickSet, GE EnerVista, ABB/PCM600).
- Ability to interpret protection settings, logic diagrams, and apply protection coordination principles.
- Experience with SCADA/RTU/IED protocols (DNP3, IEC 61850 GOOSE/MMS preferred).
- Valid driver's license; ability to travel and work irregular hours during cutovers or outages.
Preferred Qualifications- Certifications such as NICET (Power Testing), NETA (II/III/IV), ISA, or equivalent utility qualification.
- Experience with fault/event analysis, dynamic testing, and advanced protection applications (line differential, bus differential, distance, synchrophasors/PMU).
- Familiarity with time synchronization (IRIG-B/PTP), cybersecurity/NERC CIP fundamentals, and disturbance recording.
- Prior experience leading commissioning on greenfield/major brownfield substation projects (69-500 kV).
- Proficiency with relay configuration management and file/version control practices.
Core Competencies- Safety First Mindset - consistent application of safe work practices and stop-work authority.
- Technical Depth - advanced understanding of protection theory and substation operations.
- Problem Solving - structured troubleshooting under outage constraints; root-cause orientation.
- Communication - clear written logs, turnover notes, and concise real-time coordination with system operators.
- Leadership - plans work, anticipates risks, provides coaching and quality oversight.
- Attention to Detail - rigorous documentation, labeling, and as-built updates.
Tools & Technologies You'll Use- Test equipment: Omicron CMC, Doble F-series, Megger SMRT, secondary injection sets, multimeters, oscilloscopes, insulation and winding resistance testers.
- Software: SEL AcSELerator/QuickSet, EnerVista, PCM600, ENERVISTA UR/350, DIGSI (as applicable), DNP/61850 tools, disturbance analysis tools, MS Office/365.
- Systems: SCADA/RTU/HMI, IED gateways, GPS/PTP time servers, event recorders, disturbance recorders.
Physical & Work Conditions- Work in substations, switchyards, industrial sites, and control houses; exposure to outdoor conditions.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and stand for extended periods.
- Comfort working around high-energy electrical equipment with PPE and arc-flash controls.
- Travel and on-call requirements aligned to outage windows and emergency restoration.
- Must pass background check, motor vehicle record check, and fit-for-duty/drug screening per company policy.
Education- Associate's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology or equivalent military/utility training required; Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Technology preferred (or equivalent experience).
Equal Opportunity EmployerSparus Holdings is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
EEO StatementSparus 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 RequestsSparus 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
recruiting@sparusholdings.com. 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 RightsPay Transparency Non-Discrimination ProvisionSparus 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 the
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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