Protection & Control (P&C) Technician I
Location: Birmingham, AL
Contract Duration: 18+ Months
Client: Alabama Power
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled Protection & Control (P&C) Technician I to join the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services – Substation Integration & Automation (SIA) team within a utility and power environment.
This role is responsible for supporting the commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of substation integration, SCADA, relay protection, and automation systems. The position is primarily field-based and involves working directly within substations and industrial electrical environments.
The ideal candidate will possess hands-on technical experience, strong troubleshooting abilities, and foundational knowledge of substation protection and control systems.
Key Responsibilities
Protection & Control Testing
- Perform commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of:
- Substation SCADA systems
- Relay protection equipment
- Automation and control systems
- Communication devices and networks
- Support testing and verification of protection and control schemes.
Substation Integration & Automation
- Assist with installation, configuration, and testing of:
- Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
- Microprocessor-based relays
- RTUs and SCADA systems
- Serial and Ethernet communication systems
- Verify system communications and device functionality.
Field Operations & Project Execution
- Complete field assignments safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
- Support project planning and field coordination activities.
- Perform field testing and troubleshooting at substations and industrial facilities.
- Adhere to utility safety standards and electrical work practices.
Power System Testing & Troubleshooting
- Perform:
- Electrical measurements
- 3-phase power calculations
- AC/DC system testing
- Utilize troubleshooting techniques to diagnose equipment and communication issues.
- Operate testing equipment, multimeters, and electrical hand tools.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain testing documentation and field records.
- Assist with preparation of commissioning and troubleshooting reports.
- Utilize spreadsheets and computer applications for reporting and project tracking.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Engineers
- Technicians
- Operations personnel
- Project teams
- Participate as an active member of field service and integration teams.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Associate’s Degree or Technical Certification in:
- Electrical Technology
- Electronics Technology
- Industrial Systems
- Related technical field
Experience
- 2–5 years of related experience in:
- Protection & Control
- Substation Operations
- SCADA Systems
- Industrial Controls
- Electrical Testing
- Utility or industrial environments
Desired Technical Qualifications
- Experience or training with:
- Substation SCADA equipment
- Microprocessor-based relays / IED technology
- Serial and Ethernet communications
- Relay protection and control systems
- PLCs and industrial control systems
- AC & DC electrical systems
Technical Knowledge
- Understanding of:
- SCADA system operations
- Control schemes
- Communication protocols
- 3-phase electrical systems
- Electrical testing and measurements
Tools & Equipment
- Ability to use:
- Multimeters
- Electrical hand tools
- Laptops and communication software
- Spreadsheet and productivity applications
Desired Skills & Abilities
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Ability to work safely in substations and industrial environments.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to work independently and within field teams.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with utility substations or transmission/distribution systems.
- Familiarity with:
- SEL, ABB, GE, or Schweitzer relay platforms
- SCADA communications
- Networked automation systems
- Previous field commissioning experience preferred.
Work Environment
- Primarily field-based role supporting utility substations and infrastructure projects.
- Combination of:
- Field commissioning
- Equipment testing
- Troubleshooting
- Technical reporting
- Work may involve travel, outdoor environments, and energized electrical equipment.