Field Service Engineer-Substation Testing

General Duties

Following an initial training period and evaluation of your progress in the role, your responsibilities will grow as you begin to lead projects, schedule resources and equipment, and safely perform the advanced electrical tests at various facilities including public utilities, nuclear generation plants, renewable plants (wind, solar farms) and industrial applications.

You will perform ground grid testing (current injection testing), soil resistivity measurements, current split testing, step and touch measurements, power system studies, diagnostics on underground power cables.

Following the field testing, you will compile and analyze results and prepare comprehensive technical engineering reports for presentation to customers.

You will directly interact with power distribution customers and contractors on site, operate advanced diagnostics equipment, acquire test data, and communicate with the remote support team.

You will be responsible for management of company assets in field including power supplies, instrumentation, tools, inventory parts, etc.

You will be relied on to provide onsite customer training on safety issues, test processes and quality control topics.

You will have the opportunity to perform electrical diagnostic tests, investigations and technical studies for customers in other transmission and distribution disciplines if needed.

You will be relied on to respond to customer inquiries, maintain good customer relations, and work closely with them to solve their technical problems.

Technical Requirements

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering/Physics or equivalent is required.
• An advanced degree in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems would be beneficial.
• 0-2 years experience in electrical engineering or maintenance of large electrical equipment.
• Mid-career candidates will have 2-5 years of experience.
• 0-2 years experience in transmission and distribution industry.
• Mid-career candidates will have 2-5 years of experience.
• 0-2 years experience in electrical equipment testing, preferably insulation diagnostics.
• Mid-career candidates will have 2-5 years of experience.
• 0-2 years experience in hands on related field work.
• Mid-career candidates will have 2-5 years of experience.
• Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001 and 17025 is a plus.
• Familiarity with CDEGS software, IEEE 80 and 81 and resistance testing is a plus.
• Foundational knowledge of cable system, switchgear and transformers.
• Familiarity with testing and diagnosis of power cables including AC/DC/VLF withstand and Partial Discharge testing as well as Dielectric Loss / VLF T and delta testing; knowledge of additional techniques such as DS, TDR, FDR or LIRATM would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with switchgear, breaker and substation equipment helpful but not required for entry level candidates.
• Electrical design problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to achieve goals and meet deadlines for multiple projects in parallel.
• Ability to write clear, concise technical reports along with excellent verbal communication skills.
• Rigorous commitment to comprehensive safety assurance.
• Project team/collaboration skills.
• Sound judgment in customer relations and resource management.
• Self-manage and ability to operate remotely from the main office with minimum supervision.
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• To use computer-based tools for reports, email and for general communication.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to perform physical demands of the job including working at heights or confined spaces if needed.
• Availability for assignments with short notice.
• Availability for travel throughout North America (up to 30-50%) and while infrequent may require the ability to stay on assignment for up to two weeks at a time.
• Occasionally may require use of company vehicle (pick up or box truck) to transport testing equipment to client sites.
• Candidates should have a clean driving record and able to meet Dept. of Transportation requirements for operation of commercial motor vehicles.
• Permanent authorization to work in the U.S., without current or future need for sponsorship.

Why Work For Us?

Employee surveys consistently rank Kinectrics as “one of the best places to work”. Although this phrase may mean different things to different people, Kinectrics is widely recognized as a company that employs some of the best and brightest minds in the energy and utility industry.

Kinectrics AES, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurances, generous PTO and a 5% match on our 401k plan.

About Us

Kinectrics is the category leader in providing life cycle management services for the electricity industry. Trusted by clients worldwide, our expertise in engineering, testing, inspection, and certification is backed by our independent laboratory and testing facilities, a diverse fleet of field inspection equipment and an award-winning team of over 1,000 engineers and technical experts.

From initial design and type testing to operational deployment and maintenance services, Kinectrics collaborates closely with customers to ensure that utility assets perform safely, reliably and efficiently throughout their entire range of disciplines across the energy sector.