Relay Superintendent - Substation

About the Role

The Substation Relay Superintendent is a safety-focused technical leader responsible for the installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and reliability of protective relaying, control systems, and substation automation equipment across the transmission and distribution network. You will provide leadership to relay technicians and protection & control personnel while ensuring compliance with NERC, FERC, OSHA, company standards, and industry best practices. The role involves travel to job sites, including out-of-state locations, based on operational and customer needs. You will report to the Region Vice President.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise Technicians and associated contractors while prioritizing safety.
• Develop work schedules, staffing plans, and resource allocation strategies.
• Provide coaching, technical guidance, and performance management for assigned personnel.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all safety regulations and procedures.
• Lead emergency response efforts related to relay and substation equipment failures.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of:
  • Protective relays (SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, etc.)
  • SCADA systems
  • RTUs and communications equipment
  • Substation automation systems
  • Metering systems
  • Control circuitry and breaker controls
• Review protection schemes for bidding and technical support.
• Ensure proper operation of transmission and distribution protection systems.
• Manage relay event analysis and fault investigations.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Monitor relay system performance and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate equipment and testing records.
• Support asset management initiatives and long-term replacement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with NERC PRC standards and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Enforce OSHA regulations, electrical safety rules, lockout/tagout procedures, and company policies.
• Conduct safety meetings, job briefings, and incident investigations.
• Coordinate relay upgrades, substation expansions, and modernization projects.
• Review engineering drawings, relay settings, schematics, and construction documentation.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and contractor performance.
• Participate in capital planning and equipment procurement activities.
• Provide technical expertise during system disturbances and outage investigations.
• Collaborate with Engineering, System Operations, Construction, and Maintenance departments.
• Evaluate new technologies, equipment standards, and operational practices.
• Work outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and inclement weather.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, or related field (required).
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in utility protection and control, relay testing, or substation maintenance.
• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, holidays, emergency callouts, and overtime.
• Willingness to travel long distances on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience with transmission and distribution substations up to 500 kV.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the responsibilities of this job, you will be required to talk, listen, and use hand signals to communicate. The role frequently requires standing, walking, and observing crews, as well as coaching crew members and documenting findings.

Work Environment

While performing the responsibilities of this job, you are frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration. You are occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. You will perform job responsibilities in extreme heat, cold, wet, windy, and storm conditions.

Why Join Us

• Take ownership of protection and control strategy for a major utility region, with direct influence on system reliability.
• Lead a skilled team of relay technicians and protection & control professionals.
• Play a critical role in grid modernization, capital planning, and technology upgrades.
• High-visibility leadership role reporting directly to the Region Vice President.
• Supportive, safety-first culture that invests in continued technical and leadership development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• HSA, dependent care, and medical flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and family and medical leave.

About Us

Founded in 1945, Pike is a leading provider of construction, repair, and engineering services for electric and gas utilities, as well as telecommunications companies, with a growing portfolio of turnkey renewable projects. We work with hundreds of utility clients across the country and continuously expand our offerings to supply our customers with the ideas, technology, experience, workforce, and equipment to perform any job. "Essential" is the one word that sums up who we are, the work we do, and what our people mean to us. Each of our employees plays a critical role in ensuring that infrastructure systems are up and running when people and businesses need them. Pike is a family-oriented workplace with a strong culture of safety, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional customer service.