Substation Maintenance Specialist I

To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent role in Operations & Maintenance within Power Plants.

About the role

The Substation Maintenance Specialist I assists with difficult transmission/substation engineering tasks that require extensive analysis of alternatives to reach decisions and make appropriate recommendations on technical issues. The role performs routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs on substation and collection system components.

Responsibilities

• Assures that all operations and maintenance activities are performed in a safe manner consistent with policies and procedures established for the electrical systems of the wind farms.
• Performs routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on substation and collection system equipment (e.g., transformers, breakers, capacitors).
• Executes high-voltage switching and grounding under guidance, and follows established safety protocols (NFPA 70E, lock-out/tag-out).
• Uses standard test equipment (e.g., battery testers, IR cameras) to collect readings and document results.
• Assists senior specialists in interpreting one-lines and basic schematics to complete assigned tasks.
• Maintains accurate records to support compliance programs, including NERC documentation.
• Begins mentoring newer hires and provides basic guidance on safe work practices.
• Maintains substation equipment, collection system, and transmission lines; works with RWE employees as well as contractors to ensure proper maintenance and repairs are performed on the electrical equipment in a safe and timely manner.
• Performs high voltage switching and grounding of the electrical equipment, including writing switching orders, along with applying the appropriate lock and tag out needed for clearances.
• Works with Compliance Officers to maintain NERC compliance at all times.
• Reviews maintenance and repair test reports and proposes follow-up actions as necessary.
• Ensures work performed is correctly documented and conforms with the scope being performed and meets regulatory requirements as set forth by RWE compliance department.
• Available for travel up to 30% of the time; must be available to travel to all RWE North American sites as the need arises.
• Participates in ongoing technical training (e.g., IR training, battery testing and maintenance).

Requirements

• High School degree or equivalent required.
• 2- or 4-year degree (preferred) from an accredited school, other than a correspondence or online, in a technical hard science (Engineering, Physics, Power, or closely related field).
• Current Journeyman or a Master Electrician license may substitute for 2 years of experience.
• Minimum 3 years’ work experience in Operations and/or Maintenance in power generation, transmission, or distribution.
• Prior High Line worker, substation, and relaying skills are preferred.
• Working knowledge of major substation equipment, i.e., power transformers, breakers, capacitors, current and potential transformers, and battery systems is preferred.
• Applies working knowledge of substation and collection system components (transformers, breakers, capacitors).
• Uses basic to intermediate testing tools (IR cameras, battery testers) to support inspections and maintenance.
• Understands safety standards (NFPA 70E, lock-out/tag-out) and follows procedures precisely.
• Reads and applies one-line diagrams with guidance.
• Handles routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor troubleshooting.
• Identifies issues and escalates complex problems to senior staff.
• Works under direction from senior technicians.
• Communicates inspection results and progress clearly.
• Begins providing guidance to less experienced technicians.
• Completes assigned tasks independently with moderate oversight.
• Manages own work across single-site maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of and experience with the use of hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to travel to and from job sites as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to push/pull/lift tools and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work safely in extreme environments (hot sun, cold, etc.).
• Ability to walk, climb, and stand extensively during the work day.

Work Environment

• Working at night for testing of Substations.
• Must be available for travel to all North America sites as the need arises.
• Working in and around live Substation; receive and understand all requirements to meet NFPA 70e.
• Travel to all sites will be necessary at any given time to support the sites.
• Must be knowledgeable in safe work practices around energized equipment, including minimum approach distances.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Education Assistance
• Parental Leave
• Paid time off and Holidays
• Short-term incentives in addition to salary

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.