System Protection & Control Specialist (Varies)

About the role

This position can be hired at three different levels: System Protection & Control Specialist I, II, and III (Sr). The role involves maintaining and providing technical support for the system protection and control equipment on the Tampa Electric Transmission, Distribution, and Generation systems.

Responsibilities

• Performs relay testing, troubleshooting, repair, programming, and calibration. Maintains all the protective relays on Tampa Electric’s system including Generation. Perform firmware upgrades for all microprocessor relays that are required by the manufacturer. Perform acceptance testing of all new relays before they go into service. Analyze test results and check against manufacturer specification for proper operation of the relay. Apply and verify initial settings on new relays before they go into service.
• Perform acceptance tests on all new Substation battery chargers before they go into service. Program settings to new battery chargers as required before they are put in service. Repair and calibrate existing battery chargers and associated alarms and control equipment. Perform diagnostic travel and timing testing of all new high voltage breakers before they go into service. This testing is also performed on existing breakers and circuit switchers that have experienced operational problems. Compare test result to manufacturer’s specifications for proper operation. Assist in troubleshooting and repair of circuit breakers or circuit switchers to return to service. Re-test equipment to ensure that it has been repaired and adjusted to the proper specifications.
• Develop test procedures for new relay equipment and modify or update test procedures for existing equipment. This duty includes both the development of written test procedures and the development of appropriate forms for recording test results. Also included in this responsibility is the modification and development of computer-controlled test routines that are appropriate for the relay under test.
• Assist other departments as needed with technical assistance, troubleshooting and protection systems check out such as RTU and telecommunications, Substation troubleshooting, and transmission system and power plant transfer trip scheme check out.
• Perform NERC required functional DC control circuit testing, Transfer Trip testing in NERC and Non-NERC Substations. Perform and document NERC required routine load check on Electromechanical and Microprocessor Relays. Perform and document NERC communications scheme test. Works with RTU Operations frequently on repair/calibration of DFR equipment. Commission all new Substations.

Supervision

Direct Supervision: Normally has no direct supervisory responsibilities, however, may be temporarily assigned supervisory responsibilities over the Relay Lab in the absence of the Relay & Control supervisor. Indirect Supervision: Provides technical supervision of Substation Electricians during the testing of Substation equipment such as circuit breakers and control system troubleshooting; Level 2 and 3 may also have technical supervision over System Protection and Control Specialist in training.

Relationships

• Key Internal: Frequent contact with all levels of Substation Operations personnel; Routine contact with Substation Engineering, RTU Operations, ED System Security, System Operations, System Service, Facilities, Energy Supply and Telecommunications.
• Key External: Occasional contact with vendors and manufacturers of relay and test equipment.

Leadership Competencies

• Champions Safety, Health, and the Environment
• Takes Ownership and Acts with Integrity
• Drives Business Excellence for Customers
• Buils Collaborative Relationships
• Develops People and Teams
• Cultivates Innovation and Embraces Change
• Thinks Strategically and Exercises Sound Judgement

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in many different environments such as, industrial power plant, energized high voltage substations, computerized control rooms, relay lab, mobile van for relay testing, hot, humid, wet and/or cold climates to access system components.
• Must be able to work extended hours, nights and/or weekends regularly to respond, troubleshoot and repair protective system components or control systems when system disturbances occur. Provide on-call support as needed.
• Must be able to work in a high-stress environment when troubleshooting system disturbances and working around high voltage equipment in substations. Must have the ability to make sound decisions that might affect the integrity or reliability of the power system.

Physical Demands/Requirements

• Walking, bending, and driving are part of the daily routine.
• Moving and setting up test equipment 50-60 lbs., meters, timing equipment.

Qualifications

• Education: Required - Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED. Preferred - College degree in technical field from an accredited college or university.
• Licenses/Certifications: Preferred - Certified Electronics Technician (CET), Substation Journeyman Electrician Certification, or similar certification.
• Experience: Required - Minimum of (5) years of operations experience in substation design or construction. College degree will be considered in lieu of the comparable related experience according to the company’s guidelines. Certifications will be considered individually for experience equivalence.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Required - Must have the ability to read and follow instruction manuals to test and troubleshoot equipment; the ability to read and interpret electrical and electronic diagrams and a good background in electrical and math theory (algebra and trigonometry); Must be mechanically inclined; Computer skills are required to work with the relay test equipment.

Benefits

Competitive Salary
401k Savings plan w/ company matching
Pension plan
Paid time off
Paid Holiday time
Medical, Prescription Drug, & Dental Coverage
Tuition Assistance Program
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Programs
On-site Fitness Centers
Bonus Plan and more!

Storm Duty Requirements

Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TECO Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.