Protection & Controls Lead/Supervisor

Protection & Controls Lead Technician

High Voltage Substations | Relay Testing & Commissioning

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Protection & Controls (P&C) Lead Technician to oversee field crews responsible for the installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of substation protection and control systems. This role is hands-on and leadership-driven, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and execution during complex testing and commissioning activities.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned field professional who can lead by example, manage schedules and work plans, and ensure all work is performed to the highest technical and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a field crew performing P&C installation, testing, and commissioning activities

• Maintain and enforce a strong safety culture; ensure compliance with OSHA and site-specific safety requirements

• Commission and test microprocessor-based protective relays as well as legacy electromechanical relays

• Perform end-to-end relay testing, SCADA checkouts, functional testing, and fault diagnostics

• Work with SCADA systems, RTUs, IEDs, PLC communications, and fiber optic networks

• Troubleshoot protection and control systems including CT circuits, wave traps, line tuners, and communication paths

• Manage clearances, cut-over plans, switching activities, and LOTO procedures

• Apply client-specific standards and identify deficiencies or inadequate protection schemes

• Create, review, and validate as-built drawings, test reports, and commissioning documentation

• Coordinate daily work activities, manpower, and schedules to meet project milestones

• Serve as the technical point of contact in the field, guiding technicians and resolving complex issues

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in substation protection and control work

• Demonstrated experience in a lead, supervisor, or crew lead role

• Strong working knowledge of high-voltage substation protection systems

• Proficient in reading and interpreting schematics, wiring diagrams, logic drawings, and one-lines

• Extensive hands-on experience with relay testing and commissioning

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• OSHA 30 certification (required)

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology, or a related field

• Experience working under utility or client-specific protection and control standards

• Background supporting large-scale commissioning or outage-driven projects

Why This Role

• Lead-level responsibility on technically challenging substation projects

• Hands-on field leadership with real decision-making authority

• Opportunity to work on critical infrastructure supporting grid reliability

• Long-term growth potential for experienced P&C leaders

Oscar Associates Limited (US) is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.