Job Description

Protection & Control (P&C) Technician I

Location: Birmingham, AL
Contract Duration: 18+ Months
Client: Alabama Power

We are seeking a skilled Protection & Control (P&C) Technician I to join the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services – Substation Integration & Automation (SIA) team within a utility and power environment.

This role is responsible for supporting the commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of substation integration, SCADA, relay protection, and automation systems. The position is primarily field-based and involves working directly within substations and industrial electrical environments.

The ideal candidate will possess hands-on technical experience, strong troubleshooting abilities, and foundational knowledge of substation protection and control systems.

Key Responsibilities

Protection & Control Testing

• Perform commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of:
  • Substation SCADA systems
  • Relay protection equipment
  • Automation and control systems
  • Communication devices and networks
• Support testing and verification of protection and control schemes.

Substation Integration & Automation

• Assist with installation, configuration, and testing of:
  • Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
  • Microprocessor-based relays
  • RTUs and SCADA systems
  • Serial and Ethernet communication systems
• Verify system communications and device functionality.

Field Operations & Project Execution

• Complete field assignments safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Support project planning and field coordination activities.
• Perform field testing and troubleshooting at substations and industrial facilities.
• Adhere to utility safety standards and electrical work practices.

Power System Testing & Troubleshooting

• Perform:
  • Electrical measurements
  • 3-phase power calculations
  • AC/DC system testing
• Utilize troubleshooting techniques to diagnose equipment and communication issues.
• Operate testing equipment, multimeters, and electrical hand tools.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain testing documentation and field records.
• Assist with preparation of commissioning and troubleshooting reports.
• Utilize spreadsheets and computer applications for reporting and project tracking.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Engineers
  • Technicians
  • Operations personnel
  • Project teams
• Participate as an active member of field service and integration teams.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s Degree or Technical Certification in:
  • Electrical Technology
  • Electronics Technology
  • Industrial Systems
  • Related technical field

Experience

• 2–5 years of related experience in:
  • Protection & Control
  • Substation Operations
  • SCADA Systems
  • Industrial Controls
  • Electrical Testing
  • Utility or industrial environments

Desired Technical Qualifications

• Experience or training with:
  • Substation SCADA equipment
  • Microprocessor-based relays / IED technology
  • Serial and Ethernet communications
  • Relay protection and control systems
  • PLCs and industrial control systems
  • AC & DC electrical systems

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of:
  • SCADA system operations
  • Control schemes
  • Communication protocols
  • 3-phase electrical systems
  • Electrical testing and measurements

Tools & Equipment

• Ability to use:
  • Multimeters
  • Electrical hand tools
  • Laptops and communication software
  • Spreadsheet and productivity applications

Desired Skills & Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work safely in substations and industrial environments.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and within field teams.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with utility substations or transmission/distribution systems.
• Familiarity with:
  • SEL, ABB, GE, or Schweitzer relay platforms
  • SCADA communications
  • Networked automation systems
• Previous field commissioning experience preferred.

Work Environment

• Primarily field-based role supporting utility substations and infrastructure projects.
• Combination of:
  • Field commissioning
  • Equipment testing
  • Troubleshooting
  • Technical reporting
• Work may involve travel, outdoor environments, and energized electrical equipment.