Electrical Test Engineer

Electrical Test Engineer Job Description This role leads the technical development, training, and support of testing activities across transmission and distribution systems, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and high-quality work. The Electrical Test Engineer designs and delivers training on substation equipment and test processes, provides on-site technical and supervisory support for field projects and emergencies, and evaluates test data to guide maintenance and replacement decisions. The position also supports continuous improvement by assessing new equipment and procedures, promoting human performance practices, and serving as a technical resource and professional representative for the organization. Responsibilities • Assess employee skill levels across all test-related job functions and identify areas for development. • Plan, organize, and deliver training on equipment and testing related to substation entry, transformers, breakers, reclosers, CCVTs, RTUs, capacitors, regulators, MOABs, batteries, and protective relaying systems. • Set up and oversee training for test equipment and processes, including relay testing and commissioning, power factor testing, recloser testing, contact resistance testing, phasing, ground grid testing, DGA/oil sampling, insulation resistance (megger) testing, hi-pot testing, carrier/TTR testing, soil resistivity testing, SFRA, and trip testing. • Work independently in the lab with employees to provide hands-on training, coaching, and technical support for the Test Department and other departments as needed. • Provide on-site oversight for projects, ensuring high-quality work, adherence to procedures and policies, and compliance with safety and technical standards. • Offer technical and supervisory support to Test Department supervision and other teams to resolve complex testing and equipment issues. • Provide field storm support for distribution and transmission systems, including substation response, scouting outage and damage calls, and managing circuit restoration activities. • Deliver on-site technical and supervisory support during severe emergencies, outages, and extenuating circumstances such as mobile installation, transformer lockouts, and equipment failures. • Provide on-site technical support for mobile substation installations, trip testing, transformer testing, troubleshooting, and test equipment troubleshooting, as well as other technical support needs. • Introduce, promote, and encourage Human Performance concepts and practices throughout Test Department activities. • Develop guides, training aids, and documentation for all Test Department-related equipment and processes to standardize and improve work practices. • Evaluate new equipment, tools, and procedures to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity, and monitor industry practices, trends, and procedures. • Provide on-site technical support and consultation for substation projects completed by contractors, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards. • Periodically visit contractor job sites to verify that work follows established standards, procedures, and quality expectations. • Assist with analyzing test results and data, and make clear, prioritized recommendations based on findings. • Prioritize test results and recommend next steps for repair, replacement, or further investigation. • Determine appropriate timeframes for repairs or replacements for non-critical or non-emergency equipment conditions. • Develop and recommend long-term maintenance plans for aging or deteriorated equipment. • Identify trends in test data and equipment condition to detect deterioration and emerging issues. • Evaluate equipment status and remaining life and suggest equipment repair or replacement strategies. • Assist with transformer factory and field visits, including quality control inspections and factory test witnessing. • Support progression testing and development of Test Department employees, helping to guide their advancement and competency growth. • Serve as a professional representative of the company in interactions with vendors, contractors, and other external stakeholders, as assigned. • Direct and support the preparation and use of applicable computer software tools related to testing, analysis, documentation, and reporting. Essential Skills • Experience in electrical engineering or a closely related electrical field, with a strong understanding of transmission and distribution testing. • Hands-on experience with test equipment and test engineering in transmission and distribution environments. • Practical experience with substation equipment, including transformers, breakers, reclosers, CCVTs, RTUs, capacitors, regulators, MOABs, batteries, and protective relaying systems. • Proficiency with testing processes such as relay testing and commissioning, power factor testing, recloser testing, contact resistance testing, phasing, ground grid testing, DGA/oil sampling, insulation resistance (megger) testing, hi-pot testing, carrier/TTR testing, soil resistivity testing, SFRA, and trip testing. • At least 5+ years of experience in a relevant testing, electrical, or transmission and distribution role. • Experience in project management with demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in a team environment. • Ability to assess skills, develop training plans, and deliver technical training to technicians and other employees. • Strong analytical skills to interpret test data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations on equipment condition and maintenance. • Ability to provide on-site technical support during outages, emergencies, and field projects. • Experience working in union environments and collaborating effectively with diverse field and technical teams. • Strong communication skills to provide clear guidance, documentation, and technical support. • Ability to monitor industry practices and apply best practices to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Four-year college degree (or equivalent) in an electrical engineering field. • Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred or recognition as a subject-matter expert. • Experience with unionized work environments. • Experience in project management, including planning, coordination, and oversight of technical projects. • Ability to develop training aids, guides, and documentation for technical processes and equipment. • Experience conducting or participating in factory acceptance tests, quality control inspections, and factory test witnessing for transformers or similar equipment. • Familiarity with Human Performance concepts and practices and the ability to promote them within technical teams. • Proficiency with computer software used for testing, data analysis, reporting, and documentation. Work Environment This is an on-site role with a typical schedule of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing a mix of lab, office, and field work. The position includes approximately 2530% field visits, during which a company vehicle is provided for travel to job sites. The work environment involves regular interaction with substations, transmission and distribution systems, and contractor job sites, as well as participation in storm response and emergency support activities as needed. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including eligibility for an annual bonus of up to a significant percentage of base salary, a generous allotment of paid time off, a substantial number of holidays, and a competitive retirement plan match, supporting both professional growth and work-life balance. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Moraine, OH. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowled