Senior Protection Relay and Meter Test Engineer

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Job Summary:

The Senior Protection Relay and Meter Test Engineer will report to the Manager of Commissioning and Startup (CSU) and will be responsible for developing the work processes, procedures, and training materials necessary to execute meter and relay testing on a self-perform basis (i.e., in-house, not directing subcontractors) including, but not limited to, testing all protection relays and meters, establishing communication between relays, meters, and other equipment, testing circuit breakers and switchgear and similar equipment, testing substation and switchyard equipment such as circuit breakers, GIS, switches, capacitor banks, VTs, CTs, line traps, RTUs, etc. and supporting the energization of HV, MV, and LV substations.  This specialist shall also be responsible for developing job descriptions for meter and relay technicians and coordinating with workforce services for recruiting and deployment of such technicians.  The specialist shall be responsible for training of both staff and craft professions in the testing of such installations.

Major Responsibilities:

• Complies with Bechtel’s and Client ES&H and Quality initiatives, always aiming for Zero Accidents and Zero Significant Quality Incidents.
• Plan daily testing and commissioning activities for designated areas, equipment, and systems. Prepare test plans, packages, and necessary documentation.
• Participate in pre-commissioning forecasting and preparation activities as required.
• Provide input to engineering and construction teams to ensure designs and installations meet required standards, codes, and safety requirements, ensuring plant operability and personnel safety.
• Prepare and submit key commissioning procedures for approval and schedule specific project activities.
• Develop test plans for various types, models, and brands of protection relays using well-known test equipment such as Omicron 356 or equivalent.
• Perform protection function tests on all types, models, and brands of protection relays in accordance with NETA and applicable Bechtel standards for testing and commissioning. Generate test reports for review and approval.
• Establish and validate communication between relays, meters, and other equipment using various protocols (e.g., IEC 61850, GOOSE, Modbus).
• Test and validate protection relay logic to ensure proper implementation and functionality as per design documents.
• Train, guide, and support junior relay testing engineers and technicians in relay and meter testing, and supporting energization of substations and switchgears.
• Coordinate commissioning and testing activities with other CSU disciplines, project engineering, construction teams, subcontractors, vendors, and the client.
• Apply Management of Change (MoC) processes to pre-commissioning activities, including handling design changes, scope modifications, NCRs/RFIs/FCDs, redlines, and coordinating rework and retesting as per project procedures.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 10-13  years of relevant experience or 14-17 years of relevant work experience

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge & experience of testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning & turnover practices
• Hands-on experience with testing of relays using test sets like Omicron, Doble, Megger, or ISA.
• Proficiency in developing test plans for various relays on different test sets like Omicron, Doble, Megger, or ISA.
• Proficiency in using primary and secondary injection test kits, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic tools including preparing test scripts for relay testing using software such as Omicron RelaySim Test software.
• Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical protection schematics, wiring diagrams, and single-line diagrams.
• Knowledge of international standards (IEC 61850, IEEE C37.90, ANSI, NERC, etc.) related to protection relays and power system safety.
• Ability to diagnose protection system failures, analyze disturbance records, and suggest corrective actions.
• Knowledge of industry and regulatory standards, and design criteria

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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