What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Traveling Substation Technician position at BHE Renewables, LLC?
The Sr. Traveling Substation Technician performs the most complex and specialized testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and maintenance of substation protection, metering, and control systems across BHE Renewables facilities. This role serves as a technical resource and mentor while remaining a hands‑on lead for substation testing, maintenance, and commissioning activities and may assist with contractor oversight project commissioning while emphasizing safety, Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools, and continuous learning.
Perform advanced and complex testing and diagnosis of protective relays, programmable substation equipment, PLCs and automation controllers, meters, batteries, UPSes, control circuits, and associated substation apparatus.
Diagnose and resolve highly complex system issues involving protective relays, control schemes, communications, and SCADA interfaces.
Lead testing and commissioning activities for major substation projects and system upgrades.
Provide technical guidance and on‑the‑job mentoring to less experienced technicians.
Perform advanced analytical testing and verification of substation apparatus and protection schemes.
Ensure work is executed in compliance with regulatory, safety, and operational requirements.
May perform aerial infrared inspections using approved drone technology as qualified.
Travel extensively to support outages, commissioning, and emergency response.
Ten years experience in the relay and meter trade. High school diploma or GED; , BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent equivalent combination of education and experience. Successful completion of an electrical apprenticeship or equivalent program. Journeyman electrician license preferred but not required.
Fundamental knowledge of electrical theory and substation equipment.
Expert knowledge of substation equipment, protection schemes, metering systems, and SCADA.
Advanced relay testing and commissioning expertise.
Strong technical problem‑solving and analytical abilities.
Ability to provide technical leadership without formal supervisory authority.
Strong communication and documentation skills.
Ability to work safely in energized environments, confined spaces, and at heights.
Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
Effective oral and written communication skills, along with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
Valid driver’s license required.
Travel is required due to the geographic location of BHE Renewables assets.
BHE Renewables delivers sustainable energy solutions for customers and communities. We own, operate and develop wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and natural gas projects in 11 U.S. states. The power generated is sold into energy markets or directly to customers through long-term purchase agreements.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, BHE Renewables is an innovative and growing company with new offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Our 50/50 joint venture with Occidental Petroleum has led to a demonstration project showing how TerraLithium technology is used to extract lithium from the brine presently flowing through our geothermal plants in Imperial Valley, CA.
Our CHAMPION culture drives our success by fostering high expectations, ownership and continuous improvement within a respectful and inclusive team environment. Through the CHAMPION mindset, we focus on the fundamentals – preparation, planning and attention to detail – holding ourselves accountable to do simple better. Alongside this, the BHE Renewables CARES program encourages employee volunteerism and invests in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and collaboration, making us stronger together.
BHE Renewables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.