Power Transformer Tap Changer Specialist

Our National Field Service Unit is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Load Tap Changer (LTC) Technical Specialist to serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for our Power Solutions Division. This pivotal role is responsible for leading the teardown, repair, rebuilding, and modernization of power transformer tap changers in both field and shop environments.

The ideal candidate possesses deep, hands-on mechanical and electrical expertise across a wide variety of legacy and modern OEM tap changers. Beyond technical execution, this position serves as a crucial educational pillar, mentoring technicians and elevating the overall technical competence of our service teams.

Technical Execution & Leadership: Lead complex repairs, complete overhauls, and modernization upgrades on diverse LTC models. Oversee field assembly and shop rebuilds from initial inspection to final testing.

• Advanced Diagnostics: Perform mechanical timing assessments and electrical testing and interpret operational data (including DGA specific to LTC compartments) to troubleshoot failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Multi-OEM Expertise Application: Apply specialized, hands-on knowledge of both vacuum and oil-break technologies across major brands, specifically:
  • McGraw-Edison/Pennsylvania Transformer
  • Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR)
  • General Electric (GE)
  • Waukesha
  • Siemens
  • Federal Pacific Electric (FPE)
• Training & Mentorship (Highly Valued): Develop and deliver hands-on, on-the-job training for field service personnel. Mentor junior technicians on safe, accurate, and efficient LTC maintenance, emphasizing mechanical tolerances and electrical sequencing.
• Quality Assurance & Documentation: Ensure all rebuilds and upgrades meet or exceed OEM specifications and IEEE industry standards. Generate comprehensive teardown reports, parts lists, and final testing documentation.
• Safety & Compliance: Champion a zero-incident safety culture. Ensure strict adherence to lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and high-voltage safety procedures at all job sites.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5–10 years of dedicated, hands-on experience in the maintenance, repair, and rebuilding of utility-scale power transformer Load Tap Changers.
• Technical Proficiency: Unsurpassed ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics, mechanical assembly drawings, and OEM maintenance manuals.
• Testing Familiarity: Proficiency in utilizing standard transformer testing equipment (e.g., TTR, Winding Resistance, Megger) to validate LTC integrity post-repair.
• Communication & Leadership: Proven ability to break down and explain complex mechanical and electrical concepts to varying skill levels.
• Mobility: Willingness to travel extensively to customer sites, substations, and generation facilities to support planned outages and emergency repairs.

Preferred Attributes

• Previous experience operating in a formalized technical training or lead supervisory capacity.
• Direct OEM factory training or certifications (e.g., Reinhausen factory certification).
• Experience evaluating and implementing control upgrades (e.g., modernizing motor drive mechanisms and digital controllers).

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in confined spaces (transformer main tanks and LTC compartments) and at heights.
• Capable of lifting heavy mechanical components, operating rigging equipment safely, and working in varying environmental and weather conditions.