Substation Protection & Controls Wireman
This role focuses on installing and wiring protection and control systems within electrical substations across Colorado. The Substation Protection & Controls Wireman works on both greenfield and brownfield substations at various stages of energization, performing precise point-to-point control wiring and panel installations. This position offers a clear pathway to more advanced and higher-paying roles such as pre-commissioning agent or commissioning agent for those who demonstrate strong technical skills and reliability.
Responsibilities
- Install and wire protection and control systems in substation environments, including both greenfield and brownfield sites.
- Perform point-to-point control wiring on substation equipment, relay panels, and control panels using low-voltage conductors.
- Read, interpret, and independently follow electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to complete installations accurately.
- Execute panel wiring and electrical assembly tasks, ensuring neat, organized, and compliant wiring practices.
- Support protection and controls installation work by assisting with equipment terminations, cable routing, and panel integration.
- Verify wiring connections against schematics and diagrams, identifying and correcting discrepancies or issues as needed.
- Work safely and effectively in energized and non-energized substation environments while following all site safety procedures.
- Remain on-site for extended periods, typically working 10-hour days, and maintain productivity throughout the project duration.
- Adapt to different project stages and site conditions, including new construction (greenfield) and existing facilities (brownfield).
- Collaborate with other technicians and field personnel to ensure timely completion of substation projects across Colorado.
Essential Skills
- Approximately 2+ years of hands-on control wiring experience in industrial or commercial environments.
- Proven experience performing control wiring rather than general electrical or residential work.
- Ability to read, interpret, and follow electrical schematics and wiring diagrams independently.
- Experience wiring #10 AWG and smaller conductors for control circuits and low-voltage applications.
- Demonstrated skills in control wiring, panel wiring, point-to-point wiring, and electrical assembly.
- Familiarity with protection and controls systems and low-voltage wiring in substation or similar environments.
- Comfort working in substation environments, including both greenfield and brownfield sites.
- Ability to work long on-site shifts (typically 10-hour days), including standing for extended periods and working in awkward positions.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and capability to perform physically demanding tasks in field conditions.
- Backgrounds that translate well, such as HVAC controls wiring, panel shop wiring, fire alarm wiring, PLC wiring, or solar and wind controls wiring.
- Residential-only electrical experience is not applicable for this role.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Previous experience in substation environments or utility-related projects is beneficial.
- Exposure to pre-commissioning or commissioning activities in electrical systems is an advantage.
- Ability to adapt to changing project locations and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality wiring and installation practices.
- Effective communication skills to coordinate with field teams and supervisors.
- Motivation to grow into more technical roles such as pre-commissioning agent or commissioning agent.
Work Environment
This position is field-based and involves working in electrical substations throughout Colorado, with most projects located in the Denver metropolitan area and some in the Colorado Springs region. Technicians typically work a schedule of five days per week with 10-hour shifts, and projects often last several months at a single site, providing stability while on assignment. The work takes place in both greenfield (new construction) and brownfield (existing) substation environments, which may involve exposure to outdoor conditions, varying weather, and active electrical infrastructure. The role requires standing for long periods, working in awkward positions, and handling low-voltage conductors and control wiring within panels and equipment. Candidates who live in or near the Denver Metro or Colorado Springs areas are well-positioned for this role due to the project locations.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Denver, CO.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $50.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Denver,CO.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.