Distribution System Operator Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

FirstEnergy

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [PE] 

The Potomac Edison Protection and Controls Technician play a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electric transmission and distribution system. Technicians in this role support the installation, maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting of protective relays, control systems, communications equipment, and substation automation technology throughout the Potomac Edison service territory.

This position offers a hands-on, technically challenging work environment where employees directly contribute to the reliability of the power grid. Protection and Controls Technicians collaborate closely with engineers, relay specialists, substation personnel, and system operators to ensure proper operation of complex protection schemes and critical infrastructure systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Actively support and promote the FirstEnergy Safety Philosophy by adhering to all safety policies, procedures, and safe-work practices.
• Perform onsite work at Potomac Edison substations and power stations to maintain, troubleshoot, and install protection and control equipment.
• Install, test, calibrate, maintain, modify, and repair microprocessor-based and electromechanical protective relays (GE, SEL) and associated control systems.
• Utilize Enoserv RTS and Doble ProTest software to calibrate and function-test differential, line protection, and reclosing schemes.
• Install, test, modify, and maintain Substation Integration and SCADA systems to ensure reliable data delivery to FE System Operators and independent system operators.
• Install, test, calibrate, maintain, modify, and repair communications systems supporting telemetering, metering, load regulation, digital fault recording, and other essential data functions.
• Investigate and document equipment and line mis-operations; identify out-of-tolerance or unrepairable equipment and assist in corrective actions.
• Perform high-voltage switching operations (12 kV to 765 kV) in support of installation, maintenance, and modification of control equipment.
• Maintain system reliability standards and ensure compliance with FERC, NERC, PJM, and RFC requirements.
• Install, modify, and maintain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) equipment, facilities, and networks while meeting all required CIP training.
• Participate in storm restoration duties within and outside the Potomac Edison service territory.
• Work collaboratively with team members, internal customers, and contractors to support safe and efficient operations.
• Construct, modify, troubleshoot, and repair various types of electronic equipment.
• Assist in preparing written procedures for coordinating equipment additions or modifications and energizing new or revised substation equipment (non-EHV).
• Test and calibrate system components, including current transformers, potential transformers, coupling capacitors, relays, and breakers.
• Review and verify accuracy of control drawings, performing field updates as required.

Qualifications include:

• Electrical Engineering, Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, or Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and relevant field experience will be considered.
• Successful completion of the EEI Technician Occupations Selection System (TECH) test.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license with adherence to all traffic laws and defensive driving practices.
• Demonstrated ability to safely perform electrical troubleshooting tasks.
• Ability to learn and apply troubleshooting techniques and communicate findings clearly.
• Ability to read and interpret control prints, wiring diagrams, and relay schematics.
• Ability to navigate and update information within various database programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds of equipment or materials.
• Willingness to travel within the Potomac Edison service territory, including overnight stays and extended work hours as required.
• Ability to conduct basic research, prepare reports, and compile technical data.
• Ability to follow established procedures, guidelines, and technical standards.
• Must reside within 45 minutes of the Williamsport Service Center in Williamsport,

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity 

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401 (k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1 B visas at this time. 
 

Safety 

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards. 

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team