Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Arizona

Job Summary: 

The Technical Instructor is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering high-quality technical training programs focused on electrical power systems, with emphasis on apparatus testing, protection and control systems, microprocessor-based relays, and safe work practices in power substations, data centers, and industrial facilities. This role serves as the primary subject-matter expert and educator within the Workforce Development department, ensuring field personnel, engineers, and technicians acquire the knowledge and competencies required to safely and effectively perform testing and commissioning activities. The instructor travels to customer sites and internal training facilities to deliver hands-on, classroom, and blended learning experiences. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None.  

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibility; however, the Technical Instructor may provide functional guidance and mentorship to junior instructors, apprentices, or field personnel during training engagements. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Curriculum Development & Delivery 

• Develop, update, and deliver technical training courses covering apparatus testing (transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, cables), protection and control systems, and microprocessor-based relay programming, configuration, and testing. 

• Prepare lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, lab exercises, and reference materials aligned with NETA, NFPA 70E, and IEEE standards. 

• Support the development of e-learning modules and blended learning programs as needed. 

On-Site & Field Training 

• Travel to customer sites including power substations, data centers, and industrial facilities to deliver on-site training, hands-on commissioning demonstrations, and field-based safety instruction. 

• Ensure training is tailored to site-specific equipment, hazards, and client requirements. 

• Deliver instruction safely in energized substation environments per NFPA 70E and site safety requirements. 

Classroom & Virtual Instruction 

• Facilitate classroom and virtual instructor-led training sessions for field technicians, engineers, relay technicians, and utility personnel. 

• Administer assessments, evaluate participant competency, and provide constructive feedback to support skill development. 

• Adapt training delivery to varying site conditions, audience experience levels, and schedule constraints. 

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement 

• Collaborate with the VP of Workforce, instructional design team, and subject-matter experts to identify training gaps, develop new course offerings, and continuously improve existing curriculum based on industry changes, new technology, and post-training evaluations. 

• Engage with equipment manufacturers, relay vendors, and industry organizations (NETA, IEEE) for technical updates, certification support, and partnership opportunities. 

Training Administration & Logistics 

• Maintain training records, course documentation, and certification tracking. 

• Coordinate with clients, scheduling teams, and internal departments to plan and confirm training logistics. 

• Report on training activities to the VP of Workforce and provide curriculum recommendations. 

Additional responsibilities and tasks as required to support the organization's goals and adapt to evolving business needs. 

Attributes/Abilities: 

• Must have a satisfactory background/MVR check. 

• Must pass a pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and/or random drug test. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences ranging from apprentices to senior engineers. 

• Deep technical expertise in electrical apparatus testing (transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, cables), protective relay systems (electromechanical, solid-state, and microprocessor-based), and power system protection and control schemes. 

• Proficiency in relay testing equipment including Doble, Omicron, and Megger platforms. 

• Solid understanding of NFPA 70E, NETA standards, OSHA regulations, and electrical safety best practices in substation and data center environments. 

• Ability to develop engaging curriculum, lesson plans, and instructional materials. 

• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and e-learning platforms. 

• Strong interpersonal skills; passion for teaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing. 

• Self-motivated with excellent organizational and time-management skills. 

• Ability to adapt training delivery to varying site conditions, audience experience levels, and schedule constraints. 

Experience and Education: 

• Minimum 7-10 years of hands-on experience in electrical power systems, with demonstrated expertise in substation apparatus testing, protection and control systems, and microprocessor relay configuration and commissioning, required. 

• Minimum 3 years of formal or informal teaching, training, or mentoring experience in a technical or industrial environment, required. 

• Associate degree, trade school certificate/diploma, or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology, or related field, required. 

• Must be able to work safely in energized substation environments per NFPA 70E and site safety requirements. 

• Bachelor's or Graduate degree (Master's, JD, or Ph.D.) preferred. 

• Prior experience in data center electrical infrastructure testing and commissioning highly preferred. 

• NETA Certified Technician (Level II or higher) preferred. 

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred. 

• Relay manufacturer certifications (SEL, GE, Schweitzer, ABB, etc.) a plus. 
• Proficiency with relay test software (SEL-5030 AcSELerator, GE EnerVista, Beckwith BESTCOMSPlus, ABB PCM600) and documentation platforms preferred. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Travel required up to 50% of the time, including overnight stays, to deliver on-site training at customer facilities domestically and, as needed, internationally. 

• Ability to work safely around energized electrical equipment, including substation environments and data center electrical rooms. 

• Ability to stand for extended periods (approximately 40% of work time) and walk job sites (approximately 15% of work time). 

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. 

• Ability to climb, push, and pull as required to access equipment and training environments. 

• Must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends to accommodate customer scheduling. 

• Exposure to electrical hazards (arc flash, shock risk), outdoor substation environments, and data center electrical rooms.