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Power System Protection Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Power System Protection Engineer III is a senior-level engineering position responsible for performing protection studies and developing relay settings to support the implementation, commissioning ...

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Power System Protection Technician information

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$15

$27

$42

How much do power system protection technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for power system protection technician in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power System Protection Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power System Protection Technician, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or technology, typically supported by an associate degree or technical diploma and relevant experience. Familiarity with protective relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and industry certifications like NETA or IEC 61850 is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficient operation of electrical power systems.

What is the difference between Power System Protection Technician vs Power Distribution Technician?

AspectPower System Protection TechnicianPower Distribution Technician
CertificationsElectrical certifications, relay technician licensesElectrical licenses, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentSubstations, control centers, high-voltage systemsDistribution lines, transformers, residential/commercial areas
Industry UsagePower utilities, transmission companiesUtility companies, construction firms
Job FocusProtecting electrical systems, troubleshooting relaysInstalling, maintaining distribution infrastructure

The Power System Protection Technician primarily focuses on safeguarding electrical systems and troubleshooting relays within substations and high-voltage environments. In contrast, the Power Distribution Technician handles the installation and maintenance of distribution lines and transformers in residential and commercial areas. Both roles require electrical certifications and are vital in the power industry, but they differ in scope and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Power System Protection Technicians in the field?

Power System Protection Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex relay systems, working in high-voltage environments, and responding quickly to power outages or faults. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical diagrams under pressure. Additionally, technicians must stay updated with evolving protection technologies and standards, making ongoing training and adaptability essential for success.

What does a Power System Protection Technician do?

A Power System Protection Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing the protection systems that safeguard electrical power systems from faults and abnormal conditions. These technicians work with relays, circuit breakers, and other protective devices to ensure the safety and reliability of power distribution. Their role is crucial in preventing damage to equipment, minimizing outages, and maintaining the stability of the electrical grid.
More about Power System Protection Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Technician job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
System Protection Technician T1/T2 - Herndon

System Protection Technician T1/T2 - Herndon

Dominion Energy

Herndon, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Dominion Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Dominion Energy is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. If you want to work for a purpose-driven company that values safety and collaboration, we're looking for you. You won't just find a job here; you'll find your career. Review the position below and apply today.

Military service members and veterans with ranks from E4-E6, W1-W2, or O1-O3, plus appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined below will be considered for this opportunity. 


Job Summary

In this role within our System Protection Development Program, you'll participate in the installation, maintenance, and corrective actions associated with protective relaying schemes, communication systems, SCADA components, and other Operational Technology (OT) systems used in Dominion Energy's field facilities. This role is designed to build your foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for performing System Protection tasks.

As you progress, you'll expand upon these skills by taking on more complex responsibilities, allowing you to perform tasks with greater independence and proficiency. You'll work alongside senior team members to gain hands-on experience during construction projects and maintenance activities, and you'll be expected to interpret engineering design packages and execute tasks effectively.

This position offers a structured environment to increase your technical competence and scope, providing a solid foundation for your career growth within Dominion Energy.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Work alongside senior team members to gain practical experience.
  • Prepare and participate in Pre-Job Briefs to identify hazards and critical tasks.
  • Assist with the installation and commissioning of protection and control equipment.
  • Verify the functionality and communication of protection assets during installation.
  • Contribute to the verification of station alarms.
  • Participate in the acceptance testing of voltage and current sensing devices.
  • Assist in the inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of protective relays and associated protection components.
  • Maintain and test protection systems within defined maintenance intervals, addressing regulatory requirements and system reliability.
  • Participate in electromechanical/microprocessor relay repair and troubleshooting activities.
  • Complete all compliance paperwork and supporting documentation.
  • Apply Cyber Security controls per Dominion Energy standards.
  • May support on-site ET organization during Nuclear Outages.
  • Properly apply electrical clearance boundary (tagout) and Human Performance work zone strategies.
  • Coordinate with various project stakeholders during construction activities to ensure successful project completion.
  • Confirm primary equipment operates in accordance with manufacturer's design specifications.
  • Conduct acceptance testing of voltage and current sensing devices independently.
  • Verify engineering protective relay setpoints and logic equations.
  • Aid in the installation of network-based protection schemes or other protection schemes utilizing new technologies.
  • Perform maintenance activities to ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance.
  • Perform electromechanical/microprocessor relay repair and troubleshooting activities with minimal guidance.

Military service members and veterans with ranks from E4-E6, W1-W2, or O1-O3 with the appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined in the "Education Section" below are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

The knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences that are required for entry into this job include the following:

System Protection Technician T1: 

  • 0-1 years of relevant experience with required education set forth in the "Education Requirements" section of this posting. 
  • Basic understanding of substation equipment and protection system components found within the substation.
  • Knowledge of: Testing electro-mechanical based relays; Microprocessor-based relay technology, including logic diagrams, variable equations; IEEE device numbers;
  • Skills: Organizational skills; Good verbal and written communication; Computer knowledge.
  • Abilities: Use of hand-held multimeters; Navigate control drawings, schematics, and equipment nameplates; Recognize electrical hazards; Self-motivated.

System Protection Technician T2

  • 1-2 years of directly related experience with required education set forth in the "Education Requirements" section of this posting. 
  • Successful completion of steps 1 & 2 of the System Protection development program or equivalent combination of directly related knowledge, skills, and abilities required. 
  • Understanding of substation equipment and protection system components found within the substation.
  • Knowledge of Company commissioning practices, maintenance work practices, acceptance testing criteria, and associated communications systems.
  • Skills: Strong organizational skills; Excellent verbal and written communication; Proficient computer knowledge.
Education Requirements

Degree or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated related experience may be accepted in lieu of preferred level of education: Associate 

 Disciplines Preferred: 

Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology 

Electromechanical Technology 

Electronics Technology 

Instrumentation Technology 

Mechatronic Technology 

Other disciplines may be substituted for the preferred discipline(s) listed above. 

Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description

Due to equipment weight limits, individuals in this role have a weight restriction of 290 pounds.  

Due to after-hours response (call-out), individuals must live approximately 1 hour from designated work location. 

Working Conditions
Cold 76-100%
Office Work Environment Up to 25%
Operating Machinery 76-100%
Outdoors 76-100%
Heat 76-100%
Travel Up to 25%
Other Working Conditions

Will require working in hot or cold temperatures and/or inclement weather.  

Test Description
No Testing Required

Export Control


Certain positions at Dominion Energy may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law.  Compliance with these export controls may result in Dominion Energy limiting its consideration of certain applicants.

Other Information


We offer excellent plans and programs for employees. Employees are rewarded with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which may include: health benefits with coverage for families and domestic partners, vacation, retirement plans, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and much more.   To learn more about our benefits, click here dombenefits.com.

Dominion Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin and/or status as a protected veteran or individual with a disability. 

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About Dominion Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a leader in the clean energy transition, with a clear strategy to achieve Net Zero carbon and methane emissions. Headquartered in Richmond, VA, we're creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Richmond, VA, US

Year founded

1983

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