Substation Electrician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Substation Electrician III

Department: T&D/C
Location: Field-Based
Supervisor: Substation Foreman
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Full-Time
Work Status: Field-based, Travel Required

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN III

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Substation Electrician III is responsible for assisting in the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical substation systems and equipment. This position includes operating a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, excavators, skid steers, bulldozers, and other equipment while adhering to safety standards. The Electrician III will also handle and install products in ditches, including direct bury wire, steel pipes, and other materials in locations where equipment cannot access. The role is designated as safety-sensitive, requiring a high degree of focus and safety compliance when working with energized systems and hazardous equipment. You will work closely with the Substation Foreman and assist with several key tasks on-site while maintaining safety standards and effective communication within the team.

This position involves frequent physical activity and requires full-time on-site presence and 100% travel. Any remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours shall be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
  • Observe, comply with, and promote the company’s safety program, rules, requirements, and corporate safety goals.
  • Participate in safety-related processes, programs, and training.
  • Engage with the work team to ensure zero injuries and report all safety hazards, accidents, or near misses.

• Installation and Maintenance:
  • Assist with the installation and maintenance of HV and LV equipment within substations. Examples:
    • Breakers
    • Switches
    • Bus
    • Transformers
    • Cap Banks
  • Improve skills of reading and interpreting schematic diagrams and construction drawings.

• Machinery Operation and Site Preparation:
  • Operate various types of heavy equipment, including backhoes, trenchers, excavators, skid steers, and bulldozers.
  • Assist in excavation, backfilling, and site preparation for substations.
  • Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order.

• Job Site Management and Communication:
  • Maintain cleanliness of the job site and equipment.
  • Report deficiencies or issues to supervisory staff promptly.
  • Work effectively with other crew members to ensure smooth operations on-site.
  • Follow all safety procedures when working around energized equipment.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Ability to operate various types of heavy equipment (backhoe, trencher, excavator, bulldozer, skid steer).
• Familiarity with substation equipment and materials.
• Strong understanding of safety procedures, particularly around energized high voltage systems.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and around hazardous equipment.
• Basic ability to read blueprints or willingness to learn.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma/certificate from High School, GED, or Line School.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• 7 years of recent electrician experience as a Substation helper or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
• Preferred experience in electrical substations or related field.
• Safety certifications (e.g., flagger training, OSHA certifications) are a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This role involves heavy physical work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds regularly.
• The job requires standing, walking, using tools, and climbing or balancing as part of the daily tasks.
• Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions
• Travel is required up to 95% of the time to different job sites.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, and fire-retardant clothing.

CLIMATIC/ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS AT JOB SITE

• Predominately outdoor climate
• May be exposed to extreme hot or cold weather
• Excessive humidity, rain, etc.
• Various noise levels caused by tools, machinery, equipment, etc.
• Potential exposure to chemical substances
• Work performed around hazardous equipment.

EXAMPLES OF MOBILITY BARRIERS ACCESS TO JOB SITE

• Uneven ground level
• Obstructed pathways
• Work performed at low and/or high elevations
• Work performed in confined areas

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.

I hereby, accept and acknowledge this job description as my own and am committing to these responsibilities and required qualifications.

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