Vanguard Utility Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for the installation, programming, testing, and maintenance of protective relaying and metering systems used in transmission and distribution operations. This role ensures the reliability and safety of electrical systems by performing diagnostic evaluations, interpreting schematics, and coordinating repairs.

• Programs, installs and maintains protective relaying and metering. Performs electrical tests and repairs concerned with maintenance and performance evaluation of in-service relays to prevent and remedy abnormal behavior or failure of transmission and distribution equipment. Analyzes test results and interprets electrical diagrams to locate defective equipment.
• Essential responsibilities and activities include but are not limited to:
• Proficiently uses hand, power tools, meters and other test equipment in energized electrical rooms, vaults, and substations to install, maintain, repair and program protective relays and associated wiring and equipment
• Applies, reads, understands, reviews and corrects schematic, wiring diagram blueprints and substation drawings and inspections
• Programs and operates various test equipment and exercises all safe work practices as outlined in the company safety handbook
• Commissions new relay and metering installations
• Coordinates testing, troubleshooting and repairs of relaying and other equipment with other department personnel
• Performs maintenance on and testing of relays and associated equipment such as standby generators and display meters
• Troubleshoots, repairs and replaces components involved in questionable operations and failures
• Participates in emergency callouts
• Performs other duties, tasks and special projects as assigned

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% - 75% of the time

• Strong Oral, Written and Presentation Skills

• Demonstrated background working with multidisciplinary teams

• Demonstrated time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives

• Strong MS Excel, Word, Power DB, and Smartsheet experience is a plus

• 2+ years of relevant electrical experience with a high school diploma OR associate degree or bachelor’s degree in related field

• Possess a valid/active U.S. Work Authorization

Expectations of Expertise & Knowledge:

• NETA / NICET certification (preferred) or equivalent hands-on experience in electrical testing.
• Strong understanding of ANSI, IEEE, NETA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA electrical safety standards.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting protective relays, circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment.
• Experience with test equipment such as Doble, Omicron, Megger, Vanguard, and Fluke meters.
• Understanding of insulation resistance, power factor, contact resistance, and high-potential (Hi-Pot) testing procedures.
• Knowledge of medium and high-voltage systems (up to 500kV), including arc flash hazard analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to diagnose system failures.
• Willingness to travel as needed and work in industrial, data center, and utility environments.
• Ability to work safely under minimal supervision and follow industry best practices.
• Perform acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems, ensuring compliance with NETA standards
• Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers.
• Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection testing.
• Troubleshoot electrical faults and perform root cause analysis for system failures.
• Conduct transformer testing, including turns ratio, insulation resistance, and power factor testing.
• Ensure adherence to electrical safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and PPE compliance.
• Maintain detailed test reports and documentation for compliance and client review.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure efficient system commissioning and startup.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior technicians as needed.

Desired / Advantageous Qualifications:

• OEM certified field service training program.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:

• A competitive salary

•  Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• Paid time off

• Tuition reimbursement

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Military Reserve pay offset

• Paid maternity leave

Abilities:

• The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.

• Relocates a 12-foot stepladder without assistance.

• Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.

• Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.

• Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.

• May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.

• Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.  It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.