Protection & Control Field Service Test Engineer - Augusta

Southern Company - Augusta, GA

Full-time - Entry Level

Augusta, GA

Utilities

About the position

This posting is for Protection & Control Field Services Engineer positions based in the Transmission Maintenance Center of Augusta, Georgia. The successful candidates will be responsible for the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services activities in the area, which includes counties such as Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, and Wilkes. Safety and Quality are paramount in this position, and candidates will be expected to learn and apply switching procedures and safety measures. The role requires planning and completing projects safely, efficiently, on schedule, and without service interruptions. Candidates selected for interviews will be chosen based on their fit with the job requirements, which include a 4-year Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a Professional Engineering License. Experience in P&C Field Services, electric power utility transmission construction, maintenance, or operations, and related substation experience is preferred. Knowledge of 3-phase power systems, AC/DC Protection & Control Schemes, and Fault Analysis is essential, along with familiarity with test equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, and computerized relay test sets. The role also requires strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills across multiple work groups, and proficiency in computer programs including Microsoft Office products. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license and be available for callout rotation to respond to outages or abnormal conditions outside of normal work hours. Overnight travel may be required, and the position is safety-sensitive, subject to pre-employment screenings. The job responsibilities include commissioning, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective relaying, controls, and communication equipment associated with substations and transmission power lines. Candidates will also coordinate substation outages and commissioning activities, develop safe work practices, and share technical expertise with others. Behavioral attributes such as self-motivation, customer focus, and a desire for hands-on field experience are also important for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Commissioning, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective relaying, controls, and communication equipment associated with substation and transmission power lines.
• Complete construction projects and substation routines as assigned, ensuring they are completed without service interruptions.
• Manage clearances effectively to meet quality, schedule, and budget targets.
• Coordinate substation outages and commissioning activities with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Handle trouble calls as needed.
• Develop and use safe and efficient work practices to prevent safety and operational incidents.
• Conduct job briefings to identify and mitigate safety and operational risks.
• Develop and share technical expertise in 3-phase power, relaying, SCADA, and substation testing techniques with others through daily work.
• Isolate hazards and damaged equipment during emergencies to safely and efficiently restore service.

Requirements

• 4-year Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Professional Engineering License.
• P&C Field Services experience is a plus.
• Electric power utility transmission construction, maintenance, or operations experience.
• Related substation experience (P&C Applications, Design, Construction, Major Equipment, Project Management, etc.).
• Knowledge of 3-phase power systems, AC/DC Protection & Control Schemes, Fault Analysis.
• Familiarity with test equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, communications instruments, and computerized relay test sets.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions while managing projects with multiple priorities.
• Ability to communicate across multiple work groups including customers, covered employees, and leadership.
• Familiarity with computer programs including Microsoft Office products (Word, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards in the utility industry.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee discounts on services and products.