Sr. Substation Testing & Commissioning Technician IV Job Sacramento California USA,Engineering

DPP is seeking a Sr. Substation Testing & Commissioning Technician IV for a direct hire opportunity with our client in the Utilities industry. This role is fully remote.

The opportunity:

We are seeking a skilled Senior Testing & Commissioning Technician IV to support acceptance testing, maintenance, and commissioning of high voltage substation equipment.
This role requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety while working in energized utility environments.
You will work hands on with breakers, transformers, protective relays, SCADA systems, and other high voltage apparatus while traveling to project sites throughout the region.
The Lead Technician is an elite-level field authority capable of independently leading complex outages, managing technical execution, coordinating with customers, and mentoring the field team.

What you will do:

Independently lead full substation or generation outages
Develop complete testing and commissioning plans
Perform advanced relay scheme validation and logic troubleshooting
Oversee NERC PRC compliance testing and audit defense documentation
Direct junior and senior technicians
Serve as primary technical interface to customer engineers
Support estimating and proposal review
Ensure documentation is audit-defensible
Collaborate directly with engineers, utilities, contractors, and field personnel.
Travel regionally/nationally (50–75%) including overnight stays.

Minimum requirements:

High school diploma or GED plus 14 years of experience in testing and commissioning substations
OR an Associate's degree in substation and relay technology or Electrical Technology/Power Systems plus 12 years of experience testing and commissioning
OR an Associate's degree and plus 12 years of experience testing and commissioning
OR Military technical experience (Prime Power, Electrical, Instrumentation) plus 12 years of experience testing and commissioning substations
OR a Bachelors degree in engineering or related field plus 6 years of testing and commissioning experience
NICET Level IV (Power Testing) or equivalent demonstrable mastery
Proven ability to lead outages independently
Demonstrated SME-level expertise in one primary specialty
Safety-first mindset with leadership in human performance
History of leading complex outage environments
Experience with NETA ATS, IEEE standards, and NERC PRC compliance
Valid driver’s license
Ability to pass drug and background screenings
No travel restrictions
Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety first mindset
Ability to obtain a TWIC card
Ability to work independently in energized substations
Strong drawing/schematic interpretation skills

Preferred qualifications:

OSHA 10 or 30
OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E (or ability to obtain)
Experience in energized substations under utility safety rules
Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers

What success looks like:

Strong documentation discipline and accurate test reporting
Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings confidently
Effective communication with both field teams and customers
Continuous growth in technical skills and industry certifications
Reliability and professionalism while working in the field

Travel requirement:

This role is a remote position with high travel (up to 75%) with specific needs in certain states, including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, California, Virginia, and Indiana.
There could be other needs in other states as the company expands.

What this client offers you:

Profit-Sharing Bonus:
Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
Day-One Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting
PTO:
Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
Flexible

Work Schedule:

Every other Friday off
Career Development:
Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
Perks:
Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more

About our client:
Our client is shaping the future of the power grid through precision, innovation, and purpose. Serving as a driving force in the energy sector, they focus on delivering high…