Electrical Technician

Location: Claude

Goodnight Wind Farm, powered by Vestas V136 turbine technology, stands as a leading example of efficient wind energy in both ERCOT and Texas. Its cutting-edge turbines ensure consistent and sustainable energy production, contributing significantly to the state's renewable energy goals.

Opportunity Summary

The High-Voltage Electrical Technician at the Goodnight Wind Farm ensures the safe and reliable operation of medium- and high-voltage systems up to 345 kV, including switchyard, substation, and Balance of Plant (BOP) assets. The role performs high-voltage switching; executes preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance; and conducts testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of transformers, switch gear, protective relays, DC systems, control circuits, and turbine auxiliary and mechanical components.

This position supports outages and emergency response activities while utilizing advanced diagnostic tools to maintain safe operations and dependable renewable energy production.

Your scope of responsibility as HV Electrical Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Perform high-voltage switching, energizing and de-energizing circuits, and troubleshooting of BOP electrical systems, including switchyard equipment, transformers, and turbine auxiliary circuits, to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Design, install, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain high-voltage electrical circuits, motors, transformers, switch gear, and Balance of Plant (BOP) systems supporting wind farm operations.
• Test and inspect high-voltage apparatus such as current and potential transformers, insulators, disconnects, solenoids, and protective relays using specialized tools such as meggers and insulation testers.
• Calibrate and commission sensors, transmitters, and control devices (temperature, pressure, level) that monitor wind farm electrical and auxiliary systems, including substations and transformers.
• Execute corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance on medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment rated up to 345 kV, including switchyard and substation assets.
• Maintain and troubleshoot DC emergency battery backup systems for turbine auxiliary and substation systems, including batteries, chargers, buses, disconnect switches, and locating DC grounds.
• Diagnose and repair control circuits and interlocks for auxiliary systems, including turbine start/stop, load shedding, grounding, and safety trip systems.
• Perform QA/QC inspections on wind turbine mechanical systems, including rotor, gearbox, pitch, yaw, braking, and hydraulic components, to ensure safe and reliable turbine operation.
• Safely climb turbines and access nacelles, elevated platforms, and towers to perform inspections at varying heights using fall-protection equipment.
• Utilize condition-monitoring tools and diagnostic techniques to detect and address mechanical and electrical issues, supporting preventive maintenance, outage activities, and overall wind farm reliability.
• Support planned outages by performing inspections, testing, repairs, and system restoration activities on high-voltage, BOP, and turbine equipment.
• Provide guidance and training to plant personnel on electrical and mechanical safety practices, including isolating and locking out electrical systems in accordance with industry and manufacturer standards, to ensure safe and reliable wind farm operations.
• Follow all site safety procedures and comply with environmental permits, ensuring safe and reliable wind farm operations.
• Document maintenance activities, equipment status, and performance data, and prepare accurate sketches and diagrams to support installation, commissioning, and operations, ensuring accurate records for safe and reliable wind farm performance.
• Respond promptly to emergency situations, regardless of time or shift, to restore electrical system functionality and maintain reliable energy production.
• Communicate equipment conditions, operational issues, and recommendations for improvement to supervisors and team members.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure uninterrupted wind farm operations.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee's performance.

Working Relationships

The HV Electrical Technician reports directly to the Wind Site Manager. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods; climbing stairs, ladders, and vertical fixed ladders; and working on elevated platforms and turbine nacelles at…