Full Description

Electrical Testing & Commissioning Specialist

Location: Sterling, Virginia

Employment Type: Long-Term Contract Opportunity Position Summary The Electrical Testing & Commissioning Specialist is responsible for the installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of protection and control systems, RTUs, and telecommunications equipment within high-voltage (HV) substations and power systems. This role supports utility, municipal, federal, generation, and cooperative clients and requires extensive hands-on field experience with protection and control equipment, relay systems, and communication infrastructure. Key Responsibilities and Expectations Install, commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain protective relay equipment, power line carrier equipment, digital fault recorders (DFRs), remote terminal units (RTUs), and communication processors.

Perform functional testing of protection and control circuitry associated with

• Transmission lines
• High-voltage buses
• Power transformers
• Circuit breakers
• Feeders
• Reactors and capacitor banks
• Execute RTU and telecommunications upgrades for a variety of client environments.

Work extensively with SEL microprocessor relays, including but not limited to

• SEL-311C, 311L, 387, 411L, 421, 487B, 487E, 487V, 587, 587Z, and 787

Demonstrate working knowledge of Client microprocessor relays, including

• C30, D60, F35, L90, T35, and T60 (preferred)
• Configure and support RTUs and communication processors from manufacturers such as Client, Telvent, SEL, Cooper, and Novatech.
• Accurately review, complete, and submit detailed test reports for client documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Interpret and work from one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, schematics, and communication configurations; identify and communicate discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate time and expense reports.
• Ensure assigned company vehicle and equipment are maintained in good working condition.
• Required Qualifications

Education and Experience (one of the following is required)

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power & Controls, or equivalent and a minimum of 6 years of applicable electrical testing experience
• OR
• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power & Controls, or equivalent and a minimum of 8 years of applicable electrical testing experience
• OR
• High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of 9 years of applicable electrical testing experience
• Preferred / Additional Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in the electrical testing industry with a focus on protection and control systems, RTUs, and telecommunications.
• Experience supporting HV utility, cooperative, power generation, federal, or municipal clients.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Technology, technical school diploma, or military experience (Army Prime Power or Navy Nuclear electrical programs preferred).
• Experience with transmission and distribution relays from SEL, Client, ABB, and Westinghouse.
• Experience with substation RTUs, communication processors, and telecom equipment for both brownfield and greenfield projects.
• Proven experience with scoping, scheduling, and budgeting protection and control, RTU, and telecom projects.
• Project management experience leading protection and control teams in HV substation environments.
• Working knowledge of NERC CIP requirements.
• Physical and Compliance Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, stand for extended periods, and drive regularly, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to work in outdoor field environments subject to changing weather conditions.
• Willingness to work overtime and travel extensively to client job sites.

Must pass

• Pre-employment drug screening and periodic unannounced drug tests
• Pre-employment background check (7-year history)
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet minimum motor vehicle insurability standards.
• Completion and passing of OSHA 30-hour training.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.

Aspen Technical Staffing CELEBRATING 25 YEARS 2001-2026

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under the law. Assistance with the application process is available upon request.