Senior Renewables Technologist

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. 

Duke Energy makes life better for millions of people every day by providing electric and gas services in a sustainable way - affordable, reliable and clean. 

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Position Overview

The highest level of the Renewables Technologist support role job classification is the Senior Renewables Technologist. Senior Renewables Technologists provide technical expertise to solve complex problems, and utilize the leadership skills necessary to oversee governance of specific program areas, often on a fleet-wide basis. The individual selected for this role will perform high voltage switching operations, troubleshooting, inspecting, monitoring, and testing on Renewable Energy distribution equipment.  

This position requires a high level of safety awareness and the ability to continually convey that to the team. This position will be the managers "eyes in the field".​ We are looking for a safety-focused, individual with high voltage systems experience. This position works around voltages up to 525,000 volts on the distribution and transmission system.

• Location: This position is a hybrid role, meaning work will be performed both remote and onsite. The Duke Energy Renewables Facility this position would report to is located in Mercedes, Texas.
• Travel Requirements: Up to 50+%
• Please note: Duke Energy’s official title for a High Voltage Technician is Renewables Technologist. Our High Voltage Renewables Technologists are a vital part of our organization, and we take pride in hiring the best in the industry.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for inspecting, monitoring, switching, collecting operating data, performing maintenance, and testing on distribution and transmission facilities and equipment.
• Engage in strategic oversight and management of work in composite repair, with minimal supervision
• Utilize advanced skills to work independently.
• Lead role in conjunction with the enterprise guidelines
• Working on and around voltages up to 525,000 volts on the distribution and transmission system
• Writing and executing switching and testing procedures to provide safe and reliable electrical clearance(s) of high voltage transmission and distribution lines, equipment, test equipment, and substations.
• Timely and accurate communication with customers, key stakeholders, and supervision is essential.  
• The job requires the understanding and following of all safety rules and all operating policies/procedures, to ensure the work is performed in a safe and reliable manner that meets the customer needs and expectations
• This position also assists other crews when maintenance and/or capital work is being performed within the area.

Qualifications

Required: 

• High School/GED
• Associates degree
• In addition to required degree, four (4) years minimum related work experience
• In lieu of Associates degree and four (4) years minimum related work experience listed above, High School/GED and six (6) years minimum of related work experience
• Safe Working Weight Requirement: This position contains a weight restriction of 265 pounds as an essential function of the job. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that all weight rated equipment is used in an appropriate and safe manner within maximum allowed weight loading.

Desired:

• Familiar with safety protocols and isolation of high voltage systems including understanding LOTOT and safety grounding procedures and techniques
• Have or be able to obtain an ACMA CCT Wind Blade Repair certification within six months of being hired
• Two year technical degree in the electrical field
• Minimum of 6 years direct technical specialty experience, able to meet all Level III requirements. 3 years in a supervisory role. Entry before described years of experience would include additional education and/or high performance at management discretion.
• Demonstrated ability in reading drawings and prints.
• Applicant would live in the geographical Operating area.
• Requires the ability to work in a self-directed manner
• Knowledge of geographical Operating area including roads and the ability to safely navigate the roads within this area
• Demonstrated ability to use voltage meter(s) and amp meter(s).
• Demonstrated ability to understand and follow written procedures to perform work in an accurate and reliable manner.
• Demonstrated personal initiative and individual motivation skills to complete work.
• Demonstrated analytical and mechanical abilities.
• Demonstrated good interpersonal and human relations skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Demonstrated good writing skills by hand or on computer, hand writing must be legible.
• Demonstrated good verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead job briefings with other employees and contractors
• Must be available for call-out on a routine basis.
• Computer skills including us of Microsoft Office Software tools
• Documented history of a good personal safety record
• Knowledge of fundamental electrical test skills and procedures
• Prefer experience and knowledge of Doble test equipment (6150, 5400, 9100, and 4100/7100)
• Experience with HIPOT/VLF and cable fault locating
• Knowledge in testing relays, transformers, motors, generators, circuit breakers (SF6, vacuum, OCB, MOAB), voltage regulators, capacitor banks, cables, and UPS battery systems (125VDC).
• Familiar with thermography and partial discharge surveys
• Familiar with extracting dielectric oil for analysis
• Demonstrate ability to interpret and understand complex protection schemes and advanced troubleshooting techniques.
• Familiarity with communication protocols (RS232, RS485, RS422, and other Ethernet and other serial based protocols used to communicate with protection relays, test equipment, and data collection interfaces.
• Familiarity with stress cone and other cable splicing devices and techniques
• Ability to perform functional testing of substation control circuits on relays, transformer, and circuit breakers. (DC circuitry testing)
• Must be willing to write and evaluate procedures and perform internal audits based on safety and other regulatory requirements
• Familiar with NERC testing requirements and procedures desired
• Must be willing to interact with internal customers and provide phone support when needed.
• Knowledge of wind and solar substations desired but not required

Working Conditions:

• Valid Driver’s License required
• Any travel to projects
• Operate equipment including but not limited to forklifts and commercial motor vehicles
• The ability to climb turbine towers (up to 400ft) daily is a requirement of this position
• Exposure to mechanical, electrical, and/or other hazards
• Ability to lift 75lbs individually
• Proof of formal technical specialty training required
• Walking, Climbing of stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolds
• Working in all-weather outdoor conditions (extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow)
• Exposure to noisy, dusty conditions, chemicals or solvents
• Work at heights greater than 300 feet daily
• Ability to pass a background check and pass a drug test.
• Able to pass a pre-employment physical.
• Completion of OEM or third-party technical specialty training program.
• Safe Working Weight Requirement: This position contains a weight restriction of 265 pounds as an essential function of the job. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that all weight rated equipment is used in an appropriate and safe manner within maximum allowed weight loading.
• Hybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable daily commute to a Duke Energy facility.

Compensation

• Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

Comprehensive Benefits:

• Duke Energy offers a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage. Duke Energy also offers retirement benefits, wellness programs, time-off benefits and work-life balance programs. Learn more at Benefits Programs - Careers - Duke Energy (duke-energy.com).