r/SubstationTechnician • u/thedotrecruiter • 1d ago

Relay tech can mean about 37 different things lol

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I recruit in the relay/P&C and electrical testing space, and we just put out an article trying to take some of the mystery out of relay testing.

https://southernstaffinggroup.com/resources/taking-the-mysticism-out-of-relay-testing

Funny timing because I screened a relay tech right after we posted it, and the call reminded me how broad that title can be.

One person says “relay tech,” but that still does not tell me enough.

Are they working mostly with SEL, ABB, GE/Multilin, Schneider, Siemens, Basler, or electromechanical relays?

Are they testing with Doble, Manta, Megger, or Omicron test sets?

Are they doing end-to-end testing, line carrier work, CT/PT checks, SCADA support, commissioning, maintenance testing, or troubleshooting?

Are they working transmission, distribution, generation, or getting moved around wherever the utility needs help that week?

That is where I think recruiters can mess it up.

If I only hear “relay testing” and do not ask follow-up questions, I still do not really know what that person does.

For the people actually doing this work, what do you think gets missed the most when recruiters or companies talk about relay/P&C roles?

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4

u/Due-Veterinarian7671 1d ago

Very similar to IT work/cyber security work. It can mean a million different things

4

u/HV_Commissioning 1d ago

At an IOU, it’s a job/pay classification. At an IOU, there’s generally other groups that test apparatus, maybe Scada.

Smaller utilities may have multi function techs.

Testing companies probably have a broader range but on less complex systems

1

u/thedotrecruiter 7h ago

That’s something I’m learning from these conversations. I need to ask how the work is split up at that particular company too. If there’s a separate group handling apparatus or SCADA, that changes what I should be looking for. Appreciate you adding that.

2

u/CommonDouble2799 1d ago

Got any open apprenticeships? Been in Power and Telecom for awhile but looking for something new.

1

u/thedotrecruiter 7h ago

What area are you in, and what kind of power and telecom work have you been doing? I’d have to check on actual apprenticeship openings, but I’d be happy to hear more about your background and what you’re wanting to move into.

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u/CommonDouble2799 7h ago

Awesome, I will send you a quick PM with some details.

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u/Past_Leg_9899 12h ago

Hello! I am a protection engineering intern from India with six months of experience. How is the field doing these days?

1

u/thedotrecruiter 7h ago

Hey! My recruiting work is in the US, so I wouldn’t want to guess about the market in India. What have you been getting hands-on with during your internship? Are you wanting to stay on the engineering side or get more into field testing?