Apparatus Technician

Summary

The Apparatus Technician is responsible for performing inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and commissioning of electrical power distribution equipment in industrial and commercial environments. This position supports the Power & Reliability team in maintaining the safety, performance, and reliability of electrical systems. Working under the direction of senior technicians, lead technicians, and project leadership, the Apparatus Technician performs electrical testing, evaluates equipment conditions, identifies deficiencies, and completes required documentation while adhering to TIG safety standards, customer requirements, and applicable industry regulations.

Qualification Requirements 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree, electrical apprenticeship, military electrical training, or equivalent technical education preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in electrical apparatus testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, or a related electrical field preferred.
• Experience working with low- and medium-voltage electrical distribution equipment.
• Basic understanding of electrical testing procedures and diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, one-line diagrams, schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E, NETA standards, and electrical safety practices preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements when applicable.
• Ability to travel and work overtime, nights, weekends, and scheduled outages as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of electrical power distribution systems, equipment, and maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, motor control centers, switches, and related electrical apparatus.
• Understanding of electrical testing methods, including insulation resistance, contact resistance, transformer turns ratio, and other applicable diagnostic testing.
• Ability to operate electrical test instruments and specialized diagnostic equipment with appropriate training.
• Ability to identify equipment deficiencies and assist with troubleshooting electrical and mechanical problems.
• Ability to interpret electrical test results and compare findings with manufacturer specifications and applicable standards.
• Working knowledge of electrical safety procedures, lockout/tagout, and appropriate PPE requirements.
• Familiarity with applicable ANSI, IEEE, NETA, and manufacturer testing standards.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, testing procedures, and established work practices.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to accurately complete test reports, inspection forms, and field documentation.

Essential Functions

• Perform inspection, testing, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and commissioning of electrical power distribution apparatus.
• Test and maintain low- and medium-voltage switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers, motor control centers, switches, and related equipment.
• Perform electrical testing, including insulation resistance, contact resistance, transformer turns ratio, and other applicable diagnostic procedures.
• Conduct visual and mechanical inspections to identify equipment damage, deterioration, or abnormal operating conditions.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment failures and identifying corrective actions.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, one-line diagrams, schematics, and manufacturer documentation.
• Operate and maintain electrical testing equipment, tools, and diagnostic instruments.
• Verify that testing equipment is in proper working condition and within required calibration periods.
• Record test results, document equipment deficiencies, and prepare accurate field service reports.
• Assist senior and lead technicians with equipment startup, commissioning, energization, and return-to-service activities.
• Participate in pre-job planning, job safety analyses, and daily safety meetings.
• Follow TIG safety policies, NFPA 70E requirements, customer procedures, and applicable industry standards.
• Coordinate with lead technicians, project leadership, and other field personnel to complete assigned work safely and efficiently.
• Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and assigned work areas in a safe and orderly condition.
• Support scheduled outages, shutdowns, emergency repairs, and other field assignments as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Ability to regularly stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and move throughout active industrial facilities.
• Ability to walk and work on uneven terrain, gravel, concrete, elevated platforms, and other industrial surfaces.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as required to access electrical equipment and work areas.
• Ability to work at various elevations and in confined or restricted areas when properly trained and authorized.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including electrical and arc-rated protective equipment, for extended periods.
• Ability to visually inspect electrical equipment, wiring, test instruments, drawings, and test results.
• Ability to safely handle and operate electrical testing equipment, hand tools, and related equipment.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in environments with moderate to elevated noise levels.

Work Environment 

This position primarily works in industrial facilities, power generation plants, substations, manufacturing facilities, petrochemical plants, and other customer locations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to electrical hazards, energized equipment, elevated noise levels, moving machinery, chemicals, dust, fumes, and varying weather conditions.

The position requires strict adherence to electrical safety procedures, established testing practices, and appropriate PPE requirements. Travel and work outside normal business hours may be required, including nights, weekends, holidays, scheduled outages, shutdowns, and emergency assignments.