Electrical Technician/Electrician

The Electrical Engineering Technician/Electrician is a member of the Electrical Engineering (EE) Group, a key component of the University Facilities Engineering and Campus Energy Department, and reports to the Director, Electrical Engineering (EE) Group. The EE Group is responsible for the design, operation, and maintenance of the University medium voltage electrical distribution infrastructure to insure a reliable and efficient electrical power supply to campus facilities.

The Electrical Engineer Technician/Electrician (technician) will be involved in all aspects of electrical systems on campus from high-voltage 69 kV substation equipment to low-voltage 24 Vdc plant control systems.  The technician will be responsible for wiring up various field devices such as meters or relays. The technician will assist in planning, notification and implementation of electrical power shutdowns. They will conduct surveys on medium and low voltage distribution.  In addition to project work, this position requires extensive field work to inspect/review large construction project activities, troubleshoot electrical equipment issues, manage equipment maintenance and repairs, and safely perform switching on high and low voltage equipment during routine and emergency operations. 

This position must embody the core values essential to the Facilities Organization: teamwork, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and sustainability. The Electrical Project Engineer collaborates with administrative leadership within Facilities to support the Campus.

This is a benefits eligible five year term position.

ESSENTIAL Duties and Responsibilities:

Engineering Support

• Assist and/or advise design engineer on specially engineered electrical distribution equipment and/or installations.
• Utilize NEC, UL, NEMA, ANSI, and IEEE Standards as related to commercial and industrial power systems.
• Provide assistance, as needed, with state and local authorities for plan approvals, electrical permits and inspections.
• Provide technical assistance on University electrical issues, especially to the Utility Plant, Maintenance, and Construction Departments.

Testing and Inspection Support

• Perform electrical field observations for new construction and major renovations including coordination of new main campus electric service testing and start-up, perform high voltage testing and switching operations.
• Understand and apply safe electrical and other construction work practices. Responsible for assisting engineers in reviewing electrical testing procedures and received results.

High and Medium Voltage Monitoring and Maintenance

• Coordinate preventative maintenance electrical outage work with building occupants, shops, and contractors.
• Troubleshoot campus electrical problems which can include power cable and distribution equipment failures, circuit breaker and protective relay trips, and equipment problems in high/medium/low voltage substations and cogeneration plant.
• Field evaluate, recommend, and implement solutions; manage electrical equipment emergency repairs and power restoration plans including nights and weekends.
• Collaborate with the EE Group and be responsible for handling power emergencies when the Director of the EE Group is not available; utilize campus SCADA and metering software for energy usage reporting.

Essential Requirements

• Three (3) years minimum field experience with utility, industrial power plant operations, or military in the electrical field.
• Ability to read and understand electrical drawing including a single line and wiring diagrams.
• Position is essential as defined by Human Resources and Facilities policies.
• Able to access all electrical equipment in campus substations and buildings. This includes climbing 24-foot ladders.
• Able to enter confined space areas such as underground electric manholes and transformer vaults. 
• Able to operate substation high voltage line disconnect switches, grounding switches, metal-clad switchgear.
• Availability to work as required by the project schedule or emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently hold, or ability to obtain within 6 months National Cable Splicing Certification (NCSCB).
• Ability to perform emergency MV Cable splicing operations.
• NETA Technician or Electrical License Holder.
• Experience with microprocessor-based relays (operation, troubleshooting, event-based reporting).
• Experience with basic troubleshooting technics for cables and motors, such as insulation resistance testing and electrical phasing techniques.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.