Job Description

Pay Grade

11

Deadline to Apply: May 8th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST

Position Summary

Tester 1 position maintain the integrity and reliability of the CPS Energy Generation, Transmission and Distribution System by maintaining and testing a variety of High & Low Voltage equipment. Tester 1 position works with and coordinates with many different departments to ensure all components of CPS Energy’s power system remain safe and reliable. Tester 1 position is responsible for commissioning & maintaining EHV-HV-MV for services in accordance with IEEE, ANSI, and CPS Energy Specifications. The equipment that is maintained and tested will vary from HV (High Voltage) and EHV (Extra High Voltage) Generation Step-up Transformers, EHV Auto Transformers, HV Power Transformers and various MV (Medium Voltage) Distribution Class Transformers, EHV-HV-MV SF6 Breakers, HV-MV Vacuum Breakers, MV Air-Magnetitic Breakers, EHV-HV-MV Potential & Current Transformers, HV-MV Underground Distribution Cable and Bus work, all equipment ranging in voltages from 13.8 kV-345 kV. Tester 1 position also assume responsibility for various electronic equipment used for monitoring Substation DC power supply, equipment protection devices, Dissolved Gas Analysis monitoring and various field grad test equipment. This position is NERC sensitive and will have NERC mandated responsibilities under PRC-005. Tester 1 position are required to work a call-duty rotation to respond to abnormal equipment conditions and outage situations for 24-7 operational reliability.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Tests, commissions, maintains, and troubleshoots for quality assurance using on-line & off-line diagnostic analysis of EHV, HV, and MV power equipment. The following test procedures are the basis of the Tester Day to day responsibilities.
• Insulation Power Factor Testing
• Excitation Current Testing
• Leakage Reactance Testing
• Sweep Frequency Response Analysis
• Transformer Turns-Ratio Testing
• Circuit Breaker First Trip Analysis
• Contact Resistance Testing
• Digital Circuit Breaker Timing
• Partial Discharge Testing
• Vibration Analysis 
• Infrared Thermography
• Gas Chromatography (DGA)
• AC/DC-Hi-potential Testing
• Operates, commissions, and tests low and high voltage electrical equipment from 120V, 480V, 4160V, 13.8kV, 35kV, 138kV, and 345kV systems to include but not limited to circuit switchers, circuit breakers, motor operated disconnects and vacuum interrupters.
• Review and performs switching sequences on 480V, 4160V, 13.8 kV, 35 kV, 138 kV and 345 kV systems in substations and power generations environments utilizing LOTO procedures to safely isolate equipment.
• Provides field technical support to electricians, foreman, and other departments in the operation and functionality of substation equipment to include power, step-up and auto transformers, circuit breakers, instrument transformers, and DC power supply systems.
• Completes test reports and enters test results to keep records up to date and stay in compliance with reliability standards.
• Troubleshoots, repairs, and makes technical recommendations to electricians and area leadership of the operation and reliability of Substation & Power Generation equipment.
• Provides analysis of the operation of the CPS Energy electric system after major disturbance and provide recommendations regarding the proper operation of the electric system.
• Provides QA/QC of work of private contractors during substation and power plant construction to ensure that CPS Energy’s standards are met.
• Coordinates between other departments to ensure that jobs are completed with the least amount of disruption to customers or the electric system and that jobs are completed in a safe and timely fashion.
• Perform 24-7 Call-Duty on a rotational basis to determine equipment condition during outages and to respond to abnormal system conditions.
• Working knowledge of Electromechanical/Micro-Processor controlled system protection relay schemes and how these schemes provide protection to CPS Energy assets.
• Work with PC based maintenance management systems, computer-based testing programs and equipment along with the use of laptops for infield inspections and maintenance.
• Designs and implements diagnostic and analysis testing techniques of substation assets and electronic equipment.
• Perform Federally Mandated (NERC) equipment inspections according to NERC PRC-005 standards.
• Perform State Mandated (PUC/ERCOT) equipment inspections.
• Performs all tasks in inclement weather and around high voltage environments.
• Ability to identify colors to ensure the accuracy of field wiring of various electrical devices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Skills

Minimum Knowledge and Abilities

Minimum on year of HS algebra or equiv (Intermediate College Algebra and/or College Algebra) with a passing grade. [Introductory college algebra courses will not meet this req. Must provide official HS & college transcripts to verify all credit received]

Must have strong technical and critical thinking skills.

Ability to maintain a NERC/CIP background.

Ability to read, write and understand technical instructions.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Ability to distinguish colors to identify electronic components and wiring.

Ability to perform technical mathematical functions.

Ability to physically carry/move/lift test equipment (up to 55 pounds) in a field environment.

Ability to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms.

Ability to work with insulating mineral oil, silicone insulating fluid, SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride) insulating gas and nitrogen gas.

Ability to work with energized circuitry and within proximity of energized high voltage substations, switch yards and power plants.

Must have a high level of information retention and attention to detail.

Ability to work with a minimum direct supervision, initiate work activities and research technical data.

Perform and understand basic personal computer (PC) skills, to include Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.

Possess a valid Texas driver’s license with a history of a safe driving record in accordance with CPS Energy policies, procedures, safety standards and applicable laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Mathematics, or electronics/electrical related field.
• Previous experience in Electrical Substation or Industrial Trades.
• Strong mathematical background
• Working knowledge of CPS Energy procedures and clearance systems.
• Knowledge of CPS Energy service areas to include substations, power generation stations, transmissions, and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of CPS Energy substation electrical drawings and manufacture’s equipment drawings and schematics.
• Basic knowledge in Microsoft Office suite, including word, excel, power point and email.

Competencies

Delivering High Quality Work

Building and Supporting Teams

Accepting Responsibility

Displaying Technical Expertise

Serving Customers

Prioritizing and Organizing Work

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Required Certifications

Working Environment

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. Large majority of the work is conducted in the filed in both substations and power plants, in hot and cold weather, noisy and dusty environments, noxious odors, gases, mechanical and electrical hazards.

Operating computer, having manual dexterity, able to communicate with co-workers and other departments, and repetitive motion. Ability to travel to and from substations, power plants, meeting, training sessions or other business-related events.

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Requires manual dexterity, sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, ladders and structures, crouching, twisting and crawling. Must be able to exert or lift up to 50 pounds.

Must be able to safely climb steel structures and ladders. Must be able to work at high elevations to extended periods.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs