New

System Protection & Control Specialist (Varies)

Tampa Electric Company
paid time off, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Florida, Tampa
Jun 12, 2026
Title:System Protection & Control Specialist (Varies) Company: Tampa Electric Company State and City: Florida- Tampa Shift: 8 Hr. X 5 Days This position can be hired at three different levels: System Protection & Control Specialist I System Protection & Control Specialist II System Protection & Control Specialist III (Sr) POSITION CONCEPT Responsible for maintaining and providing technical support for the system protection and control equipment on the Tampa Electric Transmission, Distribution, and Generation systems. System Protection and Control equipment is, but not limited to relays, battery chargers, circuit breakers, LTC controls, Cap Bank controls and other Substation equipment. Performs commissioning of new Substations and equipment along with NERC / Non-NERC functional testing and documentation. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Performs relay testing, troubleshooting, repair, programming, and calibration. Maintains all the protective relays on Tampa Electric's system including Generation. Perform firmware upgrades for all microprocessor relays that are required by the manufacturer. Perform acceptance testing of all new relays before they go into service. Analyze test results and check against manufacturer specification for proper operation of the relay. Apply and verify initial settings on new relays before they go into service. 30% Perform acceptance tests on all new Substation battery chargers before they go into service. Program settings to new battery chargers as required before they are put in service. Repair and calibrate existing battery chargers and associated alarms and control equipment. Perform diagnostic travel and timing testing of all new high voltage breakers before they go into service. This testing is also performed on existing breakers and circuit switchers that have experienced operational problems. Compare test result to manufacturer's specifications for proper operation. Assist in troubleshooting and repair of circuit breakers or circuit switchers to return to service. Re-test equipment to ensure that it has been repaired and adjusted to the proper specifications. 10% Develop test procedures for new relay equipment and modify or update test procedures for existing equipment. This duty includes both the development of written test procedures and the development of appropriate forms for recording test results. Also included in this responsibility is the modification and development of computer-controlled test routines that are appropriate for the relay under test. 10% Assist other departments as needed with technical assistance, troubleshooting and protection systems check out such as RTU and telecommunications, Substation troubleshooting, and transmission system and power plant transfer trip scheme check out. 20% Perform NERC required functional DC control circuit testing, Transfer Trip testing in NERC and Non-NERC Substations. Perform and document NERC required routine load check on Electromechanical and Microprocessor Relays. Perform and document NERC communications scheme test. Works with RTU Operations frequently on repair/calibration of DFR equipment. Commission all new Substations. 30% SUPERVISION Direct Supervision: Normally has no direct supervisory responsibilities, however, may be temporarily assigned supervisory responsibilities over the Relay Lab in the absence of the Relay & Control supervisor. Indirect Supervision:Provides technical supervision of Substation Electricians during the testing of Substation equipment such as circuit breakers and control system troubleshooting; Level 2 and 3 may also have technical supervision over System Protection and Control Specialist in training. RELATIONSHIPS Key Internal: Frequent contact with all levels of Substation Operations personnel; Routine contact with Substation Engineering, RTU Operations, ED System Security, System Operations, System Service, Facilities, Energy Supply and Telecommunications. Key External:Occasional contact with vendors and manufacturers of relay and test equipment. LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES Champions Safety, Health, and the Environment Takes Ownership and Acts with Integrity Drives Business Excellence for Customers Builds Collaborative Relationships Develops People and Teams Cultivates Innovation and Embraces Change Thinks Strategically and Exercises Sound Judgement WORKING CONDITIONS Must be able to work in many different environments such as, industrial power plant, energized high voltage substations, computerized control rooms, relay lab, mobile van for relay testing, hot, humid, wet and/or cold climates to access system components. Must be able to work extended hours, nights and/or weekends regularly to respond, troubleshoot and repair protective system components or control systems when system disturbances occur. Provide on-call support as needed. Must be able to work in a high-stress environment when troubleshooting system disturbances and working around high voltage equipment in substations. Must have the ability to make sound decisions that might affect the integrity or reliability of the power system. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ REQUIREMENTS Walking, bending, and driving are part of the daily routine. Moving and setting up test equipment 50-60 lbs., meters, timing equipment. Level 1: System Protection and Control Specialist I Performs basic relay testing. Identify/isolate CT, PT, and trip circuits. Perform equipment repair on LTC controllers, battery chargers, and Substation test equipment. Train in the area of DC wiring check out and assist in troubleshooting system problems or other assignments from low to moderate complexity with supervision and/or guidance. QUALIFICATIONS Education Required: Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED Preferred: College degree in technical field from an accredited college or university Licenses/Certifications Preferred: Certified Electronics Technician (CET), Substation Journeyman Electrician Certification, or similar certification Experience Required: Minimum of (5) years of operations experience in substation design or construction.College degree will be considered in lieu of the comparable related experience according to the company's guidelines. Certifications will be considered individually for experience equivalence. Preferred: Substation Journeyman Electrician Experience Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Must have the ability to read and follow instruction manuals to test and troubleshoot equipment; the ability to read and interpret electrical and electronic diagrams and a good background in electrical and math theory (algebra and trigonometry); Must be mechanically inclined; Computer skills are required to work with the relay test equipment. Preferred: Advanced computer and problem-solving skills are preferred for this position. An opportunity for advancement to a higher level in the job progression is based on value added to the Company through increased duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Advancement is not automatic, (i.e. based solely on time in the job) but will be based on the employee's performance, qualifications, and the business and/or technical needs of the department. Level 2: System Protection and Control Specialist II Performs technical assignments from moderate to high complexity with limited oversight; Exercises independent decision making on most areas of work, referring most complex work to higher level Specialist/Supervisor. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES Performs Duties and Responsibilities of previous level Test the more complex NERC / non-NERC Transmission, Distribution and Generation protective relay schemes, analyze and document results as required, make recommendations on repairs or replacements. Assist in performing NERC required DC wiring testing, commissioning, and documentation of new or modified protection schemes. Mentors less experienced System Protection & Control Specialist Provides technical support to Substation Operations and Energy Supply Create relay test routine and NERC documentation forms Performs other duties assigned by the Supervisor ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (*In addition to previous level)* Experience Required: Experience as a System Protection & Control Specialist I or equivalent work that provided the knowledge/skills/abilities as described below Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA) Required: Must have demonstrated proficiency in the System Protection & Control Specialist I skill block with the ability and potential for assuming greater responsibility and performing progressively more complex assignments. Proficient in all relay testing and communications software; Advanced computer and problem-solving skills are required for this position. An opportunity for advancement to a higher level in the job progression is based on value added to the Company through increased duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Advancement is not automatic, (i.e. based solely on time in the job) but will be based on the employee's performance, qualifications, and the business and/or technical needs of the department. Level 3: System Protection and Control Specialist III (Sr) Performs highly technical, complex assignments and works in multiple functional areas without supervisory involvement. Exercises fully independent decision making in all areas of day-to-day work. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES Performs Duties and Responsibilities of previous levels Test the most complex NERC / non-NERC relay protection schemes Develop training material for System Protection & Control Specialists Create relay test routines and NERC documentation forms Complete database merge and NERC reporting requirement Perform NERC / non-NERC communications scheme testing and documentation Perform DC wiring testing, commissioning, and documentation of new or modified protection schemes Perform event retrieval, analyze fault data, interrogate microprocessor relays Provide leadership in absence of the Protection & Controls Supervisor. Performs other duties assigned by Supervisor. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (*In addition to previous levels)* Experience Required: Experience as a System Protection & Control Specialist II or equivalent work that provided the knowledge/skills/abilities as described below. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA) Required: Must have demonstrated proficiency in the System Protection & Control Specialist I & II skill blocks and demonstrated ability to perform the described duties and responsibilities of the System Protection & Control Specialist III; Must have thorough working knowledge of 3 phase power systems; Advanced computer and problem-solving skills are a must for this position. #LI-SC1 TECO offers a competitive Benefits package!! Competitive Salary 401k Savings plan w/ company matching Pension plan * Paid time off* Paid Holiday time * Medical, Prescription Drug, & Dental Coverage Tuition Assistance Program Employee Assistance Program * Wellness Programs * On-site Fitness Centers * Bonus Plan and more! STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS....Please make sure to read below!!! Responding to stormswill beconsidered a condition of employment. TECO Energy and its companies serve a role in providing critical services to our community during an emergency. Team members are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our TECO Energy customers. Team members are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures. TECO Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. TECO Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is unable to perform the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodations. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals, employment decisions at TECO Energy will be based on skills, knowledge, qualifications and abilities. Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Statement The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) ADA policy It is the policy of TECO Energy to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified disabled individuals who are employees and applicants for employment, unless it would cause undue hardship. The corporation will adhere to applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, including, but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1970s. Application accommodations Applicants may request reasonable accommodation in the application process five business days prior to the time accommodation is needed. Pre-employment physical exams may be required for positions with bona fide job-related physical requirements regardless of disability.