Job Title: Electrical Apparatus Testing Technician
Job Description
The Electrical Apparatus Testing Technician supports field testing and commissioning of power system equipment across substations, utilities, and industrial sites. This role focuses on the testing, maintenance, and diagnostics of high-, medium-, and low-voltage apparatus, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operation of critical power infrastructure. The technician works in both greenfield and brownfield substations at various stages of energization and contributes directly to safe energization, troubleshooting, and ongoing system performance.
Responsibilities
Perform field testing, maintenance, and commissioning of electrical apparatus including low-, medium-, and high-voltage circuit breakers, pad-mounted and power transformers, current transformers (CTs), potential transformers (PTs), substation equipment, and power cables.
Conduct testing and verification of low-, medium-, and high-voltage power cables, including insulation and integrity assessments, to ensure system reliability and safety.
Test and evaluate ground grid systems and perform related measurements to confirm proper grounding and compliance with safety standards.
Perform oil sampling and diagnostics on transformers and related equipment, interpret results, and support recommendations for maintenance or corrective action.
Work in greenfield and brownfield substations at various stages of energization, supporting commissioning, energization, and ongoing maintenance activities.
Understand, interpret, and work within three-phase electrical systems, including reading and applying three-line diagrams and related documentation.
Follow and execute lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and other safety protocols to ensure safe work practices in energized and partially energized environments.
Support power systems commissioning activities, including functional testing, verification, and troubleshooting of electrical systems and equipment.
Troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment issues in the field, identify root causes, and implement or recommend corrective actions.
Collaborate with field teams, engineers, and project personnel to plan, sequence, and execute testing and commissioning activities efficiently and safely.
Document test results, findings, and maintenance activities accurately and clearly for reporting and record-keeping purposes.
Travel to job sites across Colorado, and occasionally out of state, to support field testing, commissioning, and maintenance assignments.
Essential Skills
Hands-on electrical apparatus testing experience, specifically beyond general electrician work, with direct involvement in testing and commissioning activities.
Experience working with circuit breakers, transformers, CTs, PTs, cable testing, or related substation equipment in energized or partially energized substations.
Strong understanding of three-phase electrical systems and the ability to interpret and work within three-phase configurations.
Familiarity with and consistent use of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and established electrical safety protocols.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment in the field and support corrective actions.
Approximately 5+ years of electrical testing experience preferred, with flexibility for strong candidates slightly below this threshold who demonstrate solid skills.
Comfort working in field environments such as substations and industrial sites, including exposure to energized and non-energized systems.
Experience with power systems commissioning and field testing of power system equipment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
NETA certification, which can offset years of experience and is considered a strong asset.
NICET certification, which can also offset years of experience and is viewed favorably.
Experience with relay testing and exposure to protection and control systems.
Background in diagnostics and oil sampling for transformers and other oil-filled equipment.
Interest in or readiness for career growth into roles such as Relay Technician, Project Manager, Field Service Manager, or Operations Manager.
Experience working on high-voltage, utility-scale projects and familiarity with utility and industrial standards and practices.
Work Environment
This is a field-based role primarily working in substations and industrial environments, with a mix of energized and non-energized systems. The position can be based in Denver or Colorado Springs and involves regular travel to job sites within Colorado, typically on short-term assignments of up to approximately two weeks at a time, with occasional out-of-state travel. Technicians work on greenfield and brownfield substations at various stages of energization, gaining exposure to high-voltage, utility-scale projects and modern power systems technologies. The environment is hands-on, safety-focused, and oriented around field work, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting in real-world power system installations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $60.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Aurora,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.