Substation Electrician II

Organization icon

Qcells

Location icon

Ankeny, IA, United States

Clock icon

Description



Title: Substation Electrician II
Department: Operations 1
Location: Field-Based
Supervisor: Sr. Manager - Substation Project Management & Construction
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Full-Time
Work Status: (Field-based, Travel Required)

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN II


Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.


Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.


As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.


SUMMARY


The Substation Electrician III, is responsible for the installation, testing, repair, and maintenance of high voltage substation components, including wiring, equipment, control systems, and relays. This role involves working with energized lines, structures, and equipment within and around electrical substations, all while strictly adhering to safety standards, codes, and regulations.

In this position, you will perform complex tasks in a team environment, often in varied outdoor conditions, with significant travel required (up to 95%). Reporting directly to the Substation General Foreman, you will oversee the installation and maintenance of high voltage equipment, including reading and interpreting schematic diagrams, installing transformers and switches, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Additionally, the Electrician III is expected to operate heavy equipment, assist with site preparation for construction, and provide leadership and mentorship to junior team members.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES


  • Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
    • Observe, comply with, and promote the company’s safety program, rules, requirements, and corporate safety goals.
    • Participate in safety-related processes, programs, and training.
    • Engage with the work team to ensure zero injuries and report all safety hazards, accidents, or near misses.

  • Installation and Maintenance:
    • Perform the installation and maintenance of HV and LV equipment within substations. Examples:
      • Breakers
      • Switches
      • Bus
      • Transformers
      • Cap Banks
    • Read and interpret schematic diagrams and construction drawings.

  • Machinery Operation and Site Preparation:
    • Operate heavy equipment for substation construction and excavation tasks.
    • Move materials and equipment to work locations, setting up work sites as needed.
    • Ensure proper excavation, grading, and layout for foundations and grounding systems.

  • Team Leadership and Mentorship:
    • Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to helpers, laborers, and apprentice substation technicians.
    • Ensure effective work procedures are followed and that safety protocols are observed.

  • Job Site Management and Communication:
    • Keep the Superintendent and General Foreman informed of job status and timelines.
    • Ensure the work site is left neat and safe after completion of tasks.
    • Report any deficiencies or issues to supervisory staff promptly.
    • Model and encourage company values of leadership, honesty, integrity, and respect.
    • Ensure all communications are clear, professional, and timely.


REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES


  • Strong understanding of electrical systems, particularly in substation construction and maintenance.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and construction drawings.
  • Skilled in the operation of various heavy equipment and tools related to substation construction.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5 years of recent electrician experience as a Substation helper or equivalent.
  • Valid Journeyman certification or equivalent experience in electrical construction.
  • Must possess all required tools for the role.
  • High school diploma, GED, or Line school certificate required.
  • OSHA-approved certification preferred (e.g., NCCCO or CIC Certification for crane operations).


WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • This role involves heavy physical work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • The job requires standing, walking, using tools, and climbing or balancing as part of the daily tasks.
  • Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions
  • Travel is required up to 95% of the time to different job sites.
  • Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, and fire-retardant clothing.


CLIMATIC/ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS AT JOB SITE

  • Predominately outdoor climate
  • May be exposed to extreme hot or cold weather
  • Excessive humidity, rain, etc.
  • Various noise levels caused by tools, machinery, equipment, etc.
  • Potential exposure to chemical substances
  • Work performed around hazardous equipment.


EXAMPLES OF MOBILITY BARRIERS ACCESS TO JOB SITE

  • Uneven ground level
  • Obstructed pathways
  • Work performed at low and/or high elevations
  • Work performed in confined areas


Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.


It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.


We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.


Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.