Job Description

Overview

The Field Engineering Technician III role focuses on electrical testing, commissioning, and maintenance of high, medium, and low voltage equipment across utility, industrial, and renewable energy projects. This senior, field-focused position requires demonstrated experience in electrical testing and leading field crews to ensure the safe and reliable operation of power systems.

Responsibilities

  • Inspect, test, maintain, and troubleshoot high, medium, and low voltage electrical equipment in substations, industrial facilities, and renewable energy sites.
  • Perform electrical testing on circuit breakers, transformers, grounding systems, and switchgear to verify proper operation and reliability.
  • Conduct circuit breaker testing on SF6, vacuum, and low-voltage breakers in accordance with industry standards and safety procedures.
  • Execute transformer testing, including associated CTs and PTs, and interpret results to identify potential issues or performance concerns.
  • Perform comprehensive switchgear testing and electrical troubleshooting in the field to diagnose and resolve equipment and system problems.
  • Read and interpret one-line diagrams, schematics, and wiring diagrams to plan, execute, and document testing and maintenance activities.
  • Prepare detailed, accurate reports documenting all testing, commissioning, and maintenance performed, including findings and recommendations.
  • Lead field crews on job sites, including assigning tasks, overseeing work quality, and ensuring adherence to safety and technical standards.
  • Conduct safety briefings and toolbox talks for crew members, emphasizing LOTO, arc flash, and high-voltage safety procedures.
  • Analyze testing results, identify root causes of equipment or system issues, and develop effective troubleshooting and corrective action plans.
  • Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders to support successful commissioning and maintenance of critical electrical infrastructure.
  • Travel extensively to regional and project-based locations and adapt to varying outdoor and industrial work environments.
  • Work overtime as needed to support project schedules, long-term utility partnerships, and high-demand periods.
  • Operate within compliance requirements by maintaining eligibility for driving, background checks, and drug screening.

Requirements

  • At least 5 years of relevant industry experience in electrical testing, commissioning, maintenance, substations, power systems, or related field work.
  • Hands-on experience testing high, medium, and low voltage electrical equipment in utility, industrial, or renewable energy environments.
  • Proficiency in circuit breaker testing, including SF6 breakers, vacuum breakers, and low-voltage breakers.
  • Strong experience performing transformer testing and interpreting test results.
  • Knowledge and experience working with current transformers (CTs) and potential transformers (PTs).
  • Demonstrated ability to perform switchgear testing and identify operational or safety issues.
  • Field-based electrical troubleshooting skills, including diagnosing and resolving complex equipment and system problems.
  • Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Proven crew leadership experience, including leading field work and overseeing technicians on job sites.
  • Willingness and ability to travel 100% of the time for regional and project-based assignments.
  • Ability to work in varying outdoor conditions, including heat and cold, for extended periods.
  • Eligibility to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
  • Eligibility to pass a criminal background check.
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
  • Willingness to work overtime to meet project and client demands.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO
  • 401k

Additional Information

  • This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
  • The role is 100% travel-based, with work assigned on a regional and project basis.
  • Per diem is provided at GSA rates, gas expenses are reimbursed, and a company laptop, phone, and business expenses are covered.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
PTO
401k

How this job compares in Houston, TX

Pay in context

At roughly $48/hr, this posting sits about 90% above the $25/hr median for welding jobs in Houston, TX — toward the top of a $22–$32/hr middle band drawn from 76 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 92% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in Houston, TX

We're tracking 329 other active welding openings in Houston, TX right now, from 193 different employers. 126 of them were added in the last week. Across Texas as a whole we're tracking 1,339 other active welding openings from 721 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Houston, or widen the search to Texas.

Actalent currently has 1 other opening live in Texas, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Texas at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Welding Shop in Houston, TX (27), Zachry Group (22), and Austin Industries (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Texas, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Pasadena at $40/hr, Arlington at $39/hr, and Midlothian at $38/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Houston, TX

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Field Engineering Technician figures were last recalculated when this page was built.