Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Power Technician

💰 $55,000 - $95,000

Skilled TradesEngineeringTelecommunicationsField ServicesData Center Operations

🎯 Role Definition

A Power Technician is a specialized professional responsible for ensuring the constant availability and reliability of critical power infrastructure. This role is the backbone of operations in sectors like telecommunications, data centers, and healthcare, where uninterrupted power is non-negotiable. You'll be on the front lines, working hands-on with a variety of sophisticated equipment including AC and DC power plants, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), batteries, and generators. Your day-to-day involves a blend of scheduled preventive maintenance, emergency troubleshooting, and new equipment installation. This is a role for a meticulous, safety-conscious individual who excels at problem-solving under pressure and takes pride in keeping the power on.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electrical Apprentice or Journeyman Electrician
  • Field Service Technician (General)
  • Electronics Technician
  • Military Veteran with a background in power generation or electronics (e.g., Navy Electrician's Mate)

Advancement To:

  • Lead Power Technician or Senior Power Technician
  • Field Operations Supervisor or Manager
  • Critical Facilities Engineer
  • Project Manager (Power Installations)

Lateral Moves:

  • Controls Technician or BMS (Building Management System) Technician
  • Data Center Facilities Technician
  • Technical Trainer (Power Systems)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform installation, commissioning, and integration of AC and DC power systems, including rectifiers, inverters, UPS systems, and distribution bays, according to engineering specifications and industry best practices.
  • Conduct comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance on VRLA and flooded cell battery strings, including cleaning, re-torquing connections, and performing detailed impedance testing to ensure backup power integrity.
  • Execute routine maintenance and load bank testing on standby generators and Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) to verify operational readiness for emergency power situations.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose complex faults within live critical power systems, utilizing schematics, wiring diagrams, and advanced test equipment to identify root causes and implement effective repairs with minimal downtime.
  • Respond to emergency service calls and power outages on a rotating, on-call basis, demonstrating a sense of urgency and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
  • Install and terminate primary and secondary wiring, including conduit, cable trays, and all associated power and grounding cabling for equipment upgrades and new site builds.
  • Perform detailed site surveys to assess power requirements, identify potential installation challenges, and gather necessary information for engineering teams to create accurate project plans.
  • Complete Method of Procedure (MOP) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) documentation prior to commencing any work, ensuring all tasks are performed safely and to company standards.
  • Interface with network operations centers (NOC) and customer support teams, providing clear, concise updates on maintenance activities, troubleshooting progress, and outage resolutions.
  • Conduct performance testing and validation of power equipment post-installation or repair to ensure it meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications and customer requirements.
  • Manage and maintain the inventory of spare parts, tools, and test equipment assigned to a service vehicle, ensuring all resources are calibrated and in good working order.
  • Perform detailed thermal scanning (infrared thermography) of electrical connections, breakers, and distribution panels to proactively identify potential points of failure.
  • Upgrade and replace obsolete power plant components, including controllers, rectifiers, and distribution modules, to enhance system capacity and reliability.
  • Read and interpret complex technical documents, including electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, and manufacturer service manuals, to support all installation and maintenance activities.
  • Provide on-site technical support and guidance to other technicians or contractors, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
  • Safely handle and transport large, heavy batteries and power equipment, utilizing proper material handling equipment and techniques.
  • Document all work performed in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), creating detailed service reports, maintenance logs, and asset-tracking updates.
  • Install, test, and maintain grounding systems (e.g., Halo, MGB) to ensure personnel safety and equipment protection in accordance with telecommunications standards.
  • Perform capacity testing on battery systems to accurately determine their remaining service life and inform replacement schedules.
  • Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) for new power equipment, verifying functionality before it goes into a live environment.
  • Decommission and remove retired power equipment and batteries from customer sites, following all environmental and safety regulations for disposal and recycling.

Secondary Functions

  • Meticulously document all maintenance, repair, and installation activities in detailed service reports for customer records and internal tracking.
  • Act as a technical liaison for customers on-site, clearly explaining the nature of work being performed and answering any questions they may have.
  • Maintain a constant and rigorous focus on safety, adhering to all company policies, OSHA regulations, and NFPA 70E standards for electrical safety.
  • Proactively identify opportunities for system improvements or upgrades and communicate these recommendations to account managers or engineering teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • AC/DC Power Theory: Deep understanding of the principles of both AC and DC electricity, including three-phase power, rectification, and inversion.
  • UPS & Inverter Maintenance: Proven ability to service, troubleshoot, and repair a wide range of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and inverter systems from major manufacturers.
  • Battery Expertise: Skill in performing maintenance, impedance testing (BITE), and capacity testing on VRLA, flooded-cell, and lithium-ion battery systems.
  • Schematic & Blueprint Reading: Ability to read, interpret, and work from complex electrical one-line diagrams, schematics, and construction blueprints.
  • Test Equipment Proficiency: Proficient use of various electronic test equipment, including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, battery testers, load banks, and thermal imagers.
  • Generator & ATS Knowledge: Working knowledge of diesel and natural gas generators and Automatic Transfer Switches, including maintenance and testing procedures.
  • NFPA 70E & NEC Standards: Strong familiarity with electrical safety standards (NFPA 70E) and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
  • Component-Level Troubleshooting: The capability to diagnose issues down to the individual component level on circuit boards and power modules.

Soft Skills

  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: A logical and methodical approach to diagnosing complex technical problems under pressure.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, from torquing a connection to completing a service report.
  • Independent Work Ethic: Self-motivated and able to manage time and tasks effectively with minimal direct supervision in a field environment.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and professionally communicate technical information to customers, managers, and team members, both verbally and in writing.
  • Safety-Conscious Mindset: An unwavering commitment to personal and team safety in all situations.
  • Composure Under Pressure: The ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive during emergency outages and high-stakes repair scenarios.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED, combined with a certificate from a technical or trade school in an electrical or electronics discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics, or a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Technology
  • Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Power Generation and Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience working with critical AC and/or DC power systems.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience as a field service technician in the telecommunications or data center industry is highly desirable. Experience working for a major power equipment manufacturer (e.g., Vertiv, Eaton, Schneider Electric) or a third-party service provider is also strongly preferred.
Explore More Careers