Meter & Relay Quality Technician

Job Function

:

Verify, test and inspect various types of new and used metering and relaying equipment. Test, repair and/or modify protection and control relays. Modify and/or calibrate micro-processor devices, transformers, and telemetering equipment. Determine acceptability of equipment. Perform compliance sampling tests to determine meter population seal period extensions. Ensure meters, recorders and associated devices are suitable for acceptance in accordance with government and Hydro One standards. Review shop and supplier quality records for accuracy and completeness. Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks, adjustments and upgrades to shop measuring apparatus. Assist in the development of written shop inspection, test and operating procedures and plans. Discuss equipment requirements and malfunction with supervisors and/or technical personnel at head office and in the field. Order parts and discuss specifications, cost, etc. with manufacturers or suppliers.

Job Description

• Test, repair, calibrate, program, and perform final inspections on complex meters, instruments, and relays (e.g., revenue billing, power quality, panel meters, protective/control relays). Review work orders, troubleshoot issues, reprogram devices to Hydro One standards, perform electrical and mechanical repairs, complete quality documentation, update databases, and arrange shipment to the field.
• Perform multiple technical assignments concurrently, including acceptance testing, troubleshooting, refurbishment, calibration, programming, and final inspection of meters, relays, and recorders. Modify control panels, fabricate test racks, and service remote metering and communication systems.
• Conduct final inspections per approved Inspection and Test Plans. Complete quality records, perform statistical analysis for acceptance, seal meters, issue certificates, manage non-conforming products, implement corrective actions, and participate in Measurement Canada and ISO audits.
• Ensure meters and devices meet government and Hydro One standards. Review calibration, inspection, and supplier quality records for accuracy and completeness prior to acceptance or seal extensions.
• Modify and rebuild relays to meet field-specific requirements. Source or fabricate parts, alter specifications, assemble and calibrate units, complete ISO documentation, and coordinate work orders with the Supervisor.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks, adjustments, and upgrades on shop measuring equipment. Maintain calibration schedules, records, and repair documentation.
• Design, build, troubleshoot, and maintain specialized test equipment and semi-automated test consoles. Perform electrical diagnostics, coordinate manufacturer repairs, manage repair logs, and ensure compliance with Measurement Canada tolerances.
• Test and repair microprocessor devices, power supplies, and relays used in remote telemetering systems.
• Provide technical support to field staff, Head Office, and data collection teams. Troubleshoot issues and design or program custom equipment solutions as required.
• Utilize manufacturer software and automated test systems to verify programs, develop Hydro One standard and custom programs, interrogate in-service meters remotely, and write automated test scripts.
• Assist in developing, reviewing, and improving inspection, test, and operating procedures. Liaise with Quality Authority, technical staff, regulators, and manufacturers on technical and procedural matters.
• Coordinate meter verification activities with production teams to ensure efficient processing and conformance to specified requirements.
• Prepare monthly Non-Conformance Reports, investigate field complaints, perform compliance assessments, and report findings to the Quality Authority.
• Support Hydro One and government auditors during quality program audits, including occasional site visits to Field Work Centres.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as required.

Selection Criteria:

Education:

• Requires a knowledge of electronics, electrical theory, mechanics, physics and related mathematics related to the operation and to test, repair and modify protection and control relays, indicating and graphic instruments, magnetic tape demand recorders, pulse metering devices, summators and telemetering equipment.
• Requires a knowledge of English to effectively communicate with manufacturers, suppliers and internal engineering and technical personnel regarding meters, relays and associated instruments and equipment related to government standards, manufacturers specifications, manuals, etc.
• This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired in and equivalent to a Grade XII in a Secondary School plus a two-year course of concentrated study in an Electronics Engineering Technician program or by having equivalent level of education.

Experience:

• Requires practical experience, including successful completion of prescribed modules of the Hydro One protection and metering training program.
• Requires experience related to trouble-shooting, testing, repairing, modifying and repairing protection and control relays, indicating and graphic instruments, electromechanical and electronic meters, pulse metering devices, summators, telemetering and other such equipment.
• Requires experience to establish a working relationship with Head Office and field personnel involved with this type of equipment.
• Requires experience to communicate with various manufacturers to understand their specifications, order parts and obtain costs from suppliers.
• A period of up to four years is considered necessary to gain this experience.