Distribution Automation Technician
Also posted as DA Technician; Grid Automation Technician; Distribution Controls Technician; Feeder Automation Technician; Smart Grid Field Technician
A distribution automation technician installs, commissions, tests, troubleshoots, and maintains automated field devices and communications that improve electric distribution visibility, switching, voltage control, outage response, and reliability. Many people start with a two-year associate degree or a technical certificate rather than a four-year degree.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Commission automated devices
Install and commission reclosers, sectionalizers, switches, capacitor controls, regulators, and sensors.
Configure controls and SCADA
Configure and test control logic, communications, addressing, alarms, and SCADA integration.
Troubleshoot device faults
Resolve device, power-supply, communications, firmware, and control-circuit failures.
Support feeder automation
Support feeder automation and fault location, isolation, and service restoration schemes.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
Automation Commissioning
Commissioning automated distribution devices in the field.
Reclosers & Regulators
Working on reclosers, sectionalizers, regulators, and capacitor controls.
RTUs & SCADA Interfaces
Configuring RTUs, controllers, and SCADA interfaces.
Related roles.
Ready to start your
technician journey?
Get matched with training, apprenticeships, and employers tailored to this role.
