skip to main content
Chip Sheppard
Chip Sheppard
00:37

Chip Sheppard

Siemens Energy

Jackson, MS USA

"Accept change. Look for different opportunities and jump at any offered."

Career Roadmap

Chip's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Problem Solving

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

High Voltage Breaker Technician

I test circuitry and mechanical operations for high voltage breakers.

02:56

Day In The Life Of A High Voltage Breaker Technician

My Day to Day

My job involves testing circuitry and mechanical operations for high voltage breakers used globally. I start by cross-checking paperwork and wiring diagrams before running high voltage insulation tests. After setting up the test plan, I conduct operational tests, troubleshoot any issues, and ensure all readings are accurate. Finally, I move the unit to the high voltage test cell, apply up to 880kV, and print the operation report before starting the next breaker.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Associate's Degree

    Electrical Engineering Technology

    Northwest Community College

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    Growing up, I didn’t do very well in school and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life.

  • 2.

    After high school, I worked a variety of odd jobs which led me to working at an advertising agency.

  • 3.

    The advertising agency encouraged me to go back to school—I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but decided to give nursing a try.

  • 4.

    Unfortunately, my car blew up and I had to quit school and find work within walking distance of my home.

  • 5.

    I was doing side work as an electrician, which I found I was actually pretty interested in.

  • 6.

    I eventually found a company that provided an apprenticeship program for electricians and jumped at the opportunity.

  • 7.

    The apprenticeship was taking too long, so I took a different route and earned my associate degree in electrical engineering technology through a community college workforce development program.

  • 8.

    I now work as a high voltage breaker technician for Siemens Energy.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

Click to expand

  • I didn't do well in school when I was young. When I went back to school as an adult, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Once I started getting treatment for my ADHD, I realized I actually was a great student.

Related Leaders

No related leaders found