Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer 1 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy • Elkridge, MD

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sargent & Lundy is hiring a Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer for its Electric Grid Infrastructure Services business unit. The engineer will plan, engineer, and design SCADA and communications systems for client projects, addressing operational needs and trends such as smart grids, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. The work includes developing system drawings, device configurations, HMI applications, network and SCADA documentation, and automation tools; troubleshooting communications; and staging and testing integrated system designs in the Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory. The role requires adherence to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards and coordination with engineers, project managers, clients, and suppliers. The engineer will also share knowledge with peers and mentor less experienced engineers. Travel to client and vendor offices may be required, with travel up to 30%. The role has a hybrid arrangement: three days per week in the office and two days working remotely. A generous relocation package may be available depending on location.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
• Eight years of experience in the design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of substation SCADA and communications systems.
• Experience with SEL, Novatech, and GE RTUs and software.
• Basic understanding of LAN/WAN devices and topology.
• Knowledge of DNP, Modbus, SEL, and IEC 61850 (MMS/Goose) protocols, including serial and IP-based protocols.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%.
• Work authorization sponsorship in the United States is not provided for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Master of Science degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
• Experience with communications troubleshooting software or hardware, such as ASE Test Set or Wireshark.
• Protective relay settings experience with SEL, GE, ABB, or similar equipment.
• Radio communications experience.
• Network design credentials and applied knowledge of IP/MPLS.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project and Visio.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Familiarity with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards and cybersecurity.
• CISSP certification.
• Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, or programming is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, engineer, and design SCADA and communications systems for client projects.
• Develop communication block diagrams, panel layouts and bills of material, SCADA AC and DC schematics, fiber detail drawings, and network drawings.
• Review and provide design input on protection and control drawings to address SCADA system requirements.
• Develop point lists for data exchanged among RTUs, IEDs, and master station connections.
• Configure Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), including SEL RTAC, Novatech OrionLX, SMP Gateway, and GE-D20.
• Configure programmable automation controllers (PACs), including SEL-2440 and SEL-2411.
• Program HMI applications using tools such as SEL Diagram Builder, Inkscape, and Wonderware.
• Coordinate with relay settings engineers on communication port settings for protection relays, meters, and other IEDs.
• Develop configurations for network devices, including switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Troubleshoot SCADA network and communications systems remotely and onsite as required.
• Develop SCADA system and network documentation for projects.
• Develop automation tools to improve project efficiency.
• Stage, configure, and test integrated system designs for interoperability and performance in the Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory.
• Ensure strict adherence to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.
• Coordinate with and provide guidance to engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure complete and timely designs.
• Share knowledge with experienced engineers through peer learning and the company's Communities of Practice.
• Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
• Travel to client and vendor offices as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Back-up daycare.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).
• 401(k).
• Pre-tax commuter account.
• Merit Scholarship Program.
• Employee discount program.
• Corporate charitable giving program.
• Tuition assistance.
• First Professional Licensure Bonus.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Paid annual personal/sick time.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Eligible employees may participate in a yearly discretionary bonus.
• A generous relocation package may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior