Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer 1 - Grid
About The Position
As a Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer in Sargent & Lundy’s Electric Grid Infrastructure Services business unit, you will plan, engineer, and design SCADA and communications systems for client projects. The work supports operational needs and emerging applications such as Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. Responsibilities span system and network design, equipment configuration, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and project documentation, with strict adherence to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards. The position includes coordinating with engineers, project managers, clients, suppliers, and relay settings engineers, as well as mentoring less experienced engineers and sharing knowledge with colleagues. Systems are staged, configured, and tested in the Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory. Travel to client and vendor offices may be required, and travel of up to 30% is identified in the qualifications. The role has a hybrid arrangement: three days per week in the office and two remote. A generous relocation package may be available depending on location.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
- At least 8 years of experience in the design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of substation SCADA and communication 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 over serial and IP-based systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%.
- The employer does not sponsor U.S. work authorization 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 communication troubleshooting software or hardware, such as ASE Test Set and 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 (CIP) standards and cybersecurity.
- CISSP certification.
- Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant.
Responsibilities
- Plan, engineer, and design SCADA and communications systems for client projects.
- Develop communication block diagrams, panel layout and bill-of-material drawings, 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 transferred between RTUs, IEDs, and master station connections.
- Configure Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), including SEL RTAC, Novatech OrionLX, SMP Gateway, and GE-D20 systems.
- Configure programmable automation controllers (PACs), including SEL-2440 and SEL-2411 systems.
- 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 such as switches, routers, and firewalls.
- Troubleshoot SCADA network and communications systems remotely and onsite as needed, including DNP, Modbus, SEL Protocol, IEC 61850, TCP/IP, and UDP systems.
- Develop SCADA system and network documentation for projects.
- Develop automation tools, such as Python tools, to improve project efficiency.
- Stage, configure, and test integrated system designs in the Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory for interoperability and performance consistent with predictive models.
- 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 process systems and Communities of Practice.
- Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
- Travel to client and vendor offices as needed; the qualifications specify willingness to travel up to 30%.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision plans.
- 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 (PST).
- Paid vacation.
- Paid holidays.
- Paid parental leave.
- Paid bereavement leave.
- Flexible work arrangements.
- Potential eligibility for a yearly discretionary bonus.
- Potential relocation package, depending on location.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
