Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer 1 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy•Charlotte, NC

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sargent & Lundy is hiring a Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer for its Electric Grid Infrastructure Services business unit. The role plans, engineers, and designs SCADA and communications systems for client projects, addressing operational requirements and emerging applications such as Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. The engineer develops system drawings, configurations, applications, documentation, and automation tools; troubleshoots and tests integrated systems; and ensures adherence to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards. The position also coordinates with clients, suppliers, project managers, and other engineers, and mentors less experienced engineers. Travel to client and vendor offices may be needed, with travel of up to 30% required. The role has a hybrid arrangement: three days per week in the office and two days remotely. A generous relocation package is available depending on location. Sargent & Lundy highlights the health and well-being of employees, work-life balance, and comprehensive healthcare and paid time off. Eligible positions include a base salary or hourly rate, a comprehensive benefits package, and possible participation in a yearly discretionary bonus. The stated compensation range is $118,023–$180,313.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
Eight years of experience in 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, both serial- and IP-based.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%.
The employer does not sponsor employees for 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 communications troubleshooting software or hardware, such as ASE Test Set and Wireshark.
Protective relay settings experience with SEL, GE, ABB, or similar systems.
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 where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, or programming is valued but not required unless specified elsewhere.

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 for protection and control drawings to address SCADA system requirements.
Develop points lists for data transferred between RTUs, IEDs, and master station connections.
Develop configurations for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), including SEL RTAC, Novatech OrionLX, SMP Gateway, and GE-D20.
Develop configurations for programmable automation controllers (PACs), including SEL-2440 and SEL-2411.
Program Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications using tools such as SEL Diagram Builder, Inkscape, and Wonderware.
Coordinate with relay settings engineers to develop or review communication port settings for protection relays, meters, and other IEDs.
Develop configurations for network devices, including switches, routers, and firewalls.
Troubleshoot SCADA network and communication systems remotely and onsite as required, including DNP, Modbus, SEL Protocol, IEC 61850, TCP/IP, and UDP systems.
Develop SCADA system and network documentation for projects.
Develop automation tools, including Python 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 standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP).
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 Communities of Practice.
Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
Travel to client and vendor offices as needed, with willingness to travel up to 30%.