Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer 1 - Grid
About The Position
The Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer designs SCADA systems for operational requirements and emerging applications, including Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. In the Electric Grid Infrastructure Services business unit, the engineer plans, engineers, and designs SCADA and communications systems for client projects; develops system drawings, configurations, documentation, and automation tools; and stages and tests integrated 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. It also includes mentoring less experienced engineers and opportunities for professional development through peer learning and Communities of Practice. The position has a hybrid work arrangement: three days per week in the office and two days remote. Travel to client and vendor offices may be required, with travel of up to 30%. A relocation package may be available depending on location. The employer does not sponsor U.S. work authorization for this position.
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%.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
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 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 relevant emerging technologies; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies 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.
- 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 Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications, including SEL Diagram Builder, Inkscape, and Wonderware.
- Coordinate with relay settings engineers to develop or review communications 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, 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-based 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 support 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.
Benefits
- Comprehensive healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Life and accident insurance.
- Disability coverage.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Back-up daycare.
- FSA and 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 to participate in a yearly discretionary bonus.
- Relocation package may be available depending on location.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
