Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer 1 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy • Reading, PA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead SCADA & Automation Engineer designs SCADA and communications systems for electric grid infrastructure projects, addressing operational requirements and emerging applications such as Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. The role involves engineering and design work for client projects, configuration and testing of automation systems, troubleshooting communications, and producing project documentation. The position also coordinates with clients, suppliers, project managers, and other engineers, and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Travel to client and vendor offices may be required, up to 30%. The role has a hybrid work arrangement, with three days per week in the office and two days remote. A relocation package may be available depending on location. Employees are expected to use professional judgment when applying technology-assisted tools. The position does not offer U.S. work authorization sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
• At least 8 years of experience designing, configuring, implementing, and troubleshooting 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, both serial- and IP-based.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%.
• U.S. work authorization sponsorship is not provided.

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 and 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 standards and cybersecurity.
• CISSP certification.
• Interest in learning and using emerging technologies where relevant to the role; 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 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 for SCADA system requirements.
• Develop points lists for data transferred between RTUs, IEDs, and master station connections.
• Configure Remote Terminal Units, including SEL RTAC, Novatech OrionLX, SMP Gateway, and GE-D20.
• Configure programmable automation controllers, 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 communications port settings for protection relays, meters, and other IEDs.
• Develop network device configurations for switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Troubleshoot SCADA network and communications systems remotely and onsite, including DNP, Modbus, SEL Protocol, IEC 61850, TCP/IP, and UDP.
• Develop SCADA system and network documentation for projects.
• Develop automation tools to improve project efficiency, including with Python.
• 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 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 the company’s processes 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%.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 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.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Eligible employees may participate in a yearly discretionary bonus.
• Relocation package may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

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