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 requirements and emerging applications, including Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. You will develop system drawings, configurations, applications, and documentation; troubleshoot communications systems; and stage, configure, and test integrated designs in the Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory. The role also involves coordinating with colleagues, clients, and suppliers, mentoring less experienced engineers, and maintaining adherence to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards. Travel to client and vendor offices may be required, with travel of up to 30%. The position has a hybrid arrangement: three days per week in the office and two days remotely. A 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 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, 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; the employer does not sponsor 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 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 (CIP) standards and cybersecurity.
- CISSP certification.
- Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies 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 for SCADA 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.
- Configure 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 and 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 communications systems remotely and onsite, 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 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 other engineers through peer learning, process systems, and Communities of Practice.
- Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
- Travel to client and vendor offices as needed; the role requires willingness to travel up to 30%.
Benefits
- Comprehensive healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 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 yearly discretionary bonus for eligible employees.
- Relocation package may be available depending on location.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
