Lead Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Leidos•Charlotte, NC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Leidos is seeking a Lead Substation Protection & Controls Engineer to join their team. This role involves owning complex P&C designs for 12–500 kV systems, utilizing advanced digital logic and AC/DC circuit expertise to protect the modern grid and facilitate renewable energy integration. The position offers a hybrid schedule with 3 days a week in the Charlotte, NC office, or remote for candidates located in NC, SC, TN, or VA. The role requires travel to customer sites or the office as needed and offers a fast-paced, collaborative environment with flexible work arrangements, supportive leadership, and investment in employee growth through professional development, PMP development, technical training, leadership pathways, and mentorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, or related degree with eight (8+) or more years of substation protection control design experience.
Experience in leading and executing substation protection and control projects.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and clients to support project needs.
Proven ability to meet deadlines and stay organized in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, contribute to group success, and provide leadership when needed.
Self-starter who can take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
Strong analytical abilities with a track record of solving engineering challenges both independently and collaboratively.
High level of computer competency and comfort working with engineering tools and software.
Willingness to travel to project sites and client locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Engineer Intern (“EI” or “EIT”) professional certification.
Professional Engineer (“PE”) License.
Master’s degree in related field.
Field testing/commissioning experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and support the delivery of substation protection and control design projects, ensuring technical excellence and on-time performance.
Create and refine relay one-line diagrams that define protection zones and system topology.
Develop detailed AC schematics that capture current, voltage, and protection device relationships.
Produce DC control and protection schematics that ensure safe and reliable operation of substation equipment.
Design control panels, wiring diagrams, and physical layouts that support efficient construction and long-term maintainability.
Build accurate BOMs aligned with project criteria, equipment standards, and client requirements.
Perform rigorous QC checks on wiring and schematic designs to ensure accuracy, safety, and constructability.
Contribute from early scoping through final design, implementation, and energization support.
Provide technical guidance during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
Apply National Electrical Safety Code requirements to ensure safe and compliant designs.
Interpret and implement utility-specific standards across all design deliverables.
Partner with design staff to produce complete, accurate drawing packages for every project.
Comply with quality control and safe work practices and maintain compliance with project scope, schedule, and budget.
Work with client standards to implement design.