Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Hanson Professional Services•Springfield, IL

20h•$105,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking a Power Controls Engineer to support the design, implementation, and integration of control systems and communication networks for electric power infrastructure projects. This position is not a project management or project controls role. Instead, the Power Controls Engineer provides specialized technical expertise that complements substation, transmission, and distribution engineering teams. The role focuses on communication and control interfaces among substations, transmission systems, utilities, and control centers, including SCADA systems, protective-relaying communications, and fiber‑optic networks. The Power Controls Engineer works closely with substation engineers, transmission engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, and utility clients to ensure reliable, secure, and coordinated operation of power system control and monitoring infrastructure.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field.
Minimum 5–10 years of experience in power system controls, substation automation, or SCADA within the power or utility industry.
Experience working with: Substation or transmission projects Power system communication and control systems
Working knowledge of SCADA systems, protective relaying communications, and utility operational requirements.
Ability to collaborate across multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.
Experience with: Investor‑Owned Utilities (IOUs) Public power agencies or electric cooperatives
Familiarity with: IEC 61850 architectures Fiberoptic network design and troubleshooting Substation automation systems
Experience supporting commissioning, testing, or system cutovers.
Understanding of cybersecurity considerations for utility control systems.
Strong technical problem‑solving skills
Clear written and verbal communication
Ability to work independently while coordinating closely with others
Detail‑oriented approach to technical design and documentation
Collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset
Employee‑owned firm offering long‑term stability and career growth
Collaborative, multi‑disciplinary engineering environment
Opportunities to work with power utilities across multiple regions
Occasional travel to support projects or client coordination
Valid driver’s license required

Responsibilities

Power System Controls & Communications Design and support SCADA, substation automation, and power system communication architectures.
Develop control and monitoring schemes that support coordination between substations, transmission systems, and operations centers.
Support integration of field devices, including: IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) RTUs and PLCs Protective relays
Assist with commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting control and communication systems.
Support SCADA point lists, I/O mapping, control logic, and alarm philosophies.
Coordinate communication protocols such as: DNP3 IEC 61850 Modbus
Participate in network design involving: Fiberoptic communication systems Ethernet and IP-based networks Redundant communication paths and cybersecurity considerations
Coordinate with utilities and IT/OT stakeholders on control system interfaces and data exchange.
Work in addition to (and in coordination with) substation engineers—not as a replacement, proposing technical depth in controls and communications.
Coordinate with: Substation, transmission, and distribution engineers Civil, structural, and electrical engineering teams Utility operations and control center personnel
Review drawings and specifications to ensure proper integration of controls, communications, and protection systems.
Prepare and review technical deliverables, including: Control schematics and wiring diagrams Communication one‑lines and network diagrams SCADA architecture drawings Technical specifications and standards
Support responses to technical questions during design, construction, and commissioning.
Assist with upgrades, expansions, and modernization of existing control and communication systems.
Support a variety of power delivery projects, including: Transmission and substation control systems Utility SCADA and EMS/DMS interfaces Grid modernization and automation initiatives Integration of new substations or transmission assets into existing control networks