Senior SCADA & Automation Engineer 1 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy • Columbus, OH

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior 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 such as Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. You will develop and configure system components, coordinate with project teams and clients, and stage and test integrated designs in the company’s Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory. The position also involves troubleshooting SCADA networks and communications remotely and onsite when required, maintaining project documentation, and adhering to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards.

You will coordinate with engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers, and provide guidance to less experienced engineers. Peer learning and knowledge-sharing are supported through Sargent & Lundy’s processes and Communities of Practice. Travel to client and vendor offices may be required, with travel of up to 30%. The role has a hybrid arrangement: three days per week in the office and two days working remotely. A relocation package may be available depending on location. Sargent & Lundy does not sponsor U.S. work authorization for this position.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience designing, configuring, implementing, and troubleshooting 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, both serial and IP-based.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the employer does not sponsor work authorization for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineering (P.E.) license.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
• Experience with communication troubleshooting software or 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 (CIP) standards and cybersecurity.
• CISSP certification.
• Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies 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 (RTUs), including SEL RTAC, Novatech OrionLX, SMP Gateway, and GE-D20 systems.
• Configure programmable automation controllers (PACs), including SEL-2440 and SEL-2411 systems.
• Program HMI applications using tools such as SEL Diagram Builder, Inkscape, and Wonderware.
• Coordinate with relay settings engineers to develop or 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 as required, using protocols such as 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 for interoperability and performance in the Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory.
• Ensure adherence to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.
• Coordinate with and provide guidance to engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure complete and timely designs.
• Share knowledge with experienced engineers through company processes and Communities of Practice.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.
• Travel to client and vendor offices as needed, with willingness to travel up to 30%.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health plans.
• 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 eligibility for a yearly discretionary bonus.
• Potential relocation package, depending on location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed