Senior SCADA & Automation Engineer 2 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy • Atlanta, GA

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior SCADA & Automation Engineer designs, configures, implements, tests, and troubleshoots SCADA and communications systems for electric grid infrastructure projects. The work supports operational requirements and emerging applications including Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. The role includes developing system drawings and documentation, configuring automation and network devices, programming HMI applications, and coordinating with protection and control engineers, clients, project managers, and suppliers.

The engineer stages and tests integrated designs in a Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory, checks interoperability and performance, and ensures adherence to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards. The position also includes mentoring less experienced engineers, sharing knowledge through internal communities of practice, and potentially traveling to client and vendor offices. The role 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, or an equivalent degree.
• Seven years of experience in the 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, both serial and IP-based.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%.
• The employer does not sponsor U.S. 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 communications troubleshooting software and hardware, such as ASE Test Set and Wireshark.
• Protective relay settings experience, including SEL, GE, or ABB.
• 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 where relevant.
• Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies.

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 for protection and control drawings to address SCADA system requirements.
• Develop points lists for data transfers 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.
• 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 communications 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.
• Develop SCADA system and network documentation for projects.
• Develop automation tools, such as Python scripts, 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 ensure complete and timely designs.
• Share knowledge with experienced engineers through company processes and Communities of Practice.
• Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
• Travel to client and vendor offices as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision.
• 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.
• Relocation package, dependent upon location.

What This Job Offers

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