Sr. SCADA & Communication Engineer - Substation

The Haskell Company•Charlotte, NC

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

In this role, we are seeking a Senior Substation SCADA & Communication Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and integration of advanced communication systems for substation automation, SCADA, and telemetry across transmission and distribution networks. This role plays a critical part in utility grid modernization – ensuring secure, reliable, and standards-compliant control infrastructure for substations, renewable generation facilities, and grid interconnection points. This role will serve as the technical lead on SCADA and communication engineering projects, supporting major utility and renewable energy clients nationwide. The ideal candidate will have deep experience with RTU and PLC configuration, industrial communication protocols, grid interconnection, and regulatory compliance (NERC/FERC/LGIA).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (ABET-accredited).
8+ years of experience in power system automation, SCADA integration, and substation communication system design.
Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or the ability to obtain within a reasonable time.
Proven expertise in: RTU/PLC/HMI configuration (e.g., SEL RTAC, GE D20, NovaTech Orion, Schneider PLCs)
Proven expertise in: SCADA protocols: DNP3 (serial and TCP/IP), Modbus, IEC 61850/GOOSE
Proven expertise in: Communication media: Fiber optics, microwave radio, serial, Ethernet
Proven expertise in: SCADA software platforms: SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, WinCC, Survalent, OSIsoft PI, Wonderware, etc.
Working knowledge of: Substation protection & control (P&C) schemes and related data interfaces
Working knowledge of: NERC CIP compliance and substation cybersecurity principles
Working knowledge of: Network configuration, firewalls, and secure device access
Experience supporting grid interconnection projects, including familiarity with LGIA, telemetry validation, and control logic for renewable assets.
Familiarity with NERC, FERC, and utility interconnection requirements
Experience with substation communication system modeling tools (e.g., PathLoss, RadioSoft, or equivalent)
Experience with renewable energy SCADA systems, collector substations, and DERMS integration.
Experience with PI Historian, EMS/SCADA database management, and alarm modeling.
Prior utility consulting, EPC, or grid operator experience is strongly valued.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and implementation of substation SCADA systems, including RTUs, HMIs, PLCs, data concentrators, I/O devices, and communication processors.
Develop network architectures and communication topologies (LAN/WAN, fiber, microwave, serial) for transmission substations, renewable plants, and control centers.
Engineer communication systems that utilize Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, Ethernet/IP, and other standard protocols.
Generate complete SCADA design packages, including: SCADA block diagrams, Panel layout and equipment drawings, Schematics and wiring diagrams, Points lists and device mapping, Bill of Materials (BOM), Settings files for RTUs/PLCs/switches/firewalls, Network diagrams and addressing plans.
Configure and validate RTUs (e.g., SEL, GE/Harris, NovaTech), IEDs, HMIs, and automation controllers.
Perform system testing and field commissioning—including end-to-end SCADA point verification, communication diagnostics, and live troubleshooting.
Serve as the primary technical contact for utilities, grid operators (e.g., ISO/RTOs), and interconnection stakeholders during grid testing, energization, and regulatory compliance.
Support construction teams during buildout and assist with resolution of field integration issues.
Ensure all SCADA and communication systems adhere to LGIA, utility interconnection, and NERC/FERC requirements.
Implement cybersecurity best practices and apply NERC CIP requirements during design and deployment of SCADA infrastructure.
Maintain comprehensive system documentation, including device configurations, change logs, test reports, and compliance evidence.
Mentor junior engineers and act as technical lead on multi-disciplinary project teams.
Provide SCADA/communications technical input during proposal development and bid reviews.
Interface with internal protection, automation, substation physical, and IT cybersecurity teams to deliver integrated solutions.
Drive innovation through continuous improvement in tools, processes, and emerging technologies (AI-based diagnostics, digital twins, etc.).