Substation Control System Engineer
Job Summary
The DCS Engineer acts as a technical authority responsible for the design and implementation of Substation Automation solutions. This role manages project execution phases including hardware selection, software configuration, and technical design documentation. It involves high-level customer interaction to deliver secure and efficient control systems for electrical grids.
Responsibilities
- Execute automation project design and strategy
- Develop technical documentation and DCS configurations
- Lead design reviews and customer technical discussions
- Manage project delivery and engineering milestones
- Coordinate cross-functional site testing and FAT
Required Skills
- Substation Automation Systems (SAS) expertise
- SCADA/HMI and PLC programming
- Grid protocols (IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3)
- Cybersecurity and network architecture
- Technical project management
Job Details
Essential Responsibilities
- Execute job studies for automation projects, defining project strategy, conceptual DCS design, deliverables, BoM, man-hour estimates, and design risk mitigation plans.
- Develop and release technical design documentation, engineering calculations, DCS configurations, and IED selections, with a focus on cost-effective solutions.
- Lead design reviews and customer technical discussions, resolving comments and driving timely approvals in compliance with quality and engineering standards.
- Design augmentation solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems and infrastructure.
- Perform critical engineering calculations, including network data flow analysis and data point estimation, and review factory and assembly drawings for design accuracy.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and partners to support FAT, site issue resolution, snag closure, and Site Acceptance Testing.
- Provide technical leadership for project execution, including multi-protocol IED integration, SAS troubleshooting, and incorporation of lessons learned into future designs.
- Drive on-time, high-quality delivery of design packages by tracking progress, controlling design hours, mitigating execution risks, and supporting scope and variation order assessments.
- Represent customer technical requirements in design decisions, align engineering deliverables with business objectives, and ensure strict adherence to EHS standards and safe work practices.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in design, testing, troubleshooting, and delivery of Substation Automation Systems (SAS).
- Fluent in English and able to travel up to 30% across the U.S. and Canada.
Desired Characteristics
- Expertise in substation automation design, network architecture, SCADA/HMI, cybersecurity, and IED integration.
- Proficiency in programming electrical control systems (IEC 61131 PLCs) and energy management systems.
- Knowledge of grid automation protocols such as IEC 61850, Modbus, and DNP3.
- Strong analytical, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.