Automation Engineers design SCADA systems

Automation Engineers design SCADA systems to address operational requirements & emerging trends including Smart Grid, Substation & Distribution Automation applications, Battery Energy Storage, and Microgrid controllers. As an Automation Engineer in our Electric Grid Infrastructure Services business unit you will:

• Engage in fast-paced client projects to plan, engineer, & design SCADA and communications systems.
• Develop communication block diagrams, panel layout/bill of material drawings, SCADA AC & DC schematics, fiber detail drawings, & network drawings.
• Provide reviews/design input of P&C drawings for SCADA system requirements.
• Develop points lists for data transferred between RTUs, IEDs, and master station connections.
• Develop configurations for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) - (SEL RTAC, Novatech OrionLX, SMP Gateway, GE-D20, etc.)
• Develop configurations for programmable automation controllers (PACs) - (SEL-2440/2411, etc.)
• Program Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications (SEL Diagram Builder, Inkscape, Wonderware, etc.)
• Coordinate with relay settings engineers to develop/review communication port settings for protection relays, meters, & other IEDs.
• Develop network device configurations for switches, routers, & firewalls. (Cisco, Siemens Ruggedcomm, SEL, etc.)
• Perform troubleshooting of SCADA system network & communication systems (DNP, Modbus, SEL Protocol, IEC 61850, TCP/IP, UDP) remotely and onsite (if required).
• Develop SCADA system and Network documentation for projects.
• Develop automation tools to improve project efficiency (python, etc.)
• Stage, configure & test integrated systems designs, for interoperability & performance consistent with predictive models in our Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory.
• Ensure strict adherence to NERC standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP).
• Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design.
• Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of Sargent & Lundy’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”
• Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers.
• There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
• 8 years of experience in design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of substation SCADA and communication systems.
• Experience with SEL, Novatech, & GE RTUs and software.
• Basic understanding of LAN/WAN devices and topology.
• Knowledge of DNP, Modbus, SEL, IEC-61850 (MMS/Goose) protocols - serial & IP based.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Ability & willingness to travel up to 30%.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Professional Engineering (P.E.) License.
• Master of Science degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
• Experience with communication troubleshooting software/hardware (ASE Test Set, Wireshark, etc.)
• Protective relay settings experience (SEL, GE, ABB etc.)
• Radio communications experience.
• Network design credentials, applied knowledge of IP / MPLS.
• Well versed in use of MS Project & Visio.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Familiar with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards & Cyber-Security.
• CISSP certification.

Technology & Innovation

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work.

We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.

Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare

• FSA & 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

Compensation Range

$118,023 - $180,313

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.