Power Systems Automation Engineer

Job Description

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is focused on making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. 

SEL manufactures intelligent electronic devices (IED), Remote Terminal Units (RTU), and logic controllers that provide state-of-the-art monitoring, communication, and protection of power systems in multiple industries.   

SEL Engineering Services (SEL ES) is the sector of SEL that creates solutions to target applications of SEL equipment for worldwide customers.  The SEL ES engineering team designs, develops, tests, and commissions projects to meet our customers’ requirements. Applications include, but are not limited to: 

• Utilities – Generation, Transmission and Distribution  

• Industrial Plants and Universities– Substation and Switchgear 

• Renewables – Wind, Solar, and BESS 

SEL ES - Automation projects focus on data collection of system IEDs, logic controls, and the presentation of data for the customer to monitor and control their power system.  

Utilizing real-time logic controllers and communication equipment, the SEL ES Automation engineer owns the planning, design, development, testing and commissioning of the project. Projects often include, but are not limited to: 

• Communication network equipment  

• Configuration of real-time controllers to serve as RTUs. 

• Human Machine Interface (HMI) or server to an upstream SCADA client. 

• Configuration of real-time controllers to perform custom logic such as automatic system fault location, isolation and restoration. 

• Configuration of workstations for power system analytic software 

Position: 

• Project Engineer - Automation 

Position Experience Requirement: 

• Minimum of 7+ years 

• Past work history, or equivalency, to meet position description and skill requirements 

Position Description:   

• Working alongside Project Managers, Technical Leads, and Engineers from other focus areas   

• Technical leading to assist Project Managers and Salesforce in planning applications for customers 

• Joins customer meetings to provide SEL equipment expertise and recommendations for future and active projects 

• Defines and oversees the execution of multiple objectives with minimal guidance and general high-level direction 

• Research of SEL equipment, third-party equipment and solutions 

• Branching into OT network solutions (Layer 1, Layer 2 Architecture and Applications Data Flow) 

• Research of emerging technologies and trends within and beyond their focus area. 

• Mentors their project team and teaches others in their disciplines. 

• Reviews and certifies deliverables for quality standards prior to customer submittal 

• Automation Design Specifications and drawings 

• Product configurations 

• Factory testing and procedures 

• Field safety preparations and commissioning procedures 

• Service reports 

• Technical lead of the project engineering team that will define deliverables, schedule, and project execution from design through commissioning. 

Position skill requirements:  

• Understanding of project engineering scope in relation to project budget (labor and equipment) 

• Ownership of schedule and a self-starter for research 

• Professional communication skills to be the direct technical contact for customers and colleagues. 

• Designing of control logic schemes and network configurations 

• Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and Bill of Materials 

• Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.)  

• Experience with server/client SCADA applications 

• Experience with design/development suite of HMI applications 

• Willing to travel at least 50% of the time domestically and abroad 

Additions skills but not requirements: 

• Experience with phase I/O style project management 

• Experience with SEL product configurations   

• Experience with IEC-61131 programming 

• Experience with Python programming 

• Experience with IT/OT Network design  

• Experience with IT/OT Network troubleshooting (Wireshark) 

• Substation safety training 

• Work from home experience  

Location Information: We are open to MULTIPLE locations

Houston, TX-This position is on-site located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work.

West Lafayette, IN – This position is located in West Lafayette, IN, a welcoming community that combines small-town charm with the energy of world-class university town. Home to Purdue University, the area is known for its innovation, strong schools, and vibrant community. Residents enjoy parks and outdoor recreation, local events, diverse dining options, and an affordable cost of living, all while being conveniently located within driving distance of Indianapolis and Chicago.

Plymouth, MI – This position is located in Plymouth, Michigan, positioned between Ann Arbor and Detroit.  The cultural and educational hub of Southeast Michigan, Plymouth is surrounded by parks and historic neighborhoods with top-rated school districts. Rated one of the safest cities in Michigan, and among the top Best Places to Raise a Family, Plymouth offers year-round outdoor recreation and festivals. Nearby world-class cultural attractions and a vibrant business community make Plymouth a highly sought-after place to call home.

Lakewood, CO – This position is located in Lakewood, CO. Tucked against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and located just seven miles away from Denver, making Lakewood a perfect place to live and work. Enjoy an unmatched quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation and great schools. Pay range: $MIN - $MID+ per year depending on experience. This position provides medical, dental, vision, paid leave, and a monthly education allowance. ​

Fairview Heights, IL – This position is located in Fairview Heights, IL. Located just 15 minutes from downtown St Louis. A quick Metrorail trip to the city will allow you to enjoy all that the big city has to offer, including professional sports teams, first rate entertainment, and great universities. Enjoy local shops, easy access to parks, and great dinning. Fairview Heights is a city rich in history, and values community, making it the perfect place to live and work.

#INDD2

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

• We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
• We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
• We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.  
• Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

New hires generally start between $110,000 - 175,000. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location.

Communication with Applicants 

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.