Automation Commissioning Engineer

Hitachi Vantara Corporation; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Life/AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Hitachi Energy is seeking an Automation Commissioning Engineer in Raleigh, NC to lead testing, integration, and commissioning of substation automation systems. You will validate IEC 61850 communications, configure MicroSCADA, and ensure cybersecurity compliance on-site with project teams and customers.

The role requires 3–7 years of commissioning experience, strong SCADA knowledge, and willingness to travel for on-site work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in commissioning substation automation systems.
• Hands-on experience with Hitachi Energy MicroSCADA and IEC 61850 configuration.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA systems, communication protocols, and networking.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity standards for automation systems.
• Willingness to travel extensively for on-site commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Perform FAT and SAT for substation automation systems.
• Configure and test SCADA systems, HMI interfaces, and RTU logic.
• Validate IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, and GOOSE communications for interoperability.
• Troubleshoot issues during commissioning and start-up phases.
• Prepare and execute detailed commissioning plans and procedures.
• Conduct point-to-point testing, alarm verification, and command validation.
• Verify system behavior under redundancy (PRP/HSR).
• Integrate automation with protection and control schemes.
• Configure MicroSCADA applications and cybersecurity requirements.
• Support IEC 61850 SCL file integration (ICD/CID/SCD) and dataset configuration.
• Prepare commissioning reports and maintain change logs.
• Collaborate with project teams and customers; provide training as needed.
• Adhere to HSE policies and participate in safety practices.

Skills

SCADA systems

IEC 61850 configuration

Networking fundamentals

Troubleshooting

Travel readiness

Communication skills

Cybersecurity for automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Automation

Tools

Hitachi Energy MicroSCADA

IEC 61850 analyzers

OMICRON CMC

Doble testing equipment

Job description

The Opportunity

The Automation Commissioning Engineer is responsible for the testing, integration, and commissioning of substation automation systems, with a strong focus on Hitachi Energy MicroSCADA and IEC 61850-based solutions. This role ensures that automation systems are installed, configured, and validated according to project specifications, safety standards, and customer requirements. The position involves on-site work and collaboration with engineering teams, project managers, and customers.

How You'll Make An Impact

Commissioning & Testing

• Perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for substation automation systems.


• Configure and test SCADA systems, HMI interfaces, and RTU logic.


• Validate communication protocols (IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, GOOSE) and ensure interoperability.


• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during commissioning and start-up phases.


• Prepare and execute detailed commissioning plans and procedures.

• Conduct point‑to‑point testing, alarm/event verification, and control command validation.


• Verify system behavior under redundancy conditions (PRP/HSR networks, redundant servers/gateways).

Integration & Configuration

• Integrate automation systems with protection and control schemes.


• Configure MicroSCADA applications and ensure proper system functionality.


• Verify system performance and compliance with cybersecurity requirements.

• Support integration of IEC 61850 SCL files (ICD/CID/SCD) and automated dataset/report configuration.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare commissioning reports, test records, and as-built documentation.


• Maintain accurate logs of system configurations and changes.

• Report non‑conformances into TMT tool and support resolution and documentation of corrective actions.

Customer & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and customers during commissioning phases.


• Provide technical support and training to customers and site personnel.


• Participate in meetings to discuss commissioning progress and resolve issues.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all commissioning activities comply with company HSE policies and site safety requirements.


• Promote a culture of safety and integrity during on‑site work.


• Participate in daily toolbox talks, risk assessments, and LOTO procedures as applicable.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field.


• 3–7 years of experience in commissioning substation automation systems.


• Hands‑on experience with Hitachi Energy MicroSCADA and IEC 61850 configuration.


• Strong knowledge of SCADA systems, communication protocols, and networking.


• Familiarity with cybersecurity standards for automation systems.


• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.


• Willingness to travel extensively for on‑site commissioning.


• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with customers and multidisciplinary teams.


• Experience with tools such as IEC 61850 analyzers, gateway configuration platforms, and test instrumentation (OMICRON CMC,Doble etc.) considered an asset.

More About Us

We pride ourselves on offering a holistic range of competitive benefits to support your financial, physical and mental wellbeing and personal development. We want you to truly thrive with us, in work and out.

For this role, depending on grade and experience, we offer the following employee benefits (subject to the respective plan rules):

• Health Care (medical, dental, vision, etc.)


• Financial Wellbeing: (Employer sponsored pension - 401(k) Program with generous company match and contribution, Life/AD&D Insurance, disability insurance)


• Family Care: Life and Family (Legal, pet, auto, home, identity theft, etc.), special needs support, and adoption assistance


• Work-Life: Enhanced leave programs (FMLA, Military Service Leave, Maternal, Paternal, adoption, vacation, and holiday)


• Employee Engagement and Development: Employee Resource Groups (depending on location), tuition reimbursement program, on-demand learning platforms

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Hitachi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals

with disabilities.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This accommodation channel is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.