Electric Automation & Protection Supervisor

Gfoat; Georgetown (TX); On-site; USD 117,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Gfoat seeks a Substation Protection and Automation Supervisor to oversee automation, protection, and SCADA integration for electric distribution systems. You will direct relay coordination, oversee IEDs, and ensure safety and reliability across substations.

Starting on or after October 5, 2026, you will lead engineering staff, coordinate maintenance and testing, and manage budgets while partnering with vendors to meet project goals and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Control Systems or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in electric distribution system protection, automation, and/or SCADA with at least two (2) years in a lead/supervisory role.
• One (1) additional year of required experience may substitute for 30 semester hours of required education, up to four (4) years.

Responsibilities

• Lead substation automation and protection personnel with clear direction and technical support.
• Plan maintenance, testing, and commissioning of protective relays, IEDs, and automation systems.
• Support 24/7 reliability of protection and control systems and ensure proper relay coordination and event analysis.
• Oversee relay settings, SCADA mapping, and integration of devices into control systems.
• Provide guidance on protection schemes, automation configurations, and system upgrades.

Skills

Electrical protection principles

Relay coordination

SCADA systems

DNP3 Modbus IEC61850

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SEL AcSELerator

SEL 5030

RTAC programming

Job description

Supervises, maintains, and participates in work tasks related to the management, protection, and automation of the electric distribution system. Ensures reliable operation, protection coordination, and integration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), relays, and automation systems within substations. Oversee the work of SCADA analysts and automation & protection technicians to maintain system integrity, operational availability, and compliance with established safety and performance standards.

Anticipated Start Date: On or after October 5, 2026.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Selects, leads, and motivates substation automation and protection personnel, providing clear direction, guidance, and technical support.
• Plans and coordinates maintenance, testing, and commissioning of protective relays, IEDs, and related electric distribution automation systems.
• Supports 24/7 reliability of electric distribution system protection and control systems, ensuring proper relay coordination, event reporting, and disturbance analysis.
• Oversees relay settings, SCADA point mapping, and integration of electric distribution devices into control systems.
• Provides direction on protection schemes, automation configurations, and system upgrades to improve reliability and safety.
• Coordinates with engineering, field operations, and OT personnel to implement system enhancements and resolve communication or protection issues.
• Leads technical discussions on complex system protection or automation issues and recommends solutions.
• Reviews, develops, and maintains standards, drawings, and procedures for relay testing, automation configuration, and control systems.
• Ensures accuracy of relay databases, system documentation, and configuration management.
• Supports capital improvement projects and new substation installations by managing integration of protection and automation equipment.
• Assists with field troubleshooting, operational testing, and commissioning of new protection and control systems.
• Manages relationships with equipment vendors, consultants, and contractors to ensure project and maintenance goals are met.
• Participates in development and management of budgets for protection, automation, and SCADA systems.
• Provides technical training and mentorship for SCADA analysts and automation & protection technicians.
• Ensures compliance with applicable safety rules, electrical codes, and utility policies.
• Leads efforts to maintain cybersecurity, firmware management, and equipment patching for critical substation systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Control Systems, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience in a related technical discipline.

Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in electric distribution system protection, automation, and/or SCADA systems, including at least two (2) years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

One (1) additional year of the required experience may be substituted for 30 semester hours of the required education, with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.

Knowledge of:

• Electrical protection principles and relay coordination.
• Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and configuration tools (e.g., SEL AcSELerator, SEL 5030, etc.).
• SCADA system functions, RTAC programming, and data acquisition principles.
• Testing procedures for relays, automation devices, and control circuits.
• Electrical theory, system operation, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Control logic programming including function block, structured text, and ladder logic.
• Communications protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850.
• Fiber optic and IP-based communication networks used in substations.
• NESC, NEC, OSHA, and other codes applicable to electric utility operations.
• Firmware management, cybersecurity practices, and version control for protection devices.
• SCADA, automation, and event reporting tools.

Skill in:

• Reading, interpreting, and analyzing technical documentation, schematics, and specifications.
• Configuring, testing, and maintaining RTACs, substation relays, IEDs, and automation equipment.
• Designing and troubleshooting protection and control logic from substation HMI to field devices.
• Leading and directing the work of subordinate staff effectively.
• Using relay testing equipment and diagnostic software.
• Analyzing event and fault records for relay performance and system disturbances. Managing budgets and procurement processes efficiently.
• Developing and implementing procedures for maintenance, testing, and configuration control.
• Using computer software including Microsoft Office Suite and protection/SCADA applications.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Building effective working relationships across departments and with outside vendors.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Valid Class "C" Texas driver’s license required. Out-of-state license holders must have a valid license and provide a three-year driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, crouching, bending, vision, hearing, talking, and use of foot controls. Work may involve exposure to weather extremes, loud noise, energized equipment, uneven terrain, and potential contact with wildlife or vegetation hazards. Must observe all safety procedures and wear appropriate protective equipment.

Hiring Range: $117,323.96 - $146,972.80, annually.