Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Hanson Professional Services, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 105,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching contribution

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Comprehensive health & well-being plans

Performance bonuses

Financial wellness plans

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Houston is seeking a Power Controls Engineer to support the design and integration of control systems for electric power projects. The role involves designing SCADA systems and coordinating communication architectures. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in electrical engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience in power system control. The position offers a competitive salary ranging between $105,000 and $160,000, along with various benefits including 401(k) and performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in power system controls, substation automation, or SCADA within the power or utility industry.
• Experience with substation or transmission projects and power system communication and control systems.
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems and utility operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and support SCADA, substation automation, and communication architectures.
• Develop control and monitoring schemes coordinating between facilities.
• Support integration of field devices and troubleshooting communication systems.

Skills

Technical problem-solving skills

Clear written and verbal communication

Detail-oriented approach

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related field

Tools

SCADA systems

Protective-relaying communications

Job description

About the Role

Hanson Professional Services Inc. seeks a Power Controls Engineer to support the design, implementation, and integration of control systems and communication networks for electric power infrastructure projects.

This is a technical engineering role focused on communication and control interfaces among substations, transmission systems, utilities, and control centers, including SCADA systems, protective‑relaying communications, and fiber‑optic networks.

The engineer works closely with substation, transmission, civil, structural, and utility clients to ensure reliable, secure, and coordinated operation of power system control and monitoring infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and support SCADA, substation automation, and power system communication architectures.
• Develop control and monitoring schemes that coordinate between substations, transmission systems, and operations centers.
• Support integration of field devices including IEDs, RTUs, PLCs, and protective relays.
• Assist with commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting control and communication systems.
• Support SCADA point lists, I/O mapping, control logic, and alarm philosophies.
• Coordinate communication protocols such as DNP3, IEC 61850, and Modbus.
• Participate in network design involving fiber‑optic communication systems, Ethernet/IP, redundant paths, and cybersecurity considerations.
• Coordinate with utilities and IT/OT stakeholders on system interfaces and data exchange.
• Work in coordination with substation, transmission, distribution, civil, structural, and electrical engineering teams.
• Review drawings and specifications to ensure proper integration of controls, communications, and protection.
• Prepare and review technical deliverables: control schematics, wiring diagrams, communication line and network diagrams, SCADA architecture drawings, technical specifications and standards.
• Support responses to technical questions during design, construction, and commissioning.
• Assist with upgrades, expansions, and modernization of existing control and communication systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• 5‑10 years of experience in power system controls, substation automation, or SCADA within the power or utility industry.
• Experience with substation or transmission projects and power system communication and control systems.
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems, protective‑relaying communications, and utility operational requirements.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.
• Experience with investor‑owned utilities, public power agencies, or electric cooperatives.
• Familiarity with IEC 61850 architectures, fiber‑optic network design, and substation automation systems.
• Experience supporting commissioning, testing, or system cutovers.
• Understanding of cybersecurity considerations for utility control systems.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical problem‑solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating closely with others.
• Detail‑oriented approach to technical design and documentation.
• Collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset.

Working at Hanson

• Employee‑owned firm with long‑term stability and career growth.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Opportunities to work with power utilities across multiple regions.
• Occasional travel to support projects or client coordination.

Salary

Salary range: $105,000 - $160,000

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Performance bonuses
• 401(k) with matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Comprehensive health & well‑being plans
• Financial wellness plans
• Work‑life balance programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EEO - EMPLOYER