Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Hanson Professional Services Inc.; United States; 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

Job summary

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking a Power Controls Engineer to join their team in the United States. The role involves supporting the design and integration of control systems for electric power infrastructure projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in electrical engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience in power system controls, with a focus on SCADA and communications.

This position offers competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a collaborative working environment with opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in power system controls, substation automation, or SCADA.
• Experience with power system communication and control systems.
• Ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and support SCADA and power system communication architectures.
• Develop control schemes for coordination between substations and operations centers.
• Support integration of field devices and assist with system troubleshooting.

Skills

Power System Controls

SCADA Systems

Communication Protocols

Technical Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

IEDs

RTUs

PLCs

Job description

Hanson Values Integrity | Commitment | Quality | Relationships | Innovation If you’re looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company’s practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.

About the Role

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking a Power Controls Engineer to support the design, implementation, and integration of control systems and communication networks for electric power infrastructure projects. This position is not a project management or project controls role. Instead, the Power Controls Engineer provides specialized technical expertise that complements substation, transmission, and distribution engineering teams. The role focuses on communication and control interfaces among substations, transmission systems, utilities, and control centers, including SCADA systems, protective‑relaying communications, and fiber‑optic networks. The Power Controls Engineer works closely with substation engineers, transmission engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, and utility clients to ensure reliable, secure, and coordinated operation of power system control and monitoring infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Power System Controls & Communications Design and support SCADA, substation automation, and power system communication architectures.
• Develop control and monitoring schemes that support coordination between substations, transmission systems, and operations centers.
• Support integration of field devices, including:
  • IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices)
  • RTUs and PLCs
  • Protective relays
• Assist with commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting control and communication systems.
• SCADA & Network Integration:
  • Support SCADA point lists, I/O mapping, control logic, and alarm philosophies.
• Coordinate communication protocols such as: DNP3, IEC 61850, Modbus.
• Participate in network design involving:
  • Fiber‑optic communication systems
  • Ethernet and IP‑based networks
  • Redundant communication paths and cybersecurity considerations.
• Coordinate with utilities and IT/OT stakeholders on control system interfaces and data exchange.
• Collaboration with Engineering Teams: Work in addition to substation engineers, not as a replacement, proposing technical depth in controls and communications.
• Review drawings and specifications to ensure proper integration of controls, communications, and protection systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in power system controls, substation automation, or SCADA within the power or utility industry.
• Experience working with substation or transmission projects and power system communication and control systems, including working knowledge of SCADA systems, protective relaying communications, and utility operational requirements.
• Ability to collaborate across multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.
• Experience with Investor‑Owned Utilities (IOUs), public power agencies, or electric cooperatives.
• Familiarity with IEC 61850 architectures, fiber‑optic network design and troubleshooting, 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 offering long‑term stability and career growth.
• Collaborative, multi‑disciplinary engineering environment.
• Opportunities to work with power utilities across multiple regions.
• Occasional travel to support projects or client coordination.
• Valid driver’s license required.

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 EEO - Employer

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies/staffing firms. Resumes are only accepted from recruiters and agency/staffing firms if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position.