Electrical Engineer

Actalent; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an entry-level Electrical Engineer in Birmingham, AL to design Substation Integration and Automation (SIA) systems for transmission and distribution substations. You'll develop configuration files for SCADA and automation, support field personnel, and document designs using Office tools.

You will expand skills in protective relaying, HMI/PLC applications, and digital communications while contributing to safe, reliable power systems and project delivery in a collaborative

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with an emphasis in Electrical Engineering.
• Foundational knowledge of basic electrical power system theory.
• Understanding of power systems, protective relaying, control systems, and digital electronics, supported by relevant coursework such as Power System Analysis, Protective Relaying, Control Systems, and Digital Electronics.
• Ability to design and work with substation integration and automation systems, including SCADA, HMI, PLC, and power relaying applications.
• Ability to understand and analyze digital communication circuits used in transmission and substation environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn and apply engineering software tools.
• Effective time management and organizational skills to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to convey technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated work ethic supported by previous work experience, which does not need to be engineering-related.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop configuration files for Substation Integration and Automation systems that effectively apply established standards.
• Provide detailed configuration files and engineering field support to construction and commissioning personnel during project implementation.
• Use Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to document designs, prepare reports, and communicate technical information.
• Develop effective project plans, establish clear goals, and monitor progress to ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Apply knowledge and technical understanding of the operational purpose and application of substation equipment in system designs.
• Analyze and interpret digital communication circuits used in substation and transmission applications.
• Support storm restoration efforts by assisting with system analysis, configuration, and technical troubleshooting as needed.
• Collaborate with operations and construction teams to help maintain a reliable, safe, and secure power system.
• Develop SIA schemes that support the operation of an efficient, dependable, and well-integrated power system.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously by setting priorities and using effective time management and organizational skills to meet project team goals.

Skills

Power systems theory

Protective relaying

SCADA knowledge

HMI and PLC familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical)

Tools

CAD tools

SCADA software

HMI systems

Power engineering software

Job description

Job Title: Electrical Engineer

Job Description

This entry-level Electrical Engineer role in the Transmission Protection & Control Department focuses on the design and application of Substation Integration and Automation (SIA) systems for transmission and distribution substations. You will learn to develop application and configuration files that support SCADA, remote engineering access, and the transfer of critical information from substations for capital improvement projects, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, schedule, and cost control. You will also participate in resolving technical issues that arise in the transmission system and help determine effective solutions that support a reliable, safe, and secure power system.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop configuration files for Substation Integration and Automation systems that effectively apply established standards.
• Provide detailed configuration files and engineering field support to construction and commissioning personnel during project implementation.
• Use Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to document designs, prepare reports, and communicate technical information.
• Develop effective project plans, establish clear goals, and monitor progress to ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Apply knowledge and technical understanding of the operational purpose and application of substation equipment in system designs.
• Analyze and interpret digital communication circuits used in substation and transmission applications.
• Support storm restoration efforts by assisting with system analysis, configuration, and technical troubleshooting as needed.
• Collaborate with operations and construction teams to help maintain a reliable, safe, and secure power system.
• Develop SIA schemes that support the operation of an efficient, dependable, and well-integrated power system.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously by setting priorities and using effective time management and organizational skills to meet project team goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with an emphasis in Electrical Engineering.
• Foundational knowledge of basic electrical power system theory.
• Understanding of power systems, protective relaying, control systems, and digital electronics, supported by relevant coursework such as Power System Analysis, Protective Relaying, Control Systems, and Digital Electronics.
• Ability to design and work with substation integration and automation systems, including SCADA, HMI, PLC, and power relaying applications.
• Ability to understand and analyze digital communication circuits used in transmission and substation environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn and apply engineering software tools.
• Effective time management and organizational skills to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to convey technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated work ethic supported by previous work experience, which does not need to be engineering-related.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working knowledge of digital communications protocols such as DNP, SES92, and SELFM is highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools for creating and modifying engineering drawings.
• Experience or familiarity with HMI systems, automation, three-phase power systems, and electrical design concepts.
• Exposure to or interest in power systems engineering, SCADA integration, and substation automation.
• Ability to develop effective plans, establish goals, and monitor progress toward task completion in a team environment.

Work Environment

This position is based in an operations center in Birmingham, Alabama, adjacent to a major utility facility. The majority of Substation Integration and Automation work takes place in a professional office environment that relies on computer-based engineering tools, documentation software, and digital communication technologies. Occasional travel is required for site visits, meetings, conferences, and training, providing exposure to substation facilities and field operations. The role emphasizes a collaborative, safety-focused culture with a strong commitment to reliability, quality, and continuous learning.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Birmingham, AL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Birmingham, AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Birmingham,AL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.