Lead Engineer - Protection & Control

Utilities Service, LLC; Boonton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Asplundh Engineering Services in Boonton, New Jersey is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer with expertise in Utility Protection & Control to guide design, analysis, and implementation across transmission, distribution and substation projects. You will mentor engineers and coordinate with clients to deliver reliable grid solutions.

The role combines technical leadership with field and office work, requiring strong communication and project management skills to meet client standards and NERC

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology is required.
• 5+ years of experience in Protection & Control Engineering, Relay Engineering, or Power Systems Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, review, and implementation of Protection & Control settings and relay designs for utility projects.
• Perform short-circuit, coordination, and system protection studies using industry-standard software.
• Develop and review HMI configurations, RTU settings, relay logic, and SCADA interfaces for substation automation.
• Manage projects, coordinate technical deliverables, and ensure compliance with client standards and NERC requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and project teams.
• Act as a key customer contact, delivering engineering expertise and project coordination at sites.
• Support project commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and field activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology

Tools

ASPEN

SKM

ETAP

EasyPower

Protection relays (SEL)

Protection relays (GE)

Beckwith relays

Job description

Description

Lead Electrical Engineer - Protection & Control

What if you could discover the way to an exciting and rewarding career? The path is closer than you may think. Connect with us, explore the possibilities, and see why Asplundh is 36,000 strong and growing.

About Asplundh Engineering Services

Asplundh Engineering Services (AES) delivers engineering, design, planning, commissioning, testing, and field support solutions for electric utility, renewable energy, and infrastructure clients across the United States. Backed by the strength and resources of the Asplundh family of companies, AES helps power providers modernize infrastructure, improve reliability, and safely deliver energy to the communities they serve.

Role Overview

Asplundh Engineering Services is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer with expertise in Utility Protection & Control to join our growing team in Boonton, New Jersey. In this role, you will lead the design, analysis, and implementation of critical protection and control systems that support safe and reliable operation of the electric grid. Working alongside a team of experienced engineers and utility professionals, you'll provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and deliver innovative solutions for transmission, distribution, and substation projects throughout their entire lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving complex challenges, building client relationships, and making a lasting impact on the future of power infrastructure.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead the development, review, and implementation of Protection & Control settings, relay designs, and engineering packages for utility and substation projects.

• Perform short-circuit, coordination, and system protection studies utilizing industry-standard engineering software.

• Develop and review HMI configurations, RTU settings, relay logic, communication systems, and network architecture for substation automation projects.

• Manage engineering projects, coordinate technical deliverables, and ensure compliance with client standards, NERC requirements, and industry best practices.

• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and professional development support to junior engineers and project team members.

• Serve as a key customer contact by providing engineering expertise, technical consultation, troubleshooting support, and project coordination.

• Support project commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and field activities while ensuring safe, high-quality project execution.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology.

• 5+ years of experience in Protection & Control Engineering, Relay Engineering, or Power Systems Engineering.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.

• Experience with protection relays and substation equipment including SEL, GE, Beckwith, and related technologies.

• Proficiency with power system analysis software such as ASPEN, SKM, ETAP, EasyPower, or similar platforms.

• Strong knowledge of utility protection schemes, substation systems, NERC requirements, and industry engineering practices.

• Experience with IEC-61850, GOOSE communications, substation automation, telecommunications integration, or SCADA systems is preferred.

• Excellent communication, leadership, project management, and client relationship skills.

Work Environment & Preferences

• Work Model: Hybrid

• Preferred Schedule: Monday-Friday business hours with flexibility based on project needs

• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to customer sites, substations, and project locations as required

• Physical Requirements: Ability to work in both office and field environments, including occasional visits to substations and industrial facilities; ability to walk, stand, climb stairs, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when visiting project sites.

Why Work Here?

The work we perform at Asplundh is the collective effort of unique individuals. They are people with grit and heart who show up with a diversity of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. It's a place where individual and cultural differences are respected and valued. It's a place where we are stronger together. Where collaboration and teamwork thrive. Where our authentic selves can flourish. The common thread for field workers and office professionals alike is that we truly care about the environment, each other, and the communities we serve.

#LI-Remote

Important Information for Applicants:

• Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC and its family of companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any legally protected characteristic.

• If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our ADA Coordinator at 1-800-248-8733, ext. 3656.

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which include background screening, drug testing, and employment eligibility verification.

• Compensation determination is based on market data, job scope and individual qualifications.

• We offer a competitive total rewards package inclusive of health and welfare and retirement benefits, as well as paid time off and holiday pay benefits.

• Unsolicited resumes without an executed agency agreement become the property of the company.