Lead Substation Automation Engineer – Protection & Controls

ROI - Workforce as a Service (WaaS); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two medical plan options

Dental and vision coverage

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Flexible spending accounts

Supportive, high-performance work env

Job summary

ROI - Workforce as a Service (WaaS) seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead design, configuration, and commissioning of plant control systems for substation, BESS, and solar projects in Houston. You will be the technical authority forProtection & Controls, owning projects end‑to‑end and mentoring engineers.

You will develop PLC/relay logic, SCADA/HMI configurations, and standards while ensuring safety and quality.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 8+ years of experience in substation, plant, or industrial automation; substation experience required.
• Hands-on experience with SEL RTACs and SEL protective relays, including ACSELERATOR tools.
• Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming, SCADA protocols (DNP3, Modbus), and HMI development.
• Field commissioning experience; willingness to travel approximately 20% while leading projects.
• Strong written communication and disciplined documentation habits.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission SEL RTAC-based control and communication systems, including logic, data mapping, and relay integration.
• Develop PPC logic for BESS and solar plants to meet ERCOT interconnection requirements.
• Develop SCADA and HMI points lists, communication architectures, and screens using DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850.
• Lead site acceptance testing and field commissioning, including troubleshooting and punch-list close-out.
• Own project scope, schedule, and budget for assigned automation work, with a high standard of quality and safety.
• Review automation deliverables (drawings, I/O lists, configurations, test procedures) for quality before they go to the customer.
• Mentor and cross-train engineers so automation work is shared across the team.
• Develop standard templates and procedures for automation work.
• Support proposals with scope review and effort estimates.

Skills

SEL RTACs

DNP3

Modbus

IEC 61131-3 programming

HMI development

PPC logic for BESS/solar

Field commissioning experience

Strong documentation

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ACSELERATOR tools

SEL protective relays

Job description

ROI - Workforce as a Service (WaaS) seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead design, configuration, and commissioning of plant control systems for substation, BESS, and solar projects in Houston. You will be the technical authority forProtection & Controls, owning projects end‑to‑end and mentoring engineers.

You will develop PLC/relay logic, SCADA/HMI configurations, and standards while ensuring safety and quality.