Lead Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Leidos; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Senior / Lead Substation Protection & Controls Engineer in the Chicago area to own complex P&C designs across 12-500 kV systems, applying advanced digital logic and AC/DC circuit expertise to protect the modern grid and enable renewable integration.

Responsibilities include leading design projects, creating relay diagrams and schematics, developing BOMs, and ensuring quality through rigorous QC checks. Strong leadership and travel willingness are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field with 8+ years in substation protection and control design.
• Experience leading and executing substation protection and control projects.
• Ability to communicate clearly with internal teams and clients to support project needs.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines in fast-paced environments and provide leadership when needed.
• Strong analytical abilities with a track record of solving engineering challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support delivery of substation protection and control design projects, ensuring technical excellence and on-time performance.
• Create and refine relay one-line diagrams defining protection zones and system topology.
• Develop detailed AC schematics showing current, voltage, and protection device relationships.
• Produce DC control and protection schematics for safe and reliable operation of substation equipment.
• Design control panels, wiring diagrams, and physical layouts for efficient construction and maintainability.
• Build accurate BOMs aligned with project criteria, equipment standards, and client requirements.
• Perform QC checks on wiring and schematic designs for safety and constructability.
• Contribute from early scoping through final design, implementation, and energization support.
• Provide technical guidance during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Apply National Electrical Safety Code requirements to ensure safe and compliant designs.
• Interpret and implement utility-specific standards across all deliverables.
• Partner with design staff to produce complete drawing packages for each project.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Analytical abilities

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead! We are looking for a Senior / Lead Substation Protection & Controls Engineer to join our team. As a Lead Substation Protection & Controls Engineer, you'll own complex P&C designs across 12-500 kV systems, applying advanced digital logic and AC/DC circuit expertise to engineer solutions that protect the modern grid and enable renewable integration. If you're ready for high‑voltage challenges and high‑visibility impact, this is your next step.

Successful candidates can look forward to a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment where no two days feel the same. You'll enjoy flexible work arrangements, a supportive leadership team, and a culture that actively invests in your growth. Expect meaningful opportunities to advance your career through:

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure support
• Project Management Professional (PMP) development
• Technical and non‑technical training designed to sharpen your expertise
• Leadership pathways that let you take on greater responsibility
• Mentorship and coaching from experienced engineers and managers
• The opportunity to lead, grow, and inspire a dynamic, high‑performing team

Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career,

The Challenge:

• Lead and support the delivery of substation protection and control design projects, ensuring technical excellence and on‑time performance.
• Create and refine relay one‑line diagrams that define protection zones and system topology.
• Develop detailed AC schematics that capture current, voltage, and protection device relationships.
• Produce DC control and protection schematics that ensure safe and reliable operation of substation equipment.
• Design control panels, wiring diagrams, and physical layouts that support efficient construction and long‑term maintainability.
• Build accurate BOMs aligned with project criteria, equipment standards, and client requirements.
• Perform rigorous QC checks on wiring and schematic designs to ensure accuracy, safety, and constructability.
• Contribute from early scoping through final design, implementation, and energization support.
• Provide technical guidance during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Apply National Electrical Safety Code requirements to ensure safe and compliant designs.
• Interpret and implement utility‑specific standards across all design deliverables.
• Partner with design staff to produce complete, accurate drawing packages for every project.

Successful candidates must comply with quality control and safe work practices and maintain compliance with project scope, schedule, and budget. This position will be a member of a design team comprised of engineers, designers, and CAD technicians and will work with client standards to implement design.

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, or related degree with eight (8+) or more years of substation protection control design experience.
• Experience in leading and executing substation protection and control projects.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and clients to support project needs.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and stay organized in fast‑paced or high‑pressure situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, contribute to group success, and provide leadership when needed.
• Self‑starter who can take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical abilities with a track record of solving engineering challenges both independently and collaboratively.
• High level of computer competency and comfort working with engineering tools and software.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and client locations as needed.

You Might Also have:

• Engineer Intern ("EI" or "EIT") professional certification.
• Professional Engineer ("PE") License.
• Master's degree in related field.
• Field testing/commissioning experience.

WHAT WE DO

Leidos is a trusted and technology‑focused solutions provider. Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and telecommunication expertise, as reflected through our work with more than 50 investor‑owned utilities, more than 160 municipals/cooperatives, as well as a growing number of mobile operators, local utility providers and private developers. In addition to providing engineering and project management services, Leidos works with an established group of industry‑leading construction partners delivering meaningful Energy Delivery Solutions. Our recognition as an industry leader is confirmed by the latest national rankings by Engineering Ne