Lead Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Leidos Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PE licensure support

PMP development

Technical and non-technical training

Leadership pathways

Mentorship and coaching

Job summary

Leidos Inc in Reston, Virginia is seeking a Senior / Lead Substation Protection & Controls Engineer to own complex P&C designs for 12–500 kV systems, applying advanced digital logic and AC/DC circuit expertise. You will lead a high-visibility design team, guide installation and energization, and contribute to shaping safe, reliable grid solutions.

The role offers flexible work arrangements and growth opportunities, with mentorship, training, and leadership pathways designed to advance your

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field with 8+ years of substation protection and control design experience.
• Experience leading/subcontracting substation protection and control projects.
• Strong communication with internal teams and clients under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, take initiative, and solve engineering challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support delivery of substation protection and control design projects on-time and with technical excellence.
• Create relay oneline diagrams defining protection zones and topology.
• Develop AC schematics showing current, voltage and protection device relationships.
• Produce DC control and protection schematics ensuring safe operation of substation equipment.
• Design control panels and wiring diagrams for constructability and maintainability.
• Build accurate BOMs aligned with project criteria and client requirements.
• Perform QC checks on wiring and schematics for safety and reliability.
• Provide guidance during installation, testing and commissioning activities.
• Apply NEC requirements to ensure safe, compliant designs.
• Collaborate with design staff to deliver complete drawing packages.

Skills

Substation design

P&C leadership

Project leadership

Clear communication

Analytical skills

Self-starter

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

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 highvoltage challenges and highvisibility impact, this is your next step.

Successful candidates can look forward to a fastpaced, 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 nontechnical 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, highperforming team

The Challenge:

• Lead and support the delivery of substation protection and control design projects, ensuring technical excellence and ontime performance.
• Create and refine relay oneline 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 longterm 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 utilityspecific 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 fastpaced or highpressure situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, contribute to group success, and provide leadership when needed.
• Selfstarter 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 160municipals/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 News-Record (ENR) ranking Leidos within the Top 10 T&D Firms, and Top 10 Power Firms. To explore and learn more,

PowerDelivery

PDSSUBSTATION

Pay Range:

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at .

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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