Lead Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Leidos; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 107,900 - 195,050; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Lead Substation Protection & Controls Engineer to drive design projects in a hybrid role based in Charlotte, NC, or Remote across select US states. You will develop relay one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and protection designs, collaborating with internal teams and clients to ensure quality and on-time delivery.

Travel to sites is required; the role supports professional growth through PE/ETE/PM development and mentorship opportunities within a dynamic, high-performing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, or related degree with 8+ years of substation protection and control design experience.
• Experience 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 in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team, and provide leadership when needed.
• Self-starter who can take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical abilities with proficiency in engineering tools and software.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and client locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• 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 capturing current, voltage, and protection device relationships.
• Produce DC control and protection schematics for safe operation of substation equipment.
• Design control panels, wiring diagrams, and physical layouts for construction and maintainability.
• Build accurate BOMs aligned with project criteria 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 NEC requirements to ensure safe and compliant designs.
• Interpret and implement utility-specific standards across all design deliverables.
• Partner with design staff to produce complete drawing packages for every project.

Skills

Communication

Team leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Self-starter

Time management

Engineering software

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Lead Substation Protection & Controls Engineer

Location & Schedule: Hybrid – 3 days per week at Charlotte, NC office, or Remote (U.S. – NC, SC, TN, VA). Travel to customer sites required.

Pay Range: $107,900.00 – $195,050.00.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits & Development Opportunities

• 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.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.