NC A&T Career Fair (Only) - Automation Junior Engineer

Hitachi Energy; Isle Forest (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy in the United States is seeking an motivated, early-career engineer to build a career in substation automation and digital power systems. Through structured training and mentorship, you will gain experience designing, configuring, testing, and supporting automation systems that power modern electrical grids.

You will work with experienced engineers, gaining exposure to SCADA systems, MicroSCADA, IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, and other industry practices while contributing to project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering or related field.
• 0–2 years experience; internships/co‑op considered.
• Basic understanding of electrical power systems or automation.
• Interest in substation automation, SCADA systems and power technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and configure substation automation systems.
• Configure MicroSCADA applications, HMIs, alarms and data acquisition.
• Learn and support IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3 and GOOSE protocols.
• Assist with engineering documentation, testing and commissioning support.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and travel up to 20%.

Skills

SCADA systems

Team collaboration

HMI configuration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering

Tools

MicroSCADA

Job description

The Opportunity:

At Hitachi Energy, we are looking for a motivated, early-career engineer who is eager to build a career in substation automation and digital power systems. This role is designed for individuals with strong technical foundations, curiosity, and a passion for learning. Prior hands‑on experience with automation systems is not required. Through structured training and mentorship, you will gain experience designing, configuring, testing, and supporting automation systems that play a critical role in modern electrical grids.

You will work alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists while gaining exposure to SCADA systems, MicroSCADA applications, communication networks, substation automation technologies, and industry-leading engineering practices.

This is an opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions that support grid reliability, renewable energy integration, and the ongoing digitalization of utility infrastructure.

Key responsibilities for engineering include, but are not limited to, the following:

System Design & Configuration

• Support the design and implementation of substation automation systems.
• Assist in configuring MicroSCADA applications, HMI displays, alarms, and data acquisition functions.
• Learn and support communication protocol implementation, including IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, and GOOSE.
• Assist with preparation of engineering documentation and network diagrams.
• Participate in engineering reviews and design validation activities.

Project Execution

• Support project activities to ensure quality, schedule, and customer requirements are met.
• Participate in FAT, SAT and commissioning support activities.
• Assist with system verification, validation and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to project documentation and engineering deliverables.

Integration & Support

• Support integration of automation systems with protection and control equipment.
• Assist with configuration and testing of MicroSCADA systems and communication gateways.
• Support installation and startup activities both remotely and on-site when required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Assist in preparing engineering reports and technical documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of configurations, testing activities, and project changes.
• Support the preparation of customer documentation and project close‑out packages.

Customer & Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with engineering, project management, field service, and sales teams.
• Participate in customer meetings and technical discussions as required.
• Support customer issue resolution under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Build effective professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Hitachi Energy health, safety, environmental, and cybersecurity procedures.
• Support safe working practices during office, laboratory, factory, and on‑site activities.
• Learn and contribute to a culture of safety, integrity, quality, and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and industry standards.

Training & Development

You will receive structured, on‑the‑job training to develop expertise in:

• Substation automation systems and power system applications
• Hitachi Energy MicroSCADA platforms
• SCADA architecture and HMI development
• IEC 61850 communication standards and engineering practices
• Industrial communication protocols including Modbus, DNP3, and GOOSE
• Network and cybersecurity fundamentals for automation systems
• System integration, testing, and troubleshooting methodologies

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 0-2 years (internships and co‑op experience considered).
• Basic understanding of electrical power systems, automation systems, or industrial controls.
• Interest in substation automation, SCADA systems, and power system technologies.
• Familiarity with programming, networking, or industrial communication concepts is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Work authorization that permits employment in the United States.

Career Development Path

This role provides a foundation for progression into:

• Automation Engineer
• Automation Commissioning Engineer
• Automation Specialist
• Lead Automation Engineer