Power System Automation Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.; Boise (ID); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. in Boise, Idaho, is seeking a Power System Automation Engineer to lead design, testing, and commissioning of automation projects for electric power systems. You will work with real-time controllers and SCADA data to monitor and control systems.

The role emphasizes control logic design, network configurations, and industry protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus). Domestic travel up to 20% is required with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience with phase I/O style project management.
• Experience with SEL product configurations.
• Experience with IEC-61131 programming.
• Experience with Python programming.
• Experience with IT/OT network design and troubleshooting (Wireshark).

Responsibilities

• Technical lead of the project engineering team from design through commissioning.
• Define deliverables, schedule, and project execution with minimal guidance.
• Join customer meetings to provide equipment expertise and recommendations.
• Research SEL equipment and third‑party solutions for projects.
• Prepare automation design specs, drawings, and test procedures.

Skills

Python programming

IEC-61131 programming

IT/OT Network design

IT/OT Network troubleshooting

SCADA server/client

HMI configurations

Tools

Wireshark

SCADA systems

HMI software

Job description

## Power System Automation EngineerApply: Idaho - Boise: Full time: Posted Yesterday: 2026-22800Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is focused on making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. As a Power Systems Engineer- Automation projects focus on data collection of system IEDs, logic controls, and the presentation of data for the customer to monitor and control their power system. Utilizing real-time logic controllers and communication equipment, the SEL Automation engineer owns the planning, design, development, testing and commissioning of the project. Projects often include, but are not limited to:* Communication network equipment* Configuration of real-time controllers to serve as RTUs.* Human Machine Interface (HMI) or server to an upstream SCADA client.* Configuration of real-time controllers to perform custom logic such as automatic system fault location, isolation and restoration.* Configuration of workstations for power system analytic software**As an Automation Engineer, a typical day might include the following:*** Technical leading to assist Project Managers and Salesforce in planning applications for customers* Joins customer meetings to provide SEL equipment expertise and recommendations for future and active projects* Defines and oversees the execution of multiple objectives with minimal guidance and general high-level direction + Research of SEL equipment, third-party equipment and solutions + Branching into OT network solutions (Layer 1, Layer 2 Architecture and Applications Data Flow) + Research of emerging technologies and trends within and beyond their focus area.* Reviews and certifies deliverables for quality standards prior to customer submittal + Automation Design Specifications and drawings + Product configurations + Factory testing and procedures + Field safety preparations and commissioning procedures + Service reports* Technical lead of the project engineering team that will define deliverables, schedule, and project execution from design through commissioning.**This job might be for you if:*** Understanding of project engineering scope in relation to project budget (labor and equipment)* Ownership of schedule and a self-starter for research* Professional communication skills to be the direct technical contact for customers and colleagues.* Designing of control logic schemes and network configurations* Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and Bill of Materials* Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.)* Experience with server/client SCADA applications* Experience with design/development suite of HMI applications* Willing to travel at least 20% of the time domestically and abroad***Preferred Qualifications**** Experience with phase I/O style project management* Experience with SEL product configurations* Experience with IEC-61131 programming* Experience with Python programming* Experience with IT/OT Network design* Experience with IT/OT Network troubleshooting (Wireshark)* Substation safety training***Physical Requirements*** None**Pay Range Data -** **$110,000 - $150,000**We set starting pay based on job-related factors such as your experience, training, knowledge, and skills. We are looking to fill this position at the Engineer level, and we welcome applicants with a range of experience. Depending on your background, we may consider you for a different level, with compensation aligned accordingly.**Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.**People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.* We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.* We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.* We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.* We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.* Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.**Communication with Applicants**We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at [e-mail] is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.