Power System Automation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Superior benefits

Employee-owned company

ESOP + 401(k) options

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. is seeking a Power Systems Engineer focused on automation projects.

You will plan, design, develop, test, and commission automation solutions using real-time controllers, IEC-61850, DNP, and Modbus protocols to monitor and control power systems. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, interface with customers, and research SEL equipment and third-party solutions to deliver robust automation designs and field-ready configurations.

Qualifications

• Experience with IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus protocols and real-time control.
• Proficiency in IEC-61131 programming and Python.
• Knowledge of IT/OT network design and troubleshooting (Wireshark).
• Experience with server/client SCADA and HMI applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead project engineering efforts from design to commissioning.
• Define deliverables, schedules, and execution plans.
• Research SEL equipment and third-party solutions for projects.
• Coordinate with PMs and customers to plan applications.

Skills

IEC 61850

DNP

Modbus

Python programming

IEC 61131 programming

IT/OT network design

IT/OT network troubleshooting

SCADA

HMI development

Substation safety

Tools

Real-time controllers

HMI software

SCADA servers

Wireshark (network tools)

Job description

Role Overview

Schweitzer 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.

Project Responsibilities

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

Typical Day

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

• 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 & Benefits

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.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

Company Description

SEL invents, designs, and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. This technology prevents blackouts and enables customers to improve power system reliability and safety at a reduced cost. A 100 percent employee‑owned company headquartered in Pullman, Washington, SEL has manufactured products in the United States since 1984 and now serves customers worldwide. Our mission is simple: to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical.