Power Systems Automation Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 96,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. in Houston, TX is seeking a Project Engineer in Engineering Services to design and implement automation solutions for power system management projects, focusing on the SEL PowerMAX solution.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, develop detailed designs, and configure devices like PLCs, RTACs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, while ensuring testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning are completed on time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing automation solutions in power management system and microgrid control system projects.
• Strong knowledge of power system components, microgrid architectures, and automation technologies.
• Hands-on experience with automation devices, including PLCs, RTACs HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Industrial control system programming skills especially using IEC-61131-3 programming languages like structured text and function block diagrams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.
• Proven project management abilities, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver projects on schedule.
• Understanding of IEEE, IEC, and NERC standards related to power system automation and microgrid integration.
• Willing to travel at least 20% of the time domestically and abroad.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation solutions for power system management projects, focusing on the SEL PowerMAX solution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements, specifications, and timelines.
• Develop detailed engineering designs, schematics, and layouts for power management systems for industrial and commercial facilities.
• Configure and program automation devices, such as PLCs, RTAC, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Perform testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of automation solutions.

Skills

Automation design

Power system knowledge

IEC 61131-3

SCADA systems

Project management

Travel availability

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or related

Tools

PLC programming

RTAC

HMI configuration

SCADA configuration

Job description

The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As a Power System Studies Engineer in Engineering Services, you’ll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As a Project Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

• Design and develop automation solutions for power system management projects, focusing on the SEL PowerMAX solution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements, specifications, and timelines.
• Develop detailed engineering designs, schematics, and layouts for power management systems for industrial and commercial facilities.
• Configure and program automation devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), real time automation controllers (RTAC), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Perform testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of automation solutions.

This job might be for you if you have:

• A Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing automation solutions in power management system and microgrid control system projects.
• Strong knowledge of power system components, microgrid architectures, and automation technologies.
• Hands-on experience with automation devices, including PLCs, RTACs HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Industrial control system programming skills especially using IEC-61131-3 programming languages like structured text and function block diagrams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.
• Proven project management abilities, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver projects on schedule.
• Understanding of relevant industry standards and regulations, such as IEEE, IEC, and NERC, related to power system automation and microgrid integration.
• Willing to travel at least 20% of the time domestically and abroad.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with IEC-61131 programming
• Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.)
• Experience with SEL product configurations.

Location

Houston, TX - This position is located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work.

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.

Pay Range Data Project Engineer II - $96,000 - $144,000 Project Engineer III - $109,900 - $164,800 We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our salary ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

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].

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

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.