Project Engineer II/III - Automation

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) options

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. in Irvine, CA, seeks a Project Engineer with deep power systems experience to lead complex automation projects and customer training. You will design, validate, install and commission protection and automation systems while guiding teams within scope and schedule.

The role requires travel, strong communication, and a proven ability to mentor staff. SEL offers ESOP, robust benefits, and a collaborative, growth‑oriented environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline.
• 5+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems and related practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of power system protection, control, and automation applications.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally at least 25%.
• Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills.
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Background check satisfactory to SEL; negative drug test results.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of power system automation to complex assignments.
• Lead training and assist customers with design, configuration, validation, installation, commissioning and operation.
• Lead in assigning, completing and implementing work within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Assist in preparation and presentation of proposals for SEL equipment and services.
• Mentor and develop staff; may supervise as necessary.
• Promote SEL values and manufacturing principles.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Power systems experience

Electrical engineering

Travel 25%+

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Learning new skills

Mentoring

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vision

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Possesses, understands and applies knowledge and experience of power system automation* and related SEL products to complete complex assignments.
• Lead in training and assisting customers with the creation, design configuration, validation, installation, commissioning and operation of automation and/or protection systems.
• Lead in assigning, completing and implementing work within agreed upon scope, schedule and budget to a high level of quality and safety.
• Assist in the identification, preparation and presentation of successful proposals for SEL equipment, services, and systems.
• Mentor and develop professional staff. May supervise as necessary.
• Model, teach, and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
• Understand. Create. Simplify.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. In Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline
• 5+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and *focus area practices and philosophies
• Demonstrated knowledge of electric power system protection and control, integration and/or automation and communications applications
• Demonstrated proven knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology and protective relay applications
• Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 25% based on focus area
• Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
• Background check results satisfactory to SEL
• Negative drug test result(s)

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer License or equivalent certification
• Electrical utility, industrial plant, consulting engineering, or system integrator experience
• Project management experience
• Working knowledge of Vision or other project management tracking software
• Focus Area = Automation Automation = software, integration and automation, industrial controls, PLCs, industry protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus), Ethernet systems, protocol analyzers, and industry SCADA practices

Physical Requirements

• None

Location

Location Irvine, CA - This position is located in Irvine, CA, where you will enjoy the perfect balance of city living and preserved natural spaces. Located just forty miles from Los Angeles, adjacent to the John Wayne/Orange County airport and only a short drive to the beautiful Southern California beaches. You can enjoy a variety of great shopping, entertainment, sports, and access to great schools and universities. Irvine is known as the center of Orange County, culturally diverse and has an enjoyable climate, making it the perfect location to call home.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

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
• 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 - $115,300 - $170,400
• Project Engineer III - $136,100 - $201,100

Equal Opportunity Employer

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

About SEL

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.