Project Engineer (RTUs/SCADA/Substation Automation - Electric Utilities)

NovaTech Automation; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

NovaTech Automation seeks a Project Engineer to own the full engineering lifecycle for utility and industrial automation projects. You will design, configure, FAT, and support commissioning while coordinating with PM, procurement, and production teams.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years in utility/SCADA, strong testing and debugging skills, and proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical and HMI/SCADA master systems. This is a full-time on-site role in Lenexa, Kansas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in the Utility Industry and/or SCADA.
• PMP certification is preferred.
• Able to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Engineer and manage multiple complete automation and controls projects for electric utility customers.
• Perform SCADA integration and configuration on NovaTech products.
• Collaborate with other engineers to complete the technical portion of each project.
• Coordinate with production technicians on assembly requirements and layouts.
• Maintain project schedules and milestones; track changes and budget.

Skills

SCADA testing

Electrical schematics

Project management

HMI/SCADA Master

Relay programming

AutoCAD Electrical

Programming (VB6/VBA/SQL/Python)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

8+ years in Utility/SCADA

PMP Certification

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Position Overview

The Project Engineer role supports the design, configuration, and factory acceptance testing of RTU, SCADA, and substation automation systems for utility and industrial customers. The Project Engineer owns the full engineering lifecycle of assigned projects - from drawing development and BOM creation through FAT execution, commissioning support, and project close-out - while coordinating closely with project management, procurement, and production teams. This role is a strong fit for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-project environment and is motivated by delivering technically complex hardware and software solutions to power utilities.

Position Overview

The Project Engineer role supports the design, configuration, and factory acceptance testing of RTU, SCADA, and substation automation systems for utility and industrial customers. The Project Engineer owns the full engineering lifecycle of assigned projects - from drawing development and BOM creation through FAT execution, commissioning support, and project close-out - while coordinating closely with project management, procurement, and production teams. This role is a strong fit for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-project environment and is motivated by delivering technically complex hardware and software solutions to power utilities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Execution

• Engineer and manage multiple complete automation and controls projects simultaneously for electric utility customers, spanning simple to complex systems
• Perform SCADA integration and configuration work on various NovaTech products
• Work with multiple engineers to complete the technical portion of each project
• Coordinate with production technicians on assembly requirements, wiring specifications, and cabinet layouts
• Maintain project schedules and milestones
• Keep projects on budget with respect to hours
• Track changes throughout the life of a project
• Lead testing of designed systems; validate I/O mapping, communications, SCADA configuration, and HMI functionality
• Support on-site commissioning activities including site trips, and customer training as required
• Provide remote engineering services hours to customers; including configuration updates, troubleshooting, and answer technical questions

Customer & Technical Delivery

• Meet customer needs based on specifications, industry standards, and new technologies where applicable
• Ensure good communication with all parties through implementation of the project

Company Values

• Represent NovaTech Values - Service, Innovation, Integrity, and Teamwork
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related technical discipline - Required
• 8+ years' experience in the Utility Industry and/or SCADA - Required
• PMP Certification - Preferred

Skills

• Experienced in conducting testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of SCADA systems - Required
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layout drawings - Required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Required
• Demonstrated project management skills in scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and tracking projects - Preferred
• Able to share knowledge with other engineers, the sales team, and customers - Required
• Programming/scripting with VB6, VBA, SQL, Perl, or Python - Preferred
• Knowledge of HMI/SCADA Master systems - Preferred
• Relay programming (SEL, ABB, Basler) - Preferred
• Hands-on experience with substation RTUs, IO devices, and IEDs - Preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of MODBUS, DNP, and other SCADA protocols - Preferred
• Have provided technical support during installation, commissioning, and maintenance of system panels - Preferred
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or similar design software

Core Competencies

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and results-driven
• Energetic and continually motivated to learn new technologies
• Strong ownership across multiple concurrent projects