Project (Technical) Specialist 1

GAI Consultants Inc; Homestead (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GAI Consultants Inc is looking for a skilled Protection & Controls Engineer to perform design and technical guidance on various engineering projects. This role focuses on high-voltage substations and relay settings, ensuring adherence to quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of relevant experience and a B.S. in engineering, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of protection & controls engineering experience, focusing on relay settings and high-voltage substations.
• Proficiency in English, both verbal and written.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Manage and perform QA/QC checks related to technical activities.
• Develop Protective Relay Settings and produce Relay Setting Reports.
• Conduct P&C studies including short-circuit analysis and relay coordination.

Skills

Relay Settings experience

Protection and Control design

QA/QC checks

Education

B.S. Engineering or related technical degree

Tools

AcSELerator Quickset

GE Enervista

AutoCAD

Job description

Location: Pittsburgh (Homestead PA), 385 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120, USA.

GAI Consultants is seeking a Protection & Controls engineer with Relay Settings experience. This position will perform protection and controls design, provide technical guidance, design reviews, QA/QC review and enforcement related to all aspects of protections & controls design services. The successful candidate will work on various substation and/or protection and control engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV, with a focus on a “Client First” approach to all interactions.

Job Duties

• Manage, design, and perform QA/QC checks related to technical activities.
• Develop Protective Relay Settings using AcSELerator Quickset and/or GE Enervista and produce Relay Setting Reports with calculations.
• Conduct P&C studies including short circuit analysis, relay coordination, and load flow.
• Develop and revise drawings for single line diagrams, arrangements, schematics, and panel wiring; coordinate with CAD operators to produce quality CAD drawings.
• Integrate protection and control drawings with substation layout.
• Design interfacing with SCADA systems, RTUs, HMIs, and IEDs.
• Develop control and relay panel layouts and specifications.
• Create project criteria and design specifications, including bill of materials.
• Design and size auxiliary systems (AC/DC load centers, batteries, chargers).
• Design and size conduit, cable, and backup generators.
• Perform point‑to‑point wiring checks.
• Review junior engineers’ designs to ensure client standards and identify gaps.
• Document QA/QC reviews, maintain records, and communicate information to the team.
• Mentor and manage staff at all levels.
• Manage tasks on multiple projects and assist with scope and cost estimates.
• Prioritize competing priorities with sound engineering and financial judgment.
• Adapt to shifting deadlines and scope changes.
• Identify and mitigate project barriers without schedule impacts.

Qualifications

Education: B.S. Engineering or other technical degree.

Experience: 10+ years of protection & controls engineering experience, including relay settings and high‑voltage substation projects.

Language Skills: English as a first language or demonstrated verbal and written proficiency in English.

Computer Skills: Knowledge of job‑specific software, Accounting, HRIS, ATS, Database, Internet, Inventory, Payroll, Project Management, Spreadsheet, and Word Processing software.

Certification/Licensure: None required.

Licenses & Registrations: Current valid driver’s license.

Other Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Ability to pass pre‑employment background check and client‑based checks if required.
• Willingness to work in a drug‑free environment and comply with drug and alcohol testing if required.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and frequent standing and walking; occasional reaching and lifting up to 15 pounds.
• Work environment typically moderate noise; occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.

Travel Requirements

• Must pass MVR check, be insurable to drive on company time/company vehicles, and be willing to travel as required by the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.