Protection & Control Commissioning Engineer

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy USA Inc. is seeking a P&C Commissioning Engineer to lead on-site testing and commissioning of IEDs and protection and control systems for substations. You will supervise installation, validate relay settings, and ensure timely delivery with compliance to standards.

The role requires collaboration with project managers, customers, and technical teams, focusing on secure connectivity, documentation, and quality assurance across multiple equipment types.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.

Responsibilities

• Perform functional and acceptance testing of IEDs and protection schemes according to IEC 61850.

Skills

IED testing

Protection & control

IEC 61850

SCADA integration

Networking (Ethernet, PRP/HSR)

Modbus/DNP3/IEC 61850

Documentation & reporting

Project collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

OMICRON CMC

DOBLE equipment

Digsi

SEL AcSELerator

MicroSCADA

Job description

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Job ID: R0117458

Date Posted: 2026-02-09

Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY USA INC

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Job Description: The Opportunity The P&C Commissioning Engineer is responsible for on-site testing and commissioning of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and associated protection and control systems for electrical substations. This role involves installation supervision, testing, and commissioning of advanced digital systems, ensuring compliance with standards, safety, and project timelines. The P&C Field Engineer collaborates with project managers, customers, and technical teams to deliver reliable and high-quality solutions.

How you'll make an impact:

Commissioning & Testing

Perform functional and acceptance testing of IEDs (protection relays, bay controllers, merging units) according to IEC 61850 standards.

Configure and validate relay settings, logic, and communication parameters.

Conduct GOOSE messaging and MMS verification for interoperability.

Execute end-to-end testing of protection schemes using OMICRON CMC or equivalent tools.

Validate time synchronization (SNTP/PTP) and redundancy schemes for IED networks.

Document all IED test results and maintain compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Integration & Configuration

Integrate IEDs with MicroSCADA systems: Perform signal mapping, database configuration, and HMI validation to ensure accurate visualization and control.

IEC 61850 Engineering

Validate Substation Configuration Language (SCL) files, including ICD, CID, and SCD, and ensure proper GOOSE and MMS communication between devices.

Communication Protocols

Verify and troubleshoot interoperability for Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850 protocols across multi-vendor environments.

Network Configuration

Set up and test Ethernet switches, VLANs, and redundancy schemes (PRP/HSR) for substation automation networks.

Cybersecurity Compliance

Implement and verify secure access, password policies, and firewall settings in accordance with Hitachi Energy standards.

System Performance Validation

Conduct end-to-end testing of SCADA integration, including alarms, events, and control commands, ensuring seamless operation between IEDs and MicroSCADA.

Documentation & Reporting

Prepare commissioning reports, detailed test records, and as-built documentation for customer approval and internal archives.

Maintain accurate logs of system configurations, parameter changes, and firmware updates for all IEDs and associated equipment.

Ensure documentation complies with Hitachi Energy standards, IEC 61850 engineering guidelines, and project-specific requirements.

Provide clear and organized records to support operational learning and future maintenance activities.

Identify and document any non-conformances during installation, testing, or commissioning activities.

Prepare Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) detailing the issue, root cause, and corrective actions.

Communicate NCRs promptly to project managers and quality teams for resolution.

Track and verify implementation of corrective actions before project close-out.

Ensure NCR documentation aligns with Hitachi Energy quality management processes and customer requirements.

Customer & Team Collaboration

Work closely with project managers, engineers, and customers during commissioning phases.

Provide technical support and training to customers and site personnel.

Participate in meetings to discuss commissioning progress and resolve issues.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure all commissioning activities comply with company HSE policies and site safety requirements.

Promote a culture of safety and integrity during on-site work.

Your Background:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.

3+ years of experience in field testing and commissioning of protection and control systems.

Expertise in IED testing and configuration from major manufacturers: Strong knowledge of Hitachi ABB: REC670, REL670, REF615, RET670, and MicroSCADA integration.

Experience with Siemens: SIPROTEC series (e.g., 5 series relays), DIGSI configuration tools.

SEL (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories): SEL-351, SEL-421, SEL-751, and AcSELerator software.

Hands-on experience with advanced test equipment (OMICRON CMC, DOBLE) for secondary injection and end-to-end testing.

Familiarity with SCADA integration, communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850), and Ethernet network configuration (PRP/HSR).

Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to travel extensively within the assigned zone.

Professional Engineering license or PMP certification preferred.

More About Us:

We pride ourselves on offering a holistic range of competitive benefits to support your financial, physical and mental wellbeing and personal development. We want you to truly thrive with us, in work and out. For this role, depending on grade and experience, we offer the following employee benefits (subject to the respective plan rules):

• Health Care (medical, dental, vision, etc.)
• Financial Wellbeing: (Employer sponsored pension - 401(k) Program with generous company match and contribution, Life/AD&D Insurance, disability insurance)
• Family Care: Life and Family (Legal, pet, auto, home, identity theft, etc.), special needs support, and adoption assistance
• Work-Life: Enhanced leave programs (FMLA, Military Service Leave, Maternal, Paternal, adoption, vacation, and holiday)
• Employee Engagement and Development: Employee Resource Groups (depending on location), tuition reimbursement program, on-demand learning platforms

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities Equal Employment Opportunity Hitachi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. This accommodation channel is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice. Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities - and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe.

From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons. E-mail us for data privacy inquiries or technical support.