Protection & Control Engineer 2

GAI Consultants Inc.; Wheeling (WV); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-based, competitive compensation

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Tuition reimbursement

Generous paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and PTO

Professional development support

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is searching for a Protection & Control Engineer 2 in Wheeling, WV. The role involves substation design, managing QA/QC checks, and providing technical guidance on high voltage projects. Candidates should have at least 6 years of experience, a B.S. or M.S. in Engineering, and a Professional Engineer license. The position offers competitive compensation along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in protection & control engineering.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License required.
• Ability to manage technical tasks across multiple projects.
• Experience with high voltage substations up to 500 kV.

Responsibilities

• Manage and design QA/QC checks for technical activities.
• Create project criteria and develop design specifications.
• Travel to client meetings and project-specific discussions.
• Prepare project criteria and bill of materials.
• Mentor junior staff and review designs.
• Travel to client sites and attend project meetings.

Skills

Protection and controls design

Technical guidance

QA/QC reviews

Project management

SCADA systems

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Engineering

Tools

ETAP

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

GAI Consultants is seeking a Protection & Control Engineer 2 for substation‑related work. This position will perform substation and protection and controls design, provide technical guidance/training/mentoring of staff, conduct design reviews, QA/QC reviews, and enforce all aspects of protection & controls design services. The successful candidate will work on various protection and control engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500 kV, with a focus on a "Client First" approach to all interactions.

Job Duties

• Manage, design, and perform QA/QC checks related to technical activities, including the development or revision of existing drawings for one‑lines, physical arrangement, grounding, schematics, wiring, control and relaying panels and equipment wiring, coordinating with CAD operators to develop organized quality CAD drawings.
• Integrate protection and control drawings to interface with the physical layout and design of substations.
• Design interface with SCADA systems and communications including RTUs, HMIs, and IEDs.
• Develop control and relay panel layouts, including assembling specifications.
• Create project criteria and develop design specifications, including the overall bill of materials.
• Design and size auxiliary systems such as AC/DC load centers, batteries, and chargers.
• Design and size conduit, cable, and backup generators.
• Order long‑lead item materials and perform point‑to‑point checks.
• Review junior engineer designs, verify compliance with client standards and specifications, and identify gaps in client protection.
• Document QA/QC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
• Travel to other offices, meet with clients, and attend project‑specific meetings regularly.
• Manage tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI's high standards of project management.
• Assist with the development of the scope of services and cost estimates for substation and P&C projects.
• Manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
• Adapt to shifting deadlines and scope changes.
• Apply resource management skills and identify project barriers to mitigate them without schedule impacts.
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously while working effectively under pressure and unexpected developments.
• Work extended hours or after hours when required.

Physical Requirements

• Work indoors in professional office settings.
• Sit for extended periods while performing computer‑based tasks.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment; ability to move between workstations and attend in‑person meetings.
• Lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10‑20 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
• Travel for meetings, training, or business purposes.

General Characteristics

• Apply broad knowledge of principles and practices in a specific practice area.
• Independently evaluate, select, and adapt standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
• Lead tasks and projects of moderately complex scopes.
• Develop plans, specifications, and other project documents.
• Apply engineering economics, probability, and statistics to analyze risk in complex engineering problems.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 6+ years of experience.

Education

• B.S. or M.S. Engineering (Bachelors of Engineering required).

Certification

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License required.

Technical Responsibilities

• Design a complete project, system, component, or process.
• Prepare complete plans, specifications, and other project documents.
• Design and conduct analyses and interpret test data.
• Develop and review complete project documents for conformity and quality assurance.

Project and Task Management

• Assign tasks to other technical and non‑technical staff.
• Plan and coordinate detailed aspects of engineering work.
• Prepare scopes, budgets, and schedules.
• Assist with proposals to provide professional services or obtain funding for projects.

Management Responsibility

• Receive general direction on key objectives and guidance on complex problems.
• Mentor junior staff by providing guidance, explaining professional responsibilities, and reviewing work products.
• Attend project meetings and present specific aspects of engineering assignments.

Communication Skills

• Communicate effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include

• Market‑based, competitive compensation.
• Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Generous paid time off plus 7 paid holidays.
• Additional floating holiday for personal matters.
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications.

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, review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.