Protection & Control (P&C) Commissiong Engineer

Hitachi Energy; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care

Employer sponsored pension

Tuition reimbursement program

Job summary

Hitachi Energy is seeking a P&C Commissioning Engineer in Raleigh, NC, responsible for on-site testing and commissioning of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) for electrical substations. The role involves ensuring compliance with standards and collaborating with project managers and technical teams.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 3 years of experience in field testing with IEDs. This position offers competitive benefits including comprehensive health care and financial wellbeing programs.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in field testing and commissioning of protection and control systems.
• Strong knowledge of Hitachi ABB and Siemens relay systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct functional and acceptance testing of IEDs according to IEC 61850 standards.
• Document all IED test results and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with project managers and customers during commissioning phases.

Skills

Field testing and commissioning

Knowledge of IEC 61850 standards

Integration with MicroSCADA

Troubleshooting of protocols

Leadership and communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

OMICRON CMC

Siemens: SIPROTEC series

SEL: AcSELerator software

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.
• Validate Substation Configuration Language (SCL) files (ICD, CID, SCD) and ensure proper GOOSE and MMS communication between devices.
• Verify and troubleshoot interoperability for Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850 protocols across multi‑vendor environments.
• Set up and test Ethernet switches, VLANs, and redundancy schemes (PRP/HSR) for substation automation networks.
• Implement and verify secure access, password policies, and firewall settings in accordance with Hitachi Energy standards.
• 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.
• Experience with 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 & Benefits

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.

• 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.