Protection, Controls Lead

ENGIE North America Inc.; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 59,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and wellness days

Job summary

ENGIE North America Inc. is seeking a Protection and Controls Lead to oversee and support the operation, testing, and maintenance of substation protection and control systems across renewable energy projects.

Reporting to the Operations Director, the role includes developing relay test plans and ensuring compliance with industry standards. You will coordinate with project teams, use advanced test equipment, and mentor junior staff while traveling domestically up to 75% of the time.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or technical certificate.
• Minimum 5 years in substation protection and control systems, relay testing, and electrical system troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of safety protocols including LOTO and NFPA 70E compliance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of protection and control systems (SEL relays, RTAC, substation integration).
• Ability to interpret schematics and troubleshoot complex mis-operations.
• Advanced understanding of SCADA and protocols (DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850).
• Experience with meter testing, installation, calibration, and diagnostics.
• Experience commissioning protection and control systems per NETA-ATS-2021, NETA-ECS-2020.
• Ability to train and mentor other specialists in testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, testing, and maintenance of substation protection and control systems.
• Troubleshoot protection zones and analyze trip event files to identify root causes.
• Ensure performance of protective relays and related equipment.
• Develop and execute relay test plans using test equipment (Doble, Omicron, Manta, Megger).
• Coordinate with project teams and contractors for commissioning and upgrades.
• Maintain detailed testing records and CMMS for regulatory compliance.
• Support system reliability monitoring and security compliance for protection systems.

Skills

Substation protection

Relay testing

Troubleshooting

SCADA systems

DNP3

Modbus

IEC 61850

Mentoring

Documentation/CMMS

Education

High school diploma or technical certificate

Tools

SEL relays

RTAC

Doble test equipment

Omicron

Manta

Megger

DNP3

IEC 61850

Job description

Protection, Controls Lead

Remote, United States, Texas

ENGIE North America Inc.

Industrial Project Management

Permanent

Full - Time

What You Can Expect

As the Protection and Controls Specialist you will oversee and support the operation, testing, and maintenance of substation protection and control systems across our portfolio of renewable energy projects.

Reporting to the Operations Director, this role involves:

• Troubleshooting electrical control systems, analyzing protection zones, and interpreting trip event files.
• Ensuring the performance of protective relays and associated equipment.
• Creating and executing relay test plans, maintaining compliance with NETA, IEEE, NFPA, and NERC PRC-005-6C standards.
• Develop and implement detailed relay test plans using advanced test equipment, such as Doble, Omicron, Manta, or Megger relay test sets.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in protection and control systems, focusing on protection zones and analyzing trip event files to identify root causes.
• Commission and maintain the performance of substation protection and control systems in compliance with industry standards and protocols.
• Coordinate with project teams and contractors to support commissioning, maintenance, and system upgrades.
• Maintain detailed records of all testing, troubleshooting, and system configurations to ensure regulatory compliance and support future operational improvements, including updating CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Support additional responsibilities of a Protection and Controls Specialist, including monitoring system reliability, assisting with system upgrades, and ensuring physical and cyber security compliance for protection systems.

What You'll Bring

• Minimum high school diploma or technical certificate
• Minimum of 5 years in substation protection and control systems, relay testing, and electrical system troubleshooting
• Advanced experience with safety protocols, including comprehensive knowledge of LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures and compliance with NFPA 70E safety standards
• Comprehensive knowledge of protection and control systems, including SEL relays, RTAC (Real-Time Automation Controller) applications, and substation integration
• Skilled in interpreting and troubleshooting complex schematics to address system mis-operations.
• Advanced understanding of SCADA systems and communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850) with experience in configuration and troubleshooting
• Proficiency in relay testing, protection zone analysis, and electrical control system troubleshooting, including interpreting schematics to address mis-operations
• Hands-on experience with meter testing, including installation, calibration, and diagnostics
• Proven experience in commissioning protection and control systems in compliance with NETA-ATS-2021, NETA-ECS-2020, and manufacturer recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor specialists in protection and control systems, testing procedures, and troubleshooting methodologies

Additional Details

• Must be available to travel domestically 75% of the time
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license/clean driving record
• Must be willing and able to comply with all ENGIE ethics and safety policies;

Compensation

Hourly Range: $42.69 - $69.00 USD hourly

This represents the average expected pay range for a qualified candidate.

ENGIE complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. Actual salary offered may vary depending on geography, experience, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors.

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for a competitive bonus / incentive plan.

Your Talent Acquisition Partner can share more specific information regarding the benefits or the salary for the position based on the work location.

At ENGIE, we take your well‑being seriously. Our comprehensive benefits package includes options for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, ESPP, generous paid time off including wellness days, holidays and leave programs. We also help you plan for retirement by offering a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match. But that's not all - we're dedicated to the health and happiness of your entire family, offering supplemental benefits for full time employees that enhance emotional and physical well‑being through all stages of life from family forming to caregiver benefits. Explore our benefits package to see how we can support you. Learn more.

Why ENGIE?

ENGIE North America isn't just participating in the Zero-Carbon Transition, we're leading it! Join us as we develop energy that is renewable, efficient, and accessible to everyone.

Join us and be part of the adventure!

At ENGIE, every talent has a role to play in the adventure of the century. Make a difference and enjoy a fulfilling professional experience. Take on exciting challenges and build a career path that reflects who you are.

ENGIE is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you need assistance with this application or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at . This email address is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry regarding positions or application status.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role at any time.

The safety of our employees is our number one priority. All employees at ENGIE have both a duty and the authority to STOP WORK if unsafe acts are observed.

Nos valeurs

L'inclusion et la diversite sont au cur de notre politique de ressources humaines. Nous assurons l'egalite des chances entre tous les candidats et sommes engages a creer l'environnement de travail le plus accessible possible.