Senior Automation Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

SEL seeks a Senior Automation Engineer on the Technology & Development team within Engineering Services to design, program, and commission protection and automation systems for critical power infrastructure.

You will develop expertise in SEL technologies, lead automation projects, and support SCADA/HMI applications. The role requires travel and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• BS in electrical engineering or similar discipline required.
• Strong knowledge of electric power systems and automation practices.
• Experience with relay/automation protection applications helpful.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain expertise in SEL protection and automation designs.
• Program RTAC/PLC and perform checkout activities.
• Configure SCADA packages (Wonderware, Zenon, Citect) and HMI.
• Perform QA/QC checks and contribute to commissioning (25%+).
• Lead and support automation projects and document designs.

Skills

RTAC/PLC programming

SCADA programming

Power systems knowledge

Autonomous work

Communication skills

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering

Tools

Wonderware

Citect

Zenon

RTAC HMI

PLC tooling

Job description

The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting‑edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster.

As a Senior Automation Engineer on the Technology & Development team in Engineering Services, you’ll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As a Senior Automation Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

• Develop and maintain a proficient level of expertise in the detail design practices of SEL protection and automation systems.
• Develop and maintain a proficient level of knowledge of SEL equipment and solutions to electric power system protection and automation applications.
• RTAC/PLC programming and checkouts.
• Programming and applying SCADA application packages(Wonderware, Copadata Zenon, Citect, RTAC HMI, etc.).
• Quality assurance and quality control checks.
• Commissioning (25%+ of the time).
• Leading and supporting automation specific projects.
• Applying your understanding of relay and PLC AC/DC schematic and power system one lines.
• Designing LAN for utility/industrial applications.
• Communication architecture definition.

This job might be for you if:

• You have a B.S. degree in electrical engineering or relevant discipline
• You have a good understanding of electrical power systems or industrial automation system practices
• You have a basic knowledge of system protection, integration, and automation application
• You are autonomous and self sufficient
• You communicate openly and willingly
• You are flexible and open to broadness
• You have or are willing to dive into SEL products
• You are willing to travel 25% of the time
• You have strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
• You have 12+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with electric power transmission, distribution, and/or generation systems
• Working knowledge of electric power systems and protective relay applications
• Experience with SCADA and PLC applications
• Experience with power conversion system (PCS) integration, programming, testing, and commissioning.
• Familiarity with common compliance requirements associated with power conversion systems.

Location

We are open to any SEL office location within the United States, provided there is space available.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work. People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees. We’re 100% employee owned.

Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options. We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs. Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data We anticipate filling this position as a Senior Engineer: $160,000 - $237,000. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

Communication with Applicants We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at [e-mail].

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled. SEL invents, designs, and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. This technology prevents blackouts and enables customers to improve power system reliability and safety at a reduced cost. A 100 percent employee‑owned company headquartered in Pullman, Washington, SEL has manufactured products in the United States since 1984 and now serves customers worldwide. Our mission is simple: to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical.