Senior Substation Protection & Controls Lead (Regional)

CDM Smith; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Substation Protection & Control Engineer to provide technical authority and regional leadership within our Power and Energy practice. The role combines advanced P&C engineering expertise with mentoring and growing a team of professionals.

The successful candidate will lead high‑voltage substation projects, oversee protection relay settings, SCADA integration, and interface with clients to deliver reliable power solutions. Travel 10% or less is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or Electrical Technology or related discipline.
• Professional engineering (PE) license.
• 15 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, delivery, and technical execution of high-voltage substation protection and control projects.
• Serve as technical authority for protective relaying, control systems, SCADA integration, automation, and substation communications.
• Develop, review, and approve protection and control engineering deliverables, including schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings, panel layouts, and integration documentation.
• Lead power system studies, protection coordination, equipment selection, and related engineering analyses.
• Ensure compliance with client requirements, utility standards, and CDM Smith quality procedures.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to support successful project delivery, commissioning, testing, and startup activities.
• Drive technical excellence through quality reviews, engineering standards development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Substation protection

Protection relaying

Team leadership

Project delivery

Client relationship

SCADA integration

Budget & resource planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering

PE license

Tools

SCADA

Relay settings

RTU

Electrical design tools

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Substation Protection & Control Engineer to provide technical authority and regional leadership within our Power and Energy practice. The role combines advanced P&C engineering expertise with mentoring and growing a team of professionals.

The successful candidate will lead high‑voltage substation projects, oversee protection relay settings, SCADA integration, and interface with clients to deliver reliable power solutions. Travel 10% or less is expected.