Sr Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Job summary

A leading engineering firm seeks a Senior Engineer with expertise in protection and automation control. This role involves programming SEL relays and automating controls, requiring 7+ years of experience in engineering. The position offers a base salary of $120K to $160K and includes remote work with occasional travel. Join a respected team focused on advancing modern power systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in protection and automation engineering.
• Hands-on experience with SEL relay programming.
• Familiarity with SCADA/automation systems and logic configuration.

Responsibilities

• Program and configure SEL relays and RTACs for integration with protection systems.
• Develop protection applications, focusing on mid-level schemes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams for system integration.

Skills

SEL relay programming

SCADA/automation systems

Troubleshooting

Relay programming

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Overview

I am looking for a Senior Engineer with strong expertise in protection and automation control to join our team. This individual will focus on programming and configuring SEL relays (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories), RTACs, and related automation logic controls. The role requires a blend of protection engineering and SCADA/automation programming experience, ideally gained within the consulting engineering realm. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in both protection applications and automation control logic, capable of managing multiple projects and delivering practical solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to step into a role where your expertise in both protection and automation will directly shape project success. You’ll work on meaningful applications, collaborate with industry leaders, and contribute to advancing the reliability and intelligence of modern power systems.

Location

Location: Remote with U.S. travel 25% - one week a month

Employment type

Employment type: Full-time

Compensation

Base pay range: $120,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr

Key Responsibilities

• Program and configure SEL relays, RTACs, and related devices for integration with protection and automation systems.
• Develop, test, and implement protection applications, with a focus on simple to mid-level schemes.
• Configure and program automation logic controls to support SCADA and protection applications.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and product integration partners to ensure seamless device and system integration.
• Provide technical expertise across both protection and automation domains, supporting field deployments and customer needs.
• Manage workload effectively in an environment where priorities shift and demands are high.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in protection and automation engineering, with a strong background in relay programming.
• Hands-on experience with SEL relay programming (including SEL RTAC).
• Familiarity with SCADA/automation systems, logic configuration, and integration.
• Strong background in protection schemes such as overcurrent, time-current coordination, reclosing, and fault protection.
• Experience working within a consulting engineering firm or directly supporting utility/industrial clients.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and support cross-functional projects.

Preferred Skills

• Experience configuring and testing equipment alongside SEL devices.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for both protection and automation logic applications.
• Knowledge of DNP3, IEC 61850, Modbus, or other communication protocols.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.

About Sterling Engineering

Sterling Engineering / Staffing has a rich history of delivering top talent to our clients. We are a nationwide Staffing Firm that has been in business for over 56 years. With over 200 currently active clients, Sterling works within the Automation, Energy, Facilities, Information Technology, Food, Logistics / Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Packaging, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering and R&D industries.

EEO Statement

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

What we offer

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Next steps

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