Sr. SCADA & Communication Engineer - Substation

The Haskell Company; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Senior Substation SCADA & Communication Engineer to design and implement advanced communication systems for power utilities. You will lead critical projects ensuring secure infrastructure for renewable energy integration. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience, strong knowledge of SCADA protocols, and proficiency in RTU/PLC configuration. This role is located in Charlotte, NC, and offers significant opportunities for impact in grid modernization efforts.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in power system automation.
• Deep experience with RTU and PLC configuration.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA integration and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of substation SCADA systems.
• Configuration and validation of communication systems.
• Serve as primary technical contact during grid testing.

Skills

RTU/PLC/HMI configuration

SCADA protocols (DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850)

Communication media

Cybersecurity principles

Grid interconnection projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SEL AcSELerator

WinCC

Wonderware

Job description

Sr. SCADA & Communication Engineer – Substation

United States, North Carolina, Charlotte

Job Locations: US-OK-Oklahoma City | US-NC-Charlotte | US-MN-St Paul | US-MO-St. Louis | US-UT-Salt Lake City | US-GA-Atlanta | US-TX-Frisco | US-OK-Tulsa | US-FL-Jacksonville

Overview

In this role, we are seeking a Senior Substation SCADA & Communication Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and integration of advanced communication systems for substation automation, SCADA, and telemetry across transmission and distribution networks. This role plays a critical part in utility grid modernization—ensuring secure, reliable, and standards‑compliant control infrastructure for substations, renewable generation facilities, and grid interconnection points.

You will serve as the technical lead on SCADA and communication engineering projects, supporting major utility and renewable energy clients nationwide. The ideal candidate will have deep experience with RTU and PLC configuration, industrial communication protocols, grid interconnection, and regulatory compliance (NERC/FERC/LGIA).

System Design & Engineering

• Lead the design and implementation of substation SCADA systems, including RTUs, HMIs, PLCs, data concentrators, I/O devices, and communication processors.
• Develop network architectures and communication topologies (LAN/WAN, fiber, microwave, serial) for transmission substations, renewable plants, and control centers.
• Engineer communication systems that utilize Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, Ethernet/IP, and other standard protocols.
• Generate complete SCADA design packages, including:
  • SCADA block diagrams
  • Panel layout and equipment drawings
  • Schematics and wiring diagrams
  • Points lists and device mapping
  • Bill of Materials (BOM)
  • Settings files for RTUs/PLCs/switches/firewalls
  • Network diagrams and addressing plans

Project Execution & Commissioning

• Configure and validate RTUs (e.g., SEL, GE/Harris, NovaTech), IEDs, HMIs, and automation controllers.
• Perform system testing and field commissioning—including end‑to‑end SCADA point verification, communication diagnostics, and live troubleshooting.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for utilities, grid operators (e.g., ISO/RTOs), and interconnection stakeholders during grid testing, energization, and regulatory compliance.
• Support construction teams during buildout and assist with resolution of field integration issues.

Compliance & Cybersecurity

• Ensure all SCADA and communication systems adhere to LGIA, utility interconnection, and NERC/FERC requirements.
• Implement cybersecurity best practices and apply NERC CIP requirements during design and deployment of SCADA infrastructure.
• Maintain comprehensive system documentation, including device configurations, change logs, test reports, and compliance evidence.

Leadership & Technical Guidance

• Mentor junior engineers and act as technical lead on multi‑disciplinary project teams.
• Provide SCADA/communications technical input during proposal development and bid reviews.
• Interface with internal protection, automation, substation physical, and IT cybersecurity teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Drive innovation through continuous improvement in tools, processes, and emerging technologies (AI‑based diagnostics, digital twins, etc.).

Education & Years of Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (ABET‑accredited).
• 8+ years of experience in power system automation, SCADA integration, and substation communication system design.

To Thrive in This Role

• Proven expertise in:
  • RTU/PLC/HMI configuration (e.g., SEL RTAC, GE D20, NovaTech Orion, Schneider PLCs)
  • SCADA protocols: DNP3 (serial and TCP/IP), Modbus, IEC 61850/GOOSE
  • Communication media: Fiber optics, microwave radio, serial, Ethernet
  • SCADA software platforms: SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, WinCC, Survalent, OSIsoft PI, Wonderware, etc.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Substation protection & control (P&C) schemes and related data interfaces
  • NERC CIP compliance and substation cybersecurity principles
  • Network configuration, firewalls, and secure device access
• Experience supporting grid interconnection projects, including familiarity with LGIA, telemetry validation, and control logic for renewable assets.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or the ability to obtain within a reasonable time.
• Familiarity with NERC, FERC, and utility interconnection requirements.
• Experience with substation communication system modeling tools (e.g., PathLoss, RadioSoft, or equivalent).
• Experience with renewable energy SCADA systems, collector substations, and DERMS integration.
• Experience with PI Historian, EMS/SCADA database management, and alarm modeling.
• Prior utility consulting, EPC, or grid operator experience is strongly valued.

Environmental Factors and/or Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, this position requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand‑eye coordination, and arm, hand and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read application/form information. The associate frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or protected veteran status.

Haskell will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessities. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

Haskell is a Drug‑Free Workplace.